Filet mignon is one of the most popular cuts of beef and for good reason. It’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor. But if you want to take your filet mignon up a notch, pair it with the right wine and you will be in steak heaven!
There are so many great wines that go perfectly with filet mignon. From bold reds to light whites, there are options for every palate. To help you find the perfect pairing for your next dinner party or special occasion meal, I have put together this list of 10 delicious wines that will make your filet mignon shine!
The Best Wine with Fillet Mignon
Some of the best wines to pair with filet mignon include a Sassicaia Super Tuscan, Bordeaux AOC Red Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. These wines are all bold in flavor and bring out the rich flavors of the steak. They also have enough tannin and acidity to cut through the fat and balance out their natural richness.
1. Sassicaia Super Tuscan
Sassicaia Super Tuscan is a fantastic wine to pair with Filet Mignon. This Italian classic is earthy, yet approachable, and offers a unique blend of savory herbs such as tobacco and leather with a hint of dark berry flavors.
The full body of this red wine helps to balance out the richness of the beef, while its structure and tannins add an extra dimension that can’t be found in other wines.
When serving Filet Mignon and Sassicaia Super Tuscan, it’s important to take into consideration the seasoning used on the steak. If you’re using a simple salt-and-pepper preparation, the tannic nature of the wine can be slightly accentuated if served too cold.
Serving it at room temperature or slightly warmer will bring out more of its complexity while still offering plenty of structure to handle the beef’s natural flavor profile.
2. Bordeaux AOC Red Blend
For a French pairing, look no further than a Bordeaux AOC Red Blend. This full-bodied wine features aromas of dark cherry, cassis, and earthy notes with a hint of tobacco. On the palate you’ll find flavors of dark berries, leather, and hints of savory herbs.
The tannins within this wine are strong, yet well balanced and smooth, and will stand up nicely to the richness of your Filet Mignon. Because this red is so full-bodied, it’s best served slightly chilled to help keep the tannins from becoming too overpowering.
3. Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular pairings for Filet Mignon, and it’s easy to see why. This full-bodied red is packed with aromas of dark fruit, spice, and cedar. On the palate, you’ll find flavors of blackberries, chocolate, and a hint of tobacco.
The tannins in this wine are firm, yet well balanced, making for a perfect pairing with the beef. The richness of the steak helps to soften the tannins, allowing for more of the fruit flavors to come through. Serve this wine slightly chilled to bring out more of its complexity and structure.
4. Pinot Noir
A nice Pinot Noir is another great option for pairing with Filet Mignon. This light- to medium-bodied red offers aromas of black cherry, raspberry, and earthy notes with a hint of spice. On the palate, you’ll find flavors of dark berries, herbs, and a light earthiness.
The tannins in this wine are much softer than those found in Cabernet Sauvignon, so it’s a great option for those looking for something a bit lighter. The delicate flavors of this wine pair nicely with the beef without overpowering it.
5. Merlot
Merlot is often considered the perfect wine to pair with filet mignon, and for a good reason. Merlot has a smooth, fruity flavor that is mild enough to not overpower the beefy taste of the filet mignon. Additionally, it has just enough complexity and acidity to contrast with the richness of the medium-rare steak.
When selecting a Merlot wine to pair with your filet mignon, look for one that is full-bodied and has flavors such as blackberry, plum, and cedar. A flavorful Merlot will add extra depth and nuance when combined with savory dishes like steak.
6. Rioja Gran Reserva
This full-bodied and complex red wine hails from the Rioja region in Spain, which has been producing some of the finest wines for centuries.
The flavors of the Rioja Gran Reserva are deep and intense, and offer a perfect balance between berry fruit character, smoky notes, spice, and oak. It is an ideal match for the robust flavor of filet mignon, enhancing its rich flavor without overpowering it.
When selecting a bottle of Rioja Gran Reserva to pair with filet mignon, look for one that has been aged at least two years in oak barrels and three more years in a bottle before release.
This aging process yields a smooth texture and concentrated berry flavors that bring out the richness of the beef while being complemented by hints of spice, earthiness, and vanilla from the oak barrels.
Furthermore, this type of Rioja is typically higher in tannins compared to other styles from the region which can help cut through any fat content that may be present in your steak.
7. Carménère
Carménère is a unique red wine that originates from Bordeaux, France. It has a medium body and high acidity which make it a great choice for lighter dishes such as filet mignon.
This wine is packed with flavors of dark fruit, herbs, and espresso, which pair wonderfully with the beefy flavor of filet mignon. Additionally, Carménère has a slightly smoky note that can really enhance the flavor of grilled steak.
8. Chianti DOCG
Chianti is an Italian red wine from the Tuscany region that is made using a blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and sometimes other varietals. It is typically light- to medium-bodied and has a balanced acidity that makes it an excellent pairing with filet mignon.
Additionally, the tannins in Chianti can help to cut through any fat content that may be present in your filet mignon, while its flavors of cherry and earthy spices can enhance the beefy flavor.
When looking for a Chianti to pair with your steak, look for one labeled as “Classico” or “Riserva”. Both of these labels indicate that the Chianti has undergone an aging process which will bring out more complexity and flavor.
9. Shiraz
Shiraz is a bold and full-bodied red wine from Australia that has flavors of dark fruit, spice, and pepper. This robust flavor makes it an excellent pairing for filet mignon, as the flavors of the wine can stand up to the robustness of the steak.
The high tannin content in Shiraz also helps to balance out the richness of the filet mignon, while its fruity character can really enhance the flavor of the steak.
10. Zinfandel
Last but not least, we have Zinfandel, a versatile red wine from California. Not only does its bold character pair perfectly with the flavors of steak, but its fruity finish of cherry and raspberry can accentuate the delicate beefiness of this tender cut.
From lightly sparkling semi-sweet white Zinfandels to deeper, full-body variations, there is always a style that promises to be a delightful accompaniment for any filet mignon feast.
Conclusion
Encourage the reader to apply what they have learned, ending on a highly positive note! With the perfect wine pairing, your filet mignon can become a truly decadent meal. With these options, you’ll be sure to please even the most discerning palates. So next time you sit down for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself with something extra-special, remember our list of top wines and let them enhance your dining experience. Bon appétit!
