Turkey Burger + Pinot Noir Pairing

Analise Gregory January 28, 2021

“Food isn't like anything else. It's something precious. It's not a commodity.” - Alice Waters

It has been years since I’ve had red meat, and I’ve been trying out several turkey burger recipes, that would satisfy my occasional burger cravings. When seasoned and dressed properly, turkey burgers can be juicy, moist, and super flavorful. I love pairing my turkey burgers with a nice glass of red wine, Pinot Noir to be exact.

This pairing provides a lovely balance, and one I enjoy so much, read more about it below.

Turkey Burger

This turkey burger is packed full of flavor. The ground turkey is seasoned and marinated with black pepper, onion and garlic powder, Trader Joe’s Everyday Seasoning spice blend, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and whole grain mustard. It is topped with Swiss cheese, homemade smoked bacon, pickled red onion and jalapeños. Then, garnished with spinach and avocado on a buttered brioche bun.

The balance and elements of this turkey burger are wonderful blend of:

Spice
Heat
Smoke
Salt

I truly enjoy pairing my burger with a delicate and soft Pinot Noir - learn more about my favorite pairing below.

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Saude Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018

Saude Creek Vineyard is a winery I’ve featured on this blog a few times (read the post here). It is a local Virginia Winery that has a stunning view, and some lovely wines. This year Saude Creek debuted their brand new Pinot Noir, and I was super excited to get my hands on it. Their 2018 Pinot Noir is quite delicious - it is soft, and delicate - a wonderful wine to sip by itself, or pair with a turkey burger.

Here are the tasting notes on this beautiful wine:

Light-bodied
Delicate and smooth finish
Low tannins
Red fruit: cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate

Pinot Noir is a lovely choice, as it is a very versatile wine, and pairs well with so many things. Also, this varietal does not overpower the burger at all. It’s acidity pairs well with Swiss cheese, and the various salty notes on the sandwich. Pinots compliment every element on this sandwich, from the smoked bacon, to the pickled veggies - each bite and sip are the perfect pair.

Additional Wine Pairings:

Sparkling Rosé
Pinot Gris
Chardonnay
Beaujolais

XO, Analise

Uncorked: Virginia Wines + Thanksgiving Day Pairings

Analise Gregory November 20, 2019

“Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.” - Oprah Winfrey

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. As I have grown older, I’ve definitely begun to appreciate it more. While eating some delicious food is always a delight, I love the meaning of the holiday - to give thanks, and to reflect on the wonderful things this year has produced.

My husband and I are hosting Thanksgiving. This will be our second time hosting everyone for this holiday. We are so excited, and have been preparing and testing out new recipes for our loved ones. Once we finalized our menu, I eagerly began researching wines we’d like to pair with our dishes, and what better wines to pair with our food, than Virginia wines? G and I are lovers of Virginia wines, and there are so many wonderful wineries and vineyards in our home state.

Today, I am sharing my current favorite Virginia wines - some are new to the lineup! Also, I’m recommending the perfect Thanksgiving food pairings for each wine.

Sparkling Rosé

Michael Shaps - Maison Shaps Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé

This Pinot Noir based sparkling rosé can be enjoyed throughout the Thanksgiving meal. It pairs perfectly with almost any dish - honey baked ham, cranberry sauce, deviled eggs, and list goes on. It is dry, balanced, crisp, and so delicious. Also, this bubbly has bright acidity, which will hold up to all of the various dishes that are served during Thanksgiving.

This Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé is truly the unsung hero of Thanksgiving Day dinner.

Perfect Pairs:

Mac & Cheese, Turkey, Ham, Green Beans, Deviled Eggs, and Cranberry Sauce

Chardonnay

Williamsburg Winery - 2018 Wessex Hundred Chardonnay

The oak and butter notes of Chardonnay really make it an excellent white wine that can hold up to a variety of dishes. Also, the lemon and apple notes pair perfectly with the heavier dishes, like the yams and mashed potatoes. Chardonnay is a perfect compliment to turkey and really stands up to the herbs and spices on the protein as well.

Perfect Pairs:

Turkey, Yams, Deviled Eggs, Buttered Rolls, Cornbread, and Mashed Potatoes

Tannat

Fabbioli Cellars - 2016 Tannat

Tannat is a bold wine for sure and definitely needs dishes that can stand up to it. If you are serving red meat during Thanksgiving - this is a perfect wine for it. Also, macaroni and cheese is ideal as well, because aged cheeses pair super well with this wine. With this wine you’ll get vanilla bean and mocha, which will be a wonderful compliment to sweet potatoes too!

Perfect Pairs:

Beef, Mac & Cheese, Dressing, and Sweet Potatoes

Cabernet Franc

Stone Tower Winery - 2016 Wild Boar Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Francs are often full-bodied, moderately or highly tannic wine. The aromas boast in spices and notes are heavy with red/black berry fruits. This wine pairs well with hearty dishes - red meat or dark meat proteins are ideal companions for the Cabernet Franc. Also, Cab Franc really compliments the fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, used on perfect pair proteins as well.

Perfect Pairs:

Dark Meat Turkey, Beef, Collard Greens, and Mac & Cheese

Red Bordeaux

Saude Creek Vineyards - 1791

This Bordeaux-style blend has earthy flavors of blackberry and cherry. The tannins soft, and there are notes of smoke, tobacco, and espresso that come forward on the nose. Just like the Cabernet Franc, this wine goes well with red meats, or dark white meat. This wine is absolutely perfect to end the dinner with!

Perfect Pairs:

Dark Meat Turkey and Smoked Prime Rib

XO, Analise

Uncorked: Saude Creek Vineyards

Analise Gregory October 7, 2018

"I eat whatever I want. I like bread and cheese and wine, and that makes my life fun and enjoyable." - Gwyneth Paltrow

October is one of my favorite months. It is the start of cooler weather, my husband’s birthday, and Virginia Wine Month.

One of my favorite Virginia wineries isn’t too far from home, and has some of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen. Also, their wine isn’t too bad either. They have some of the best reds we have ever tried, and the staff is amazing.

Saude Creek Vineyards, is simply amazing, and today I am sharing my favorite wines - which all happen to reds.

Uncorked: Cheese Pairings

Analise Gregory March 6, 2018

"Wine and cheese are ageless companions, like aspirin and aches, or June and moon, or good people and noble ventures." - M. F. K. Fisher

Wine and cheese is the absolute perfect pair! I love discovering new cheeses and having them with an amazing glass or bottle of wine! Today I'm sharing my ultimate cheese selection, and the wines I love to have with them!

Uncorked: Virginia Wines

Analise Gregory November 29, 2017

“I don’t want to talk. I want to eat too many fries and drink way too much wine ...” - Olivia Pope

One thing you will come to find out about me is that wine and I have a fantastic relationship! I love going to wineries and vineyards - not only to drink wine (duh!), but to learn about the wine-making process, and all of the varietals. Call me a wine snob, haha, but in the Gregory household we take it super serious. I'm breaking down my top 5 favorite Virginia wineries and vineyards - in no particular order of course, because all wine is created equal.

Williamsburg Winery This winery holds a special place in my heart. G and I had our third date at this winery, and he asked me to be his girlfriend that day. We took our engagement photos there during the Spring in 2015. Also, my two best friends Alisha and Tiffany, helped my Mama throw me the most perfect bridal shower. Williamsburg Winery is in such a beautiful location, and tucked away in historic Williamsburg. Most importantly their wines are phenomenal. Fave Wine: The Adagio
Upper Shirley Vineyards This vineyard literally blew me away. It is a fairly new vineyard, but my gosh their wines are fantastic. This vineyard is outside of Richmond, VA, and sits on one of the most gorgeous pieces of land ever. Also, be sure to check out their restaurant - it is amazing and super delicious! Fave Wine: The Tannat
Saude Creek Vineyards The view of this vineyard is breathtaking, and the wines are simply to die for. The staff is super sweet and so knowledgeable. This vineyard also sits outside of Richmond, VA. Fave Wine: The Syrah
Jefferson Vineyards Of course I cannot forget to mention this lovely vineyard. The Jefferson Vineyards was one of the first vineyards I ever tried when I was living in Charlottesville during undergrad. I fell in love with pretty much all of their wines, and the staff is so kind and accommodating. Fave Wine: The Meritage
Stone Tower Winery When my best friend Alisha along with her husband took G and I to this gorgeous winery, we fell in love with this wonderful location. It is tucked outside of Ashburn, VA and my God the view is phenomenal. The wines are fantastic, along with their impeccable service. Definitely a must try! Fave Wine: Wild Boar Rose Cuvee

What are some of your favorite wineries?

XO, Analise

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography