Beef Bourguignon is a classic French stew that has been loved for centuries. This hearty dish featuring tender braised beef, mushrooms, pearl onions, and bacon in a rich red wine sauce is the ultimate comfort food. But what wine pairs best with Beef Bourguignon? The traditional choice is Pinot Noir, but other red wines can also complement the flavors beautifully. Keep reading for a complete guide to picking the ideal wine for Beef Bourguignon.
Understanding Beef Bourguignon
To select a wine that complements Beef Bourguignon, it helps to understand the essential flavors and ingredients in this iconic dish. Beef Bourguignon originated in the Burgundy region of France, which is known for its exceptional Pinot Noir. The beef is traditionally braised in red Burgundy wine along with mushrooms, onions, carrots, garlic, and bacon. The slow cooking tenderizes the meat while melding the ingredients into a luscious sauce. The result is a hearty, comforting stew brimming with umami savoriness.
When making Beef Bourguignon, high-quality beef such as chuck roast or stew meat is browned before being braised with vegetables in the wine-based sauce The sauce simmers slowly to allow the flavors to develop fully. Classic herbs like thyme and bay leaf add complexity, while the bacon lends a subtle smoky note. The wine provides acidity and fruitiness to balance the rich meatiness
Why Pinot Noir is the Traditional Choice
Pinot Noir has been the go-to wine for Beef Bourguignon for generations. As a red Burgundy, it echoes the dish’s origins in the Burgundy region where Pinot Noir reigns The light body, red fruit flavors, earthiness, and herbal notes of Pinot Noir interplay beautifully with the stew It brings out the beefy savoriness while its brightness balances the richness.
Pinot Noir’s medium tannins help cut through the unctuous sauce. The wine’s acidity clears the palate between bites. Since Pinot Noir tends to be less bold than other reds like Cabernet, it doesn’t dominate the other flavors. Instead it blends seamlessly into the overall profile of the dish. For an authentic wine pairing, an affordable French Pinot Noir from Burgundy is ideal. However Pinot from other regions like California, Oregon, or New Zealand also works very well.
Alternative Red Wine Options
Although Pinot Noir may be the conventional choice, other red wines can complement Beef Bourguignon nicely. Full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon has enough heft and tannins to stand up to the hearty stew. Its oakiness and dark fruit will meld with the deep flavors of the dish. Just avoid an overly tannic Cab that could clash. Soft, fruit-forward Merlot is another excellent pick. Its plum and black cherry flavors align with the stew’s richness.
For a middle-of-the-road option, a blended red like a GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre) offers some of the lightness of Pinot with added structure. Italian reds like Chianti Classico and Barbaresco also pair well with their acidity, fruit, and savoriness. Even full-bodied Malbec with lush dark fruit can beautifully complement the Beef Bourguignon. The best rule of thumb is to choose a dry red with medium acidity and tannins. Stay away from oaky, tannic wines that will overpower the flavor of the stew.
Ideal Wine Characteristics
When selecting a wine for Beef Bourguignon, keep these flavor characteristics in mind:
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Fruit-forward – The red fruit notes will mesh with the richness of the stew. They’ll join forces with the sauteed veggies and herbs to create a chorus of flavors.
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Medium body – A light or medium body allows the wine to complement the stew instead of overtaking it. Heavy, full-bodied wines can be too overpowering.
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Moderate tannins – Subtle tannins help cut through the stew’s richness. Overly tannic wines will clash with the tender meat.
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Food-friendly acidity – Acidity cleanses the palate and provides contrast to the unctuous sauce. Avoid wines that are too acidic, which will taste sour with the dish.
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Minimal oak – Light oak notes can provide complexity, but too much oakiness will cover the pure flavors of the stew.
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Earthiness – An earthy undertone mirrors the mushrooms and browned meat in the stew.
Tips for Picking the Right Bottle
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Stick to a $15-$30 price range. Inexpensive value wines work wonderfully since the stew is the star.
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Sample wines before choosing to identify the best style for the dish.
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Select wines from regions known for food-friendly reds like Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rioja, Sonoma, and Willamette Valley.
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Look for labels listing stew-friendly grapes: Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Merlot, Grenache, Sangiovese.
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Ask wine shop staff for recommendations on wines that will complement Beef Bourguignon.
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Choose a younger wine, about 2-6 years old, so the fruit still shines.
The Perfect Accompaniments
While wine may be the beverage of choice, certain sides can make the meal complete. Buttery mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, soaking up the heavenly sauce. Roast carrots lend sweetness, while steamed green beans balance the richness. A crusty baguette is ideal for dipping in the stew. You can also serve Beef Bourguignon family-style with a leafy salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette.
Time to Enjoy Wine-Braised Bliss
With a stellar wine match, Beef Bourguignon becomes an even more splendid supper. Follow these guidelines for picking wines that will meld harmoniously with this French classic. From ethereal Pinot Noir to plush Cabernet, you have numerous options for creating a heavenly blend of flavors. The next time you crave Beef Bourguignon, don’t forget to grab the perfect wine – your taste buds will thank you. Savor the rich stew together with a glass of your favorite red for a match made in culinary heaven. Santé!
How do you make a beef bourguignon?
You know what? When I read the original recipe from Julia’s book, I got just as nervous as Amy Adams’s Julie in the movie Julie and Julia. SO MANY STEPS. So I got a glass of wine and set out to follow AT LEAST ONE recipe as closely as I could.
The results were unbelievable. I have never been so happy with a stew as I was when it was done.
When I tried it again, I skipped a few steps to try to save time and avoid washing extra pots. I also added a little more of this and that, and the results were pretty much the same, but with a little more flavor.
What meat is best for beef bourguignon?
We tried this with brisket, chuck steak, and stewing beef (yes, I made it in our Instant Pot/Multi Cooker the third time). Brisket yielded our favourite result.
The meat fell apart so beautifully and tasted better than the others with a juicy outcome. Having said the though, you can use whichever stewing beef you can find or have on hand.
Beef Bourguignon
FAQ
What kind of wine to use in Beef Bourguignon?
Is Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon better for Beef Bourguignon?
Can I use Cabernet Sauvignon for Beef Bourguignon?
What is the best red wine to cook with beef?
What wine goes with beef bourguignon?
When it comes to pairing wine with beef bourguignon, there are a few options that work particularly well. Red wine is the most common choice, and Pinot Noir is a classic pairing that complements the rich flavors of the dish. Burgundy, a region in France known for its Pinot Noir, is another excellent choice.
Does beef bourguignon have red wine?
In this case, Beef Bourguignon, literally translated as Burgundian Beef, is a very old French recipe that uses fatty beef cooked in red wine to create a stew that is either served warm or cold (as in a left-over, the following day). The red wine was typically a red Burgundy – a Pinot Noir or Gamy. Most good beef stews do have red wine in them.
What wine goes well with beef?
Generally, we are going to assume that the large flavors of large meat, such as beef, will call for large wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Merlot. Boeuf Bourguignon packs chunks of tender beef and mushrooms, plump onions and carrots, and a deep, rich base of red wine.
Is Burgundy a good wine for beef?
It is made from the thin-skinned Pinot Noir grape, with soft tannins that flavor the meat without overpowering it. It adds richness and depth that is hard to achieve with beef broth and seasonings alone. However, you don’t have to use Burgundy if you can’t find a good bottle at a reasonable price.