Fall ushers in cooler temperatures, changing leaves, warmer clothes, and college football. In our house, college football is one of the best aspects of fall. Recently our house was once again filled with the sounds of young adults as our kids returned home from their respective universities for a weekend of college football. As we gathered around the television to watch the Red River Shootout and root for our Texas Longhorns, we had more than football in mind; we were dreaming of burgers and wine.

The Wine:

Troon Vineyard wines are inspired by the wines of the Mediterranean coast of Southern Europe. Troon employs straight forward winemaking techniques that include grapes that are hand harvested by the same team that has worked the vines all season, red and white grapes are treaded by foot, native yeast non-temperature control fermentation, hand punch downs only, the use of 3+ year old French Burgundy barrels. Furthermore, Troon does not add acid, sugar, enzymes, or any other type of additives to their wines. Finally, Troon wines typically contain an alcohol level of 12 – 13%, 14% for some of the big reds.

For me, it is always a treat to enjoy a bottle of Troon wine.

2015 Troon Vineyards Blue Label G*S*M Rogue Valley USA ($37): 39.66% Syrah, 31.61% Mourvedre, 16.06% Grenache, 12.67 Sangiovese; medium ruby with garnet hues; medium aromas of bright red cranberries, cherries and currants mingle with black raspberries and blackberries, dried notes of rose petals and savory spice compliment the baking spice, tobacco, and vanilla; medicinal, eucalyptus pepper, liquorice, and wet stones round out the nose; the kalidescope of aromas dance across the palate in flavor as well, depth of darker fruits such as plums join the party, along with mushrooms, and hazelnuts, this wine packs a wide range of flavors into every flavorful sip, evolving from open to finish; medium+ body with balanced medium+ acidity and tannins that are prevalent but surprisingly integrated for its youth; this wine delivers on every level.

2014 Troon Vineyards Black Label M+T Reserve Applegate Valley USA ($53): 39.9% Malbec and 60.1% Tannat; deep purple with ruby hues; medium+ aromas reminiscent of a basket of dark fruit including black cherries, blackberries, black plums, and black raspberries, a kiss of prunes, baking spice, fennel, licorice, dark chocolate, smoke, fresh tobacco leaves, espresso, and trailing vanilla; rich and elegant, a big bold wine that delivers loads of spice, juicy fruit, and savory earthiness on the palate, beautifully structured and balanced, certainly age-able but drinking well now with a good decant, even better the second day; high acidity, medium+ tannins that soften with air, long slightly rustic finish; a truly delicious wine. Click here to purchase.

The Food: I saw a recipe for a delicious burger on Pinterest a few months ago. I have been saving the recipe to make when my kids are home because I know they will love it. Burgers and college football is a perfect pairing. Add in some delicious wines and it is a go.

My Choice: If you saw the recipe for Coffee Rubbed Burgers with Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce it would be on your “must make” list as well. I knew the burger with the peppered bacon and coffee rub would pair beautifully with the M+T, but the sweet BBQ sauce was wildcard. Bring in the G*S*M. It is not a sweet wine but I knowing Troon crafts wines in an old world style I was counting on it being a more fruit forward.

The Results: First of all the burgers were unbelievable. They were so good. I am not a big fan of a sweeter BBQ sauce but a restrained application on the buns balanced beautifully with the saltiness of the bacon and the earthiness of the coffee rub. This recipe is a keeper! As for the wine, both paired well in their own ways. As expected the earthy flavors of chocolate, smoke, and espresso blended well with the burger; the sweetness was subtle enough as to not overwhelm. The G*S*M was another winner. Quite frankly it is a such a complex wine with layers upon layers of flavors I am not sure this wine would pair with just about anything. Although the Longhorns lost in a close game, we all won with this delicious meal.

My Song Pairing: When it works out, it works out!

Get your own bottle of Troon wine and let me know what song you pair with it. Cheers!