As Memorial Day approaches, all over America one can feel cravings mount for a big, fat, juicy burger soon to be followed by the sound of grills igniting. For wine lovers, this presents the delightful challenge of finding just the right bottle: humble in price, rich in flavor. Here are three selections under $15.00, accompanied by a recipe for bacon
cheddar burgers. The wines will be at their best with thirty minutes to an hour’s decanting.
2008 Altovinum Evodia Old Vines Garnacha, $8.49. 100% Garnacha from the Calatayud region of Spain. Concentrated, big, spicy wine with a long finish. Flavors of blueberry, blackberry, licorice and pepper predominate. Smooth tannins, with lively acidity.
2008 Bogle Vineyards Old Vines Zinfandel, $12.00. 100% Zinfandel from California’s Amador and Lodi counties. Full-bodied, slightly jammy. Notes of cinnamon, clove, blackberry and plum. Mid-palate chocolate. Great all around BBQ wine.
2006 Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva DOC, $10.99. 85% Negroamaro, 15% Malvasia Nera. The Cantele family is leading the way in Puglia, creating wines that are winning acclaim all over Italy. Salice is a ruby-colored, full-bodied, complex wine, redolent of smoke, bacon and red fruits. Firm tannins and good acidity.
Bacon Cheddar Burgers
Serves 4
2 pounds ground chuck
4 slices bacon, chopped
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
3 cloves minced garlic
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 slices cheddar cheese
Saute bacon over medium heat until crispy. Add onions to pan and cook until soft.
When mixture has cooled, add it to the meat with next four ingredients.
Form meat into four patties and grill on one side. Flip and top with cheddar. Cook to preferred doneness. Serve with your favorite condiments.
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