If you’re looking for a truly splendid dining venture, look no further than the classic filet mignon and wine pairing. To help make your meal even more unique, we have this guide on the best wines to go with filet mignon. Let’s explore the top selections now!
Why Filet Mignon goes Well with Wine?
Filet mignon is amongst the favorite cut of beef that makes for a great meal and pairs nicely with wine. That said, why are these two excellent together?
There is a myriad of reasons why this blend works so well. To begin, filet mignon’s subtle flavor profile does not mask the aromas and aromas of the wine.
Additionally, the tannins in red wine can cut through any rich taste of the meat and refresh one’s palate. Moreover, its acidity helps balance the richness perceived from consuming meat.
The buttery or silky texture of filet mignon pairs with the unmatched smoothness of a full-bodied red wine. Thus, they create an exquisite culinary venture beyond compare due to their blend of flavors and textures.
Filet Mignon Wine Pairing: Why Red Stands Out?
Red wine is the most logical pick and immensely popular when selecting a perfect bottle to pair with filet mignon. There are reasons why this varietal pair is so great with steak.
Filet mignon is a very lean beef cut with a savory and juicy flavor. Thus, the tannins in red wines help reduce the meat’s richness and render a clean palate between bites.
Moreover, the tartness of red wine can help temper the fat, elevating your culinary experience. Not only that, but it also helps bring out the flavors of the meat.
The texture of filet mignon is often described as velvety or creamy, making it an ideal match for the robust red wine. The tannins in this type of wine add even more depth and intricacy to the pairing by rounding off all the flavors.
Red wine stands out as the premier choice for pairing with filet mignon. Its vibrant flavors, tannins, acidic taste, and texture create a union that can’t be beaten. However, there are white wines we can recommend below if it’s more your fancy.
Pairing Red Wines with Filet Mignon
Treat yourself to an exquisite meal with savory filet mignon – a perfect tandem to any robust red wine. Here are some choices that will bring out this cut’s tastiness:
Light-bodied Reds
- Pinot Noir: With its delicate body and mild tannins, Pinot Noir perfectly blends with filet mignon, enhancing the dish’s unique flavors without dominating the meal. The wine offers sublime notes of red fruit, earthiness, and spice that balance out the meat’s richness. Moreover, Pinot Noir’s vibrant acidity makes it an ideal choice for lighter wines that don’t trade for flavor or intricacy.
- Beaujolais: Beaujolais is an ideal pairing for richer meats due to its fruity and floral notes that contrast against the savory flavors. Its low tannin content and high acidity help to cut through any fats. Also, its light yet refreshing texture adds a unique twist to the meal, making it perfect for those who prefer more subtle wines with their food.
Medium-bodied Reds
- Merlot: Merlot is an exquisite companion to filet mignon with its medium-bodied form, soft tannins, and dark fruit flavors. These features make the perfect pairing for this luxury beef cut; it balances out the richness while cutting through fat quite well. Its oak and vanilla notes add a pleasant depth that elevates your dining experience like no other!
- Sangiovese: Sangiovese’s tartness and tannins help balance the steak’s richness. The fruity and earthy notes perfectly match its savory flavors. Moreover, Sangiovese’s herbaceous, earthy hints add intrigue and allure to your plate.
You will be thrilled with this lively vino as you relish in its fresh texture that brings vitality to any meal—creating an excellent choice for those who like their wines on the brighter side!
Bold Reds
- Cabernet Sauvignon: This bold red features a robust texture, bright acidity, and intense fruit flavors that include black currant, tobacco, and vanilla aromas. This wine’s full-bodied complexity wonderfully cuts through the richness of a dish while balancing out earthy, meaty notes.
- Zinfandel: Zinfandel’s boldness and body make it an ideal partner for filet mignon. Bursting with blackberry, raspberry, and spice-filled flavors that contrast the steak’s savory nature—its high alcohol content highlights the cut of meat while tannins provide added depth. As a result, this pairing can be truly elevated to greater complexity.
- Bordeaux: Enjoy the splendid flavors of black currant, tobacco, and leather in a glass of Bordeaux to perfectly contrast with the savory meal. With its high tannin content and acidity that cuts through the richness, this full-bodied wine will make for a luxurious dinner experience – ideal for those who value intricacy in their drink!
- Malbec: Malbec’s rich and dark blackberry, plum, and blueberry notes perfectly blend the earthy and savory flavors of the meat. Permeated with high tannin content and acidity, this blend is sure to cut through any richness that might be present in your dish. Not to mention its smoky and spicy notes, which will add depth on top of intricacy for a bold dining venture!
- Super Tuscan: Super Tuscan’s unique harmony of dark fruit, spice, leather, and earthy flavors creates a grand dining venture to satisfy any pallet. Its high tannin content and acidity help balance the dish’s richness, while its full-bodied character provides an intense yet pleasant flavor profile. If you want something bold and complex to pair with your meal, look no further – Super Tuscan has it all!
Pairing White Wines with Filet Mignon
If you are not a fan of red wines, don’t despair—white wines can be an excellent pair for steak cuts like filet mignon. These robust whites provide the perfect pairing to savor your meal!
- Chardonnay: With its creamy, buttery notes of vanilla, apple, and pear enhancing the tastiness of your dish, Chardonnay’s full body is a luxurious pair to any meal. Its acidity will help balance the fat content while retaining the flavors.
- Viognier: Viognier’s delicious peach, apricot, and honeysuckle notes enhance the meat’s robust flavor profiles, while its low tannin content and high acidity give a nice balance. Its full-bodied character provides an indulgent culinary experience that can’t be matched, perfectly suiting those who want to add more substance to white wine pairing.
- Chablis: Its tartness and minerality can balance out the meat’s richness, while its flavors of green apple, lemon, and stone fruit bring out a more intricate flavor profile. Chablis’ light yet fresh taste provides a splendid meal, perfect for those who enjoy subtle wines.
Pairing Sparkling Wines with Filet Mignon
Similar to whites, sparkling wines may have a subtler flavor than full-bodied reds, but they can still pack an acidic punch. Try these two delicious options to add some sweetness to your meal!
- Blanc de Noirs: Dining on steak? Don’t limit yourself to red wine! Instead, opt for a surprising but delightful pairing with a Blanc de Noirs. This crisp sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir grapes offers an array of complex flavors, including cherry, raspberry, and brioche. These can enhance the beef’s richness while showing its subtle nuances.
- Champagne: Nothing compares to a bottle of Champagne for that special meal. This beverage’s delightful bubble and zesty acidity make it the ideal blend for filet mignon; its flavor will not overwhelm yet still boost each bite from the grand cut of meat. If you’re looking for even more excellent results, opt for a brut or extra brut variant that offers an exquisite dry profile when paired with steak dishes.
Effects of Wine on Filet Mignon
Palate cleanser
To enjoy a truly unique dining experience, sipping on wine between bites of filet mignon can be beneficial. The acidity in the vino helps break up any overly-rich tastes while cleansing your taste buds with each sip. This cycle allows you to savor every flavor offered.
Release More Flavor Notes
By pairing a high-tannin, acidic red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux with filet mignon, you can take advantage of the acid’s ability to break down proteins in the meat. This blend unlocks deeper and more complex flavor notes that bring each bite to life, making it far more pleasant than ever before!
Tenderizes Meat
Wine can tenderize meat, even filet mignon! Its acidity breaks down the tissue in the food to make it softer and juicy. Surprise your guests by marinating their meal with an unexpected yet delicious wine for a truly mouthwatering experience.
How to Choose the Best Wine Pairing for Filet Mignon
Experimenting with Different Wines
Daringly explore different types of wines and discover which is your favorite! Step beyond the ordinary bounds of what you’re accustomed to, and let yourself be excited by something new.
Select High-Quality Wines
Select a top-notch wine that enhances the flavors of your filet mignon. Opt for one with optimal balance, intensity, and complexity—it should possess perfect acidity and tannins to ensure a truly unique dining experience.
Consider Sauces and Seasonings
Picking the right wine to pair with your filet mignon requires considering what type of sauce or seasoning it has. For instance, a robustly flavored accompaniment may complement a red with bright acidity and tannins. Meanwhile, a glass of white wine might not shine through.
Take Into Account Personal Preferences
Everyone’s tastes differ, so consider your preferences when choosing a wine pairing for filet mignon. Some people prefer light-bodied wine, while others prefer bolder, full-bodied wine. Know your favorite personal flavor profile to know the best wine for you.
Conclusion
You now possess the info to know the Best Wines to go with Filet Mignon. Whether you prefer red, white, or sparkling varieties of wine—it’s all within reach! Now let’s uncork that bottle and toast to a wonderful meal experience!
