Beef Bourguignon is a classic French stew made with beef braised in red wine, broth, and aromatics. With its rich, complex flavors, finding the right wine to pair with Beef Bourguignon can be tricky. The stew itself has some acidity from the red wine used in cooking, making it important to pick a wine that will match that acidity level. The herbs, spices, and earthiness of the dish also demand a wine with enough weight and structure to complement the hearty flavors. Quick answer: An ideal wine pairing for Beef Bourguignon is a medium-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir from Burgundy, France. The classic pairing is a red Burgundy wine made from the same Pinot Noir grape used in the stew’s braising liquid. Other good options include other Pinot Noirs from France or Oregon, French Bordeaux blends, or a California Zinfandel.
Factors to Consider in Picking a Wine
When selecting a wine to go with Beef Bourguignon, here are some key factors to take into account:
Weight and Body
Beef Bourguignon is a hearty, rich stew so it calls for a wine with enough weight and body to match. Light-bodied wines like Pinot Grigio may get overwhelmed by the dish. Look for medium to full-bodied red wines.
Acidity
The acidity level of your wine choice should match the acidity in the stew from the red wine braising liquid. A wine that is too low in acid would taste flabby while too much acidity can make the pairing taste sour.
Tannins
Some tannic structure helps a wine stand up to the rich meatiness of Beef Bourguignon. But too much tannin can overpower the flavors of the stew. Go for low to moderate tannins.
Flavor Profiles
Earthy, savory red wines complement the herbs and umami savoriness of the braise. Fruit-forward wines fight with the stew’s flavors instead of integrating harmoniously.
Region
Traditionally, Beef Bourguignon is made with red Burgundy wine from France’s Burgundy region. To mirror that, a Pinot Noir from Burgundy or a nearby region is an ideal pick.
Recommended Wine Pairings
Based on these pairing considerations, here are some excellent wine options to drink with Beef Bourguignon:
Burgundy Pinot Noir
Red Burgundy wines made from Pinot Noir grapes grown in France’s Burgundy region are regarded as the classic choice with Beef Bourguignon. The same grape variety and origin as the red wine in the stew makes for a seamless pairing. Look for village-level Burgundies or Premier Crus. The acidity, body, flavors, and regional style perfectly match the stew.
Other French Pinot Noir
While Burgundy is best, other French Pinot Noirs can also work well. Look for examples from wine regions like Alsace, Loire Valley, and Languedoc-Roussillon. French Pinot Noirs align with the cooking wine and have a lightness that suits the dish.
Oregon or California Pinot Noir
New world Pinot Noirs from Oregon and California tend to be more fruit-forward than French versions. Select ones with higher acidity, lower alcohol, and minimal oak influence. The red fruit notes add vibrancy to counter the stew’s richness.
Bordeaux Blends
Red blends from Bordeaux using Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and sometimes Malbec offer great weight, savory flavors, and sturdy tannin for the stew. Look for less expensive, food-friendly options rather than age-worthy collectibles.
California Zinfandel
Ripe, jammy California Zinfandels have enough gutsiness and spice to stand up to hearty Beef Bourguignon. Their exuberant fruitiness balances the deep flavors of the stew. Choose wines with resolving tannins and avoid massive, high alcohol Zins.
Pairing Tips
Beyond just the wine itself, here are some serving tips for the best pairing experience with Beef Bourguignon:
– Serve the wine at cool cellar temperature (about 60°F). This allows subtle aromas and flavors to emerge that can get drowned out if served too warm.
– Decant young, tannic reds like Bordeaux blends or Zinfandels ahead of time so they can open up and become more harmonious with the stew.
– Taste a sip of the wine on its own first before taking a bite of the Beef Bourguignon. This helps acclimate your palate and prevents strong stew flavors from numbing your taste buds.
– Take a modest bite of stew then go back and forth between sips of wine. The interplay allows the two to complement each other.
– Pay attention to how the wine’s acidity balances the rich unctuousness of the braised meat and sauce. The wine should cut through some of the heft.
– Note how the wine’s savory qualities marry with the aromatic vegetables and herbs in the braise. They should blend seamlessly without competing flavors.
– Drink the wine throughout the entire course, not just with the first few bites. As a hearty dish, Beef Bourguignon evolves over time. Let the pairing evolve in tandem.
Food Pairings Beyond the Wine
While wine may be the first pairing that comes to mind with Beef Bourguignon, other beverage or food accompaniments can also enhance the experience. Consider rounding out your Beef Bourguignon meal with:
A Hearty Artisanal Beer
An aromatic, malty Belgian dubbel or a toasty brown ale are great beer alternatives to red wine with this dish. The intensity and caramelized flavors of these brews mirror the stew’s complexity.
Crusty Bread
A fresh baguette, slices of ciabatta, or buttered dinner rolls all do an excellent job of soaking up the fabulous sauce of Beef Bourguignon.
Mashed or Roasted Potatoes
Buttery mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potatoes give you an appealing starch component to complete the plate.
Sauteed Mushrooms
Add some extra sauteed mushrooms on the side to echo the earthiness of the stew.
Green Salad
A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette balances the heartiness of this French comfort food.
Conclusion
Beef Bourguignon’s richness, umami depth, and red wine-infused flavors require an equally hearty red wine to pair with it. Sticking close to the source, a Pinot Noir from Burgundy offers an ideal match as the same grape and region as the cooking wine. Beyond Burgundy, other French Pinot Noirs, California or Oregon Pinot Noirs, Bordeaux blends, and Zinfandels also make excellent pairings. With the right wine in your glass and a few perfect accompaniments on your plate, you’re sure to have a magnifique meal!