Trapiche Malbecs: Burgers and Beyond!
Trapiche's Daniel Pi
There’s something inventive and unconventional about pairing some of the world’s best value wines with burgers. Instead of $50 cuts of filet mignon or a newly inspired dish from a top chef, using everyday food gives us concrete examples of how great the experience can be back home in the kitchen or out on the grill. Last month, I was invited to a luncheon at NYC’s BLT Burger featuring special guest Daniel Pi, Chief Winemaker from Argentina’s Trapiche Vineyards. Mr. Pi took us on a descriptive journey covering some of his top vintages as they were paired with what seemed like an endless parade of tasty burgers and sides like top quality sweet potato fries and tangy fried pickles.
The lunch gathering kicked off with flutes of sparkling Trapiche NV Extra Brut. The perfect bubbly with just the right balance of dry and sweetness for pairing with fresh fruits, brie, and whole grain crackers.
Next, we eased on over to the tables where the real feast began in the back of BLT
Tasty Burgers at BLT NYC
Burger. First up was a Trapiche Torrontes 2008 paired with inventive picnic food appetizers incorporating spicy potato, cheese, and jalapeno ingredients. I could see this light hearted wine pairing well with BBQ smoking straight off the grill as well!
Just as we were lingering over our glasses, intoxicated with Pi’s narration of the wine’s composition, including the fact that Trapiche’s vineyards are irrigated by Andes Mountain snow melt, servers began wisking out rounds of gourmet burgers made with certified Angus Beef, Colorado Lamb, Salmon, American Wagyu, and Kobe Beef. It was now time for the lineup of Malbecs like the Trapiche Malbec 2008, Trapiche Broquel Malbec 2007 and Vina Federico Villafane 2006.
Sure it’s a given that beef is practically Argentina’s national dish and that Malbecs naturally pair with red meat. But
Trapiche Wine Lineup
these bold varietals also had a chance to dazzle reflecting lighter, more sensitive tendencies when paired with the lamb and salmon. I walked away from this event convinced that Malbecs aren’t just suited for hard core carnivores. Bring a bottle to your next party and let your guests decide for themselves!
