An incredible cheeseburger deserves an equally superb drink pairing. Although an icy cola or pint of beer greater than lives as much as the duty, wine could be simply as complementary. Quite than look to reds, nonetheless, it may higher to go for one thing white — and, ideally, bubbly. Based on Lexi Stephens, wine educator and the mastermind behind Lexi’s Wine Checklist, nothing makes a greater match for cheeseburgers than a glass of crisp, cool Champagne. 

In the case of pairing cheeseburgers and white wine, opposites entice. Between buttery buns, savory patties, and creamy cheese (plus, saucy condiments!), cheeseburgers are positively decadent. Consequently, they’re greatest paired with wines that may preserve flavors balanced. Whereas the tannins in a purple wine would often work to offset any richness, white wines should depend on acidity to do the identical. Evidently, that is the place Champagne shines. For the reason that wine has a naturally excessive degree of acidity, it could possibly harmonize completely towards the meaty and tacky burgers. However that is not the one purpose why this pairing of a high-end wine with an atypical meal works so nicely.

Together with attributing the duo’s success to Champagne’s acidity and freshness, Stephens additionally advocates for the wine’s potential to create a nice textural distinction towards velvety melted cheese and lusciously wealthy sauces. “The crisp effervescence and refreshing acidity will work as the proper palate cleansers between bites of a juicy burger,” she instructed Tasting Desk.

A fizzy flute of Champagne is a worthy companion for basic cheeseburger recipes. In spite of everything, Stephens stated that irrespective of the dish, “bubbles nearly all the time work.” That stated, you will need to do not forget that taste profiles can range relying on a burger’s toppings and whether or not it is layered with sharp cheddar, nutty Swiss, funky blue, earthy Gruyère, or creamy Brie. It is important to rigorously think about how flavors will work together whereas choosing out a bottle of French bubbly.

The excellent news is that the majority kinds of Champagne — classic, non-vintage, or cuvée — could be paired with cheeseburgers. For starters, a blanc de blanc has an extremely crisp high quality that may distinction fabulously towards any cheeseburger that is laden with the works. Alternatively, a blanc de noirs can be an amazing alternative because it has a excessive acidity, but affords extra construction and fruitiness to steadiness the fattiness and the umami of the burger. Even a candy and full-bodied rosé Champagne might be a harmonious match for cheeseburgers.

No matter which model you choose, do not forget that brut is greatest. Its elevated acidity is not going to solely preserve bites balanced, however because it has much less residual sugar, the Champagne will not danger overpowering flavors or clashing with burger’s savory taste. Nonetheless, you may also experiment with additional brut or additional dry choices for related outcomes. Simply be warned, you may by no means pair cheeseburgers every other manner when you give Champagne a shot!