A few of the Frost Magazine team decided to sit themselves down to a bit of a lunch break to try what they had been told were the most delicious pheasant burgers, created by Frank Butchers in Thirsk. Editor, Margaret Graham, lives there, and takes her food very seriously, oh yes she does.

But what to drink with the pheasant burgers? Ho hum. Well, Margaret had been sent the Greasy Fingers luscious red so yes, she bagsied that though it was pointed out firmly, by the team, that it must be shared. Others chose the Buttery Chardonnay. Both wines are tailored for accompaniment to indulgent but casual greasy burgers, or any casual food really.

First they laughed and laughed because the screw tops show greasy drips – do look closely, which totally set the mood, down went the shoulders, work was forgotten. The chosen few were off, eager to taste both the burgers and the wine. The pheasant burgers were delicious and just that little bit different, but not greasy, of course. ‘Top quality, and original,’ came the cry.

The wine? Ah, the Greasy Fingers wine… What an adventure, from the innovative screw top bottles and their no fuss labels which truly set the mood, to the wine. How did each work with the burgers?

Margaret thoroughly enjoyed the Greasy Fingers Luscious Red 2022. A medium-bodied blend of Shiraz and Grenache, featuring luscious cherry and strawberry notes with soft, approachable tannins. It was beautifully velvetty, and is said to be great with a good cheeseburger or buttermilk fried chicken. But what did the Frost Magazine team say: try it with pheasant burgers too – a sublime coupling, a match made in heaven.

And the Big Buttery Chardonnay? Margaret of course had to taste it, and agreed with the team that there were hints of peach, vanilla, and cinnamon spice, with a deep buttery feel. It is a soft wine, ripe and oaky with lower acidity making it the ideal match with portobello mushroom burgers or lighter meat. It would also suit the pheasant burgers. I know I’m going on, but one has to face the facts.

The team feel that, in a world where wine consumption among the under 34s is dwindling, this hoot of wine packaging, together with the quality of the wine must surely appeal to those unaware of the sheer delight of a casual wine, with casual food. Come on, Gen Z, give it a try. Margaret knows she doesn’t have to encourage the existing wine ‘enjoyers’ amongst Frost Magazine’s readers. They’ll be out at the supermarkets or ordering through Amazon or Ocado tomorrow.

Just read what Lucy Bearman, Wine & Champagne Portfolio Director for Pernod Ricard UK had to say: “With Greasy Fingers, we’re returning to the heart of wine, which is pairing it with food, but in a way that resonates with the next generation of wine drinkers who adore gourmet fast food**. We know that over a third of wine occasions centre around indulgent moments*** and we’re making that possible for everyone with this fresh and innovative wine launch.”

Greasy Fingers is available now in Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons, with e-commerce options through Ocado and Amazon.

Venison Burgers are Available from Frank Butchers, Thirsk.