The best Burgers and Wine Pairings
Being a Dad in Wine Country has its advantages. My 6 year old daughter Talia (note this was written in 2018) gets invited to one birthday party after pool party after birthday party after play-date after birthday party after another. And tag-along Dad is often Talia’s date. Nothing unique yet.
Since 90% of the families at Talia’s school are in The Wine Biz to some capacity, I’m pretty sure I’ll get to taste, and share, something interesting while Talia is on the tire-spin. As Jack blows out his birthday candles, I’m breaking down his Dad’s Syrah. Things could be worse…
Memorial Day 2018, families from school gather for burgers, potluck and wine. I bring a local Rosé of Aleatico (interesting – really lean). The wine of the day for me, and I can still taste it was so good, was GATHER Rosé of Tempranillo 2017 from Amador County, $26 (I see it for less on wine-searcher as I write this). Think of a bowling lane. To the left is too much acid. To the right is too fruity and maybe too sweet. Roll that baby down the middle and you have the perfect balance of acid and fruit. STRIKE!
That’s my Gather Rosé analogy. wild strawberry, peach, Meyer lemon and white pepper nose transitions to flavors of blood oranges, berries and that peppery spice. Dryness (from acidity), spice and fruit (from the Tempranillo grape) split the sensory pie and I’m the lucky Daddy who gets to dig in. Read my full review here and contact the Gather Wine to get your hands on some before it’s all gone. Only 100 cases made, so best to hurry. If you contact Gather, try their Tempranillo, also from “Shake Ridge,” too. It’s delicious – I think a hearty Cab Sauv /bright, bold Syrah blend would be like it.
Gather is owned and made by husband/wife Andrew Shaheen and (Winemaker) Jessica
Tarpy. Talia and I will miss her attending school with their young son. Talia is graduating from Kindergarten (yes, a real K Graduation. There will be good wine there, too) and moving on to a new school. But relationships are made for young and not-so-young.
Talia’s 21st birthday is January 5 2033. She has a date that night to drink something special with her Mom and Dad.