A couple of weeks ago, David and I were faced with a question that never in a million years would I have thought we would ponder over: What Wine Pairs Well With Reptile?
Our neighbors went on vacation for a couple of weeks to Florida and Louisiana. When they asked what they could bring back for us, David replied: “Alligator Meat”.
They agreed and when they arrived back on the mountain a couple of weeks later, they brought us back some alligator burgers and a nice size piece of meat.
We decided to cook the alligator burgers right away and save the piece of meat for a later time. It was the Sunday before labor day and the weather was gorgeous outside. We didn’t have any plans for supper and the alligator burgers were right on time.
We prepared them just like a hamburger patty. David fired up the Weber and grilled them just like they were beef. I decided to whip up a Creamy Basil Vinaigrette to put on the burgers. The dressing was something different and I thought it would pair well with the meat.
But wait a minute…
What wine pairs well with reptile?
Why, whatever the alligator wants to drink, of course! (giggle)
Seriously though, alligator meat is similar in taste to veal, and is sometimes described as a cross between chicken and rabbit. It truly is a unique flavor. All in all, it really depends on the preparation of the meat. Your best bet may be a soft red wine like a Pinot Noir or a light, dry white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
The alligator burgers were great! They had a lot of flavor and made excellent burgers and the creamy basil vinaigrette was a perfect condiment to adorn the bun.
When all is said and done, it really is up to you and your taste and whatever you like, but David figured out the perfect answer to the question. The wine that pairs best with reptile is: BEER!
Colleen says
I like David’s idea!!!
The Mountain Kitchen says
I figured you would ?
Anna Buckley says
Ha ha Debbie great post! Have never eaten alligator but have tried crocodile, a muddy disgusting tasting meat similar to frog. What to drink? I think I’d drunk far too much…that’s the only way I was convinced to try it in the first place!
The Mountain Kitchen says
Hey now, I like frog legs!! 😀 You would have liked these burgers Anna. They had pork mixed in for fat.