What Wine Goes With Burgers?
By Bordeaux Brian for Pair It & Share It · Published
BOTTOM LINE
Pick a juicy, fruit-forward red with moderate tannin: Zinfandel, Malbec, Syrah/Shiraz or a Grenache blend. They match the char and fat without fighting ketchup, pickles or cheese. For turkey, chicken or veggie burgers, a dry rosé is the easy choice.
Quick decision
- Classic cheeseburger→ Malbec or Zinfandel
- Bacon or BBQ burger→ Zinfandel or Shiraz
- Mushroom and Swiss→ Pinot Noir
- Blue cheese burger→ Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah
- Turkey, chicken or veggie burger→ Dry rosé or a light red
Why juicy reds beat fancy reds here
A burger is rich, salty and a little sweet from the bun and toppings. Ripe, fruity reds meet that sweetness; very tannic or heavily oaked wines can taste bitter next to ketchup and pickles.
You don't need an expensive bottle. Everyday Malbec, Zinfandel and Shiraz are made in exactly this style.
Let the toppings decide
Smoky bacon and barbecue sauce love Zinfandel's jammy fruit. Earthy mushrooms bring out Pinot Noir's savory side. Strong blue cheese can stand up to a firmer Cabernet.
Spicy toppings like jalapeños work better with a lower-alcohol, fruity red or a chilled rosé — high alcohol makes heat feel hotter.
Not a red-wine person?
A dry rosé or a sparkling wine works with almost any burger, especially outdoors. A rich, slightly oaked Chardonnay can handle a chicken or turkey burger with avocado.
Common questions
- Can you drink white wine with a burger?
- Yes. A rich Chardonnay suits chicken or turkey burgers, and dry rosé or sparkling wine works with most burgers, beef included.
- What's the safest single bottle for a burger cookout?
- A fruity Zinfandel or Malbec for beef, plus a dry rosé for everyone else, covers almost every burger on the grill.
Choosing a glass? See the Syrah and bold reds wine glasses its makers document, in the free Wine Glass Finder.
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About the author. Bordeaux Brian brings more than 30 years of wine experience and firsthand experience in vineyards and wine regions around the world. His focus is practical: helping people make better wine decisions without the intimidation.