Working to be the head chef of your own restaurant? Or want to show off on your next date night? Then you have to know how to prepare a juicy Filet Mignon. And which wines are best to pair it with.
Filet Mignon and wine are a classic pairing that, when done right, is simply magical on the taste buds. A rich, tender, succulent cut of meat paired with a subtle, enhancing wine, there is nothing you can do but bask in the indulgence.
Below you will find which wines pair perfectly with your Filet Mignon. Focussing mostly on red wines to complement the meaty flavor but we have thrown in a few white options for those who prefer something lighter.
Let’s get a pair!
Flavor Profile Of Filet Mignon
Filet Mignon is a lean cut of beef that is cut from the end of the tenderloin region of the cow. It is typically a smaller cut of beef, perfect for serving one person.
The flavor profile of Filet Mignon depends on the breed of cattle, how it was raised, and how you decide to season it when cooking.
However, Filet Mignon generally has a softer and sweeter flavor than the majority of other beef cuts that come from the steer’s more heavily muscled parts.
For the same reason, Filet Mignon has a very soft texture that enhances its delicate, refined, meaty flavor with a wonderful buttery experience.
Red Wine Pairings With Filet Mignon
As we are focusing on the texture of Filet Mignon rather than the flavor when it comes to wine pairing, softer reds work perfectly.
Bordeaux & Filet Mignon
Bordeaux is one of the more welcoming wines in the realm of red wine. It is a blend of 5 grapes with the most intense one being Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. They can range widely in price but make the best pairing for that Filet Mignon.
When searching the aisles for the perfect Bordeaux go for a slightly older bottle. This will complement the flavors rather than overpower them.
When Bordeaux is fully developed, it has a velvety texture that perfectly matches the mouthfeel of Filet Mignon.
While still there, the sweet notes of cassis, plum, and black cherry will allow the rich layers of mocha, vanilla, smoke, earth, and leather to give the combination personality.
Roja Reserva & Filet Mignon
Roja Reserva is a popular Spanish wine. It has a softer tannin that works exceptionally well when paired with Filet Mignon.
It is an extremely smooth wine that is enjoyed by a seasoned red wine lover and offers some complex yet wonderful flavors. A young Rioja Reserva will have sweet yet tart notes of blackberry, plum, raspberry, and cherry.
As it matures subtle notes of chocolate, vanilla, leather, and earth will begin to peek through.
This is a great wine to pair with Filet Mignon as the sweeter notes give a pleasing flavor to the steak without being too harsh with the texture. It is smooth and easy to drink making it the perfect date night pairing.
Merlot & Filet Mignon
If you are new to the complex flavors of red wine or are new to wine altogether, a Merlot is the perfect introduction.
Merlot, which frequently has a medium body, pairs well with Filet Mignon because of its silky chocolate, vanilla, plum, and cherry flavors.
While the mild beef flavors are complemented by the silky chocolate and vanilla overtones, the contrasting fruit flavors keep your palette refreshed in between mouthfuls.
It is a smooth drink and has less of that intense vinegar flavor that is often found with cheaper red wines. Go for a mature Merlot at a medium price range in order to get the best flavor for your Filet Mignon.
Cabernet Sauvignon & Filet Mignon
A Cabernet Sauvignon wine is a riskier choice as there are so many flavors and styles to choose from.
The plush and smooth texture of a ripe Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich mouthfeel of Filet Mignon. Restrained flavors of cassis, cocoa, cherry, tobacco, mint, and leather further contrast and accentuate the delicate flavors of the Filet Mignon.
Cabernet Sauvignon is often enjoyed by a mature red wine drinker as the flavors can be intense on the palate. However, if you are entering the world of red wines don’t be afraid to ask for help when picking the perfect pairing.
Shiraz & Filet Mignon
Shiraz is a much less expensive wine and is paired greatly with roasted meats and vegetables. It has a rather contrasting flavor profile of dark chocolate, black pepper, spice, and sweet fruits.
It is extremely popular among restaurants as the Australian wine works wonderfully with the beefy notes of Filet Mignon. Especially if you are cooking the Filet Mignon on the grill to get that charred flavor.
White Wine Pairings With Filet Mignon
If you really cannot enjoy the flavors and textures of red wine, which is common among younger drinkers, then you can still enjoy a refreshing white wine with your Filet Mignon.
Chardonnay & Filet Mignon
No matter what cut of steak you are serving, the most popular wine to serve is Chardonnay. It is a much drier wine compared to others but it is extremely versatile and can be paired with many other flavors.
Chardonnay has a natural acidity that works similarly to the tannins in red wine (Also check out Can Chardonnay Be Red?). It works to break down the fat in steak and brings everything together.
When taking the time to grill your Filet Mignon, make sure to select a Chardonnay with the right undertones. You want a wine that is lightly oaked and nutty for that glorious smoky flavor.
Make sure to chill your Chardonnay before serving!
Riesling & Filet Mignon
Riesling is a German wine that is dry and extremely rich in flavor. It is often paired with white meats such as fish but it is tough enough that it can cut through the fattiness of Filet Mignon.
This white wine is often enjoyed by more experienced wine drinkers as it has rather harsh undertones. But after a few sips, everyone falls in love with nutty notes left on their tongues.
If you are still finding the profile to be too intense or too dry, add a splash of soda or lemonade. This will cut the dryness of the wine without losing too much of the flavor.
Pinot Grigio & Filet Mignon
Pinot Grigio is one of the most popular white wines around the world. The flavor ranges depending on the region. It is often crisp, and refreshing, and has strong notes of citrus.
A glass of Pinot Grigio works beautifully with a seasoned Filet Mignon. It has a light yet noticeable acidity that helps cut through the fattiness of the beef and is much softer on the palate than other white wines.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect wine pairing for your Filet Mignon does not have to be difficult. When enjoying an indulgent Filet Mignon, you want your wine to be just as delicious.
We have the best wine pairing for Filet Mignon. Whether you enjoy the rich tannins of a Cabernet Sauvignon or enjoy the refreshing zest of a Pinot Grigio, there is something for everyone.
If you are unsure of what wine will go best, ask your waiter or your local wine buff for their recommendations!
I can offer you articles and information about wine from a seasoned sommelier, and now a winemaker too! I hope that you enjoy some of our articles, and start thinking outside of the box when it comes to wine.
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