Cheebooger Cheebooger

What is better than burgers on the grill after a hard day at work?  Nothing I tell you....unless Thomas Keller wants to whip up something at the house with a 1982 Lafite Rothschild as an accompaniment.  Last night, I whipped up some burgers based on a recipe that I had seen on Epicurious or another web site.  Basically, I took some 75% lean beef cooked medium (of course) topped it with President's Jamon Serrano ham and shredded cheese with a side of sweet potato fries, all from Trader Joe's.  The piece de resistance was the spicy pepper aioli that we put on the burger and used as a dip for the fries.  I took some light mayonnaise, a pinch of salt, and seasoned to taste with crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, and cayenne pepper.  No real quantities - just make it how you like. 

Our wine accompaniment was a 2009 Bris Andes Cabernet Sauvignon.  Domaines Baron de Lafite Rothschild makes this wine in Chile with grapes from the Colchagua Valley.  This is a really delicious but simple wine with just the right amount of dryness to match up with a juicy burger.  Aromas of blackberry and dark cherry with additional plum on the palate.  A great value at $10 with BBQ season coming up.

Happy sipping!