Big Macs & Burgundy: Wine Pairings for the Real World

I’m Vanessa Price, writer of Big Macs and Burgundy, a book based on my New York Magazine column. Born and raised in Kentucky, I got my start in wine working in a small winery down south. Since, I’ve worked just about every field in the wine world, including writing this book.

Big Macs and Burgundy is meant to be your go-to resource for how to pair wine with anything, from veggie burgers and avocado toast to General Tso’s chicken, white cheddar popcorn, and chocolate-chip pancakes. I got together with Parcelle to match their wines with the pairing from my book. I hope you enjoy.

Big Macs & Burgundy Pairings

Lapierre Morgon 2020 + General Tso’s

Lapierre is an O.G. of Beaujolais, and is credited for spurring France’s natural wine movement back in the 1980’s. This wine is powerful, but still juicy and gulpable– General Tso’s is tangy and spicy, and the deep-fried chicken is underpinned by Beaujolais’ acidity. And because Gamay from this region also tends to have a hint of earthiness, the occasional cuts of dark meat will get their due, too.

M. Lapierre, Morgon 2020

Benanti, 'Rovittello' Etna Rosso 2010 + Crispy Fried Soft Shell Crab

The Rovitello vineyard is one of the highest elevation vineyards in the world at 2,400ft and is planted with some of the oldest vines on the volcano. Its smoky fruit and tannin melt through the crab’s fried crust like magma.

Benanti, 'Rovittello' Etna Rosso 2010

De Fermo 'Le Cince' Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo 2019 + Hot Dogs

This biodynamic bottle from the hills outside Rome tastes more like tart cherry than juicy grapefruit. Made from the Montepulciano grape, it's a little bit meaty and smoky too, perfect for anything grilled– including hot dogs. Its acidity helps mitigate the fattiness of your frank, and its salinity gives ketchup an extra pout.

De Fermo, 'Le Cince' Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Superiore 2019

And if you're feeling fancy...

Château d'Yquem Sauternes Premier Cru 1986 Half Bottle + Twinkies

Why would you pair this very desirable, expensive wine with Twinkies? Because the day you do will be the happiest day of your week. Twinkies may not be foie gras, but Sauternes’ baking spices, honeyed apricot notes, dense citrus, and layered minerality are a tractor beam for the snack’s creamy center and flavors of vanilla and butter.

Château d'Yquem, Sauternes 1988 Half-Bottle