Family-owned Bogle Winery in the Sacramento Delta area, hit a million cases of production this year… which is good news for the value-oriented consumer. This easy-to-find wine is also easy to drink. Neither flabby or bitter, Bogle wines consistently win awards by blending grapes from their estate with other grapes sourced from California.

Bogle’s (pronounced bow-gle like the bow on a gift), Merlot is one of my favorite every day wines. I’m on automatic when I make hamburger patties…Bogle Merlot every time.

Here’s a recipe that I believe originally came from Atkins, I may have changed it over the years.

Mix ground beef with a handful of feta, chopped fresh spinach and chopped red onions. Add about a tablespoon of A1 sauce and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Grill, broil or pan fry and serve with a salad. Any of the pre-bagged salads with trimmings like croutons will do for an easy, quick dinner. You can also throw together a Romaine salad with roasted peppers or chunk an iceberg wedge and top with grated carrots and green onions. The Merlot easily handles many dressings but I find that a high quality vinegar and oil best complements the patties.

For a more complex Bogle wine, try Phantom. I also highly recommend Bogle’s stainless-steel fermented Sauvignon Blanc.

Tags: Wineries & Wine Bars