Merlot Glazed and Goat Cheese Lamb Burger

Frank Family’s Napa Valley Merlot and our wine club-exclusive Riley Red Blend pair wonderfully with this elevated take on the classic burger courtesy of Tasting Room Lead, Antonio Zepeda. Tony’s recipe creates an aromatic blend of spices, succulently glazed meat, creamy goat cheese, and peppery arugula that perfectly partners with the vivid red fruit flavors and savory undertones of our Merlots. 

Ingredients: Merlot Glaze

1 Cup	Frank Family Merlot or Riley Red Blend
¼ Cup	Balsamic Vinegar
2 Tablespoon	Honey
To taste	Salt and black pepper

Ingredients: Lamb Burger

1 lb	Ground lamb
½ Cup	Breadcrumbs
¼ Cup	Red onion, finely chopped
2 each	Garlic cloves, minced
1 Teaspoon	Dried oregano
To taste	Salt and black pepper
To taste	Goat cheese, crumbled
To taste	Arugula and extra virgin olive oil
4 each	Brioche bun, sliced horizontally

Method

1. Bring the glaze ingredients to a boil in a small skillet until reduced by half, 20-30 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Once cooled, mix the ground lamb, breadcrumbs, red onion, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Divide evenly into four portions and shape into large patties.
3. Heat grill to high, then grill burgers to desired temperature. While the meat is cooking, add arugula into a mixing bowl and toss with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Lightly oil each half of the brioche buns and grill briefly to warm the bread.
4. To assemble, spread goat cheese over the warmed brioche buns. Then place a patty on each bun, dividing the arugula mixture over the patties and drizzling with the reduced Merlot glaze. Top with the other half of the bun and enjoy!