The hamburger is the most popular American dish, enjoyed by 85% of people, according to a recent survey. At Burger Republic, we’re dedicated to making sure our burgers stand out among the rest with unique flavors and high-quality ingredients.
But if you really want to elevate your burger experience, a great burger wine pairing is the way to go. With locations in Nashville, Chattanooga, Mt. Juliet, and Murfreesboro, TN, we know a thing or two about creating unforgettable gourmet burgers.
In this blog post, we’ll highlight three must-try burger and wine pairings that you should try.
1. The Tennessee Burger + Zinfandel
Let’s start with a true local favorite-the Tennessee. This burger brings out bold Southern flavors with Jack Daniel’s honey glaze, smoked ketchup, and maple-basted Benton’s bacon. Topped with Memphis-dusted crispy onions and melted American cheese, it’s a flavor-packed, smoky-sweet delight.
For a burger like this, we recommend pairing it with a bold Zinfandel. Zinfandel’s rich berry flavors and peppery finish complement the sweet glaze and smoky bacon without overpowering the meat. The fruit-forward notes also balance out the tangy smoked ketchup and crisp onions.
You can find a solid bottle of Zinfandel from California’s Lodi region at most wine shops across Tennessee, making this pairing easy to replicate.
2. The 96 Burger + Cabernet Sauvignon
Next up is a true award-winner: The 96 Burger. This burger was the highest-scoring burger at the World Food Championship, and it’s not hard to see why. With a patty made of 100% Angus beef studded with bleu cheese, plus balsamic-glazed bacon, sautéed mushrooms and onions, shoestring fries, and horseradish-garlic aioli, it’s a powerhouse of flavors.
To stand up to the richness of this burger, we recommend a Cabernet Sauvignon. A well-structured Cab has enough tannins to cut through the fat of the bacon and cheese while enhancing the beefy flavors of the Angus patty. You can try a Napa Valley Cabernet for a reliable match-you can easily find one at your favorite wine store.
3. The Big Papi + Chianti
For those who love a bit of Italian flair, The Big Papi is a must-try. As with all of our beef burgers, it features a 100% Angus beef patty blended with hot Italian sausage, topped with provolone cheese, sautéed peppers and onions, and a zesty dijonnaise sauce.
A burger this bold deserves a wine with just the right amount of acidity and fruitiness to match. That’s why we recommend a Chianti. This classic Italian red wine has a medium body with bright cherry flavors, which pair well with the sausage and peppers.
Its natural acidity balances out the richness of the beef and cheese, making every bite feel fresh. We recommend that you look for a bottle of Chianti from Tuscany, which is widely available here in Tennessee.
Gourmet Burger Wine Pairing Ideas to Try
To sum up, we encourage you to experience the perfect burger wine pairing with our gourmet options like the Tennessee, the 96 Burger, and The Big Papi.
Whether you’re dining in or enjoying your meal at home, Burger Republic has you covered. Order online or stop by one of our locations in Nashville, Chattanooga, Mt. Juliet, or Murfreesboro today.
