WHICH RED WINE GOES BEST WITH BOEUF BOURGUIGNON?

This dish is closely tied to the history of a prominent wine region, also known for its beef breeds (especially Charolais meat): Burgundy. It’s no surprise that this specialty has carved out a place in our gastronomy and developed an intimate relationship with wine.

While the saying goes that the wine used in the beef bourguignon sauce should be the same as the one served alongside it, this is rarely the case. Few cooks will open a grand cru for cooking, and few gourmets will enjoy a cooking wine. The sauce is usually made with a cooking wine that is entry-level, while the accompanying wine is of better quality for drinking.

What are the rules for pairing beef bourguignon with wine?

The advantage of this dish is that it opens up many pairing possibilities. Beef bourguignon is characterized by three main aspects:

• Texture: As it is a braised meat dish;
• Flavor: The red wine sauce combines the taste of the meat and the accompaniments to deliver flavors enhanced by slow cooking;
• Accompaniments: Sauce, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, bacon, carrots, herbs, etc.

A tender texture and long cooking time predispose the dish to lighter, more voluptuous red wines. Less tender textures (lower quality cuts, shorter cooking time) call for more robust and dense wines.

The flavor of beef bourguignon is often pronounced. Cooked slowly, the ingredients are stewed and have time to express their full flavors. In response, the wine should be substantial and flavorful, while offering good freshness to complement the richness of the dish.

Finally, the flavors and textures of the dish will create a more or less heavy combination. When the accompaniments are light, a lighter wine is preferred. Conversely, when the accompaniments are rich and flavorful, a more robust wine is suitable.

What are the profiles of red wines suited for beef bourguignon?

There are two main aromatic profiles to consider. Wines from the north, lighter and less tannic, pair well with tender beef bourguignon and lighter accompaniments. Wines from the south are better for more rustic versions of the dish.

In the north, you can't go wrong starting with Burgundy. The perfect match is a traditional beef bourguignon with a Burgundy village appellation: Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Chambolle-Musigny, Vougeot...

To avoid the obvious choice, you can also stick with Pinot Noir and explore neighboring regions that offer excellent options for pairing with your dish: Alsace or Jura.

In the south, we recommend the Rhône Valley, both north and south, for its concentrated and fresh wines. Notable mentions include Saint-Joseph in the northern part and Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas in the southern part.

Another excellent option includes the wines from Languedoc-Roussillon, especially from the renowned terroirs of Corbières, Terrasses du Larzac, Pic Saint-Loup, or Saint-Chinian.

For enthusiasts, certain Bordeaux or Corsican wines can also pair wonderfully with this dish.

Selection of red wines for beef bourguignon

More than just a dish and a good wine, Avenue des Vins offers you a story. A traditional recipe like beef bourguignon is deeply rooted in its terroir. To honor it, as well as the winemakers who make these pairings possible, what better choice than direct sourcing?

Below, we reveal our selection for a perfect pairing with beef bourguignon. Each wine is sold directly by the winemaker, who sets the price and fills out their producer profile. This is your opportunity to discover the people behind your glass, by purchasing your bottle at a fair price.

BURGUUNDY PAIRINGS

For a Burgundy pairing, head to the AOC Bourgogne. If you wish to open a grand cru, consider village appellations such as:

• AOC Fixin
• AOC Nuits-Saint-Georges
• AOC Mercurey
• AOC Givry 1er cru
• AOC Beaune 1er cru
• AOC Volnay
• AOC Pommard 1er cru
• AOC Gevrey-Chambertin

SURPRISING PAIRINGS

For a surprising pairing, we invite you to discover our Pinot Noirs from Alsace as well as Pinot Noirs from Jura.

Head south to the Rhône Valley. First step, AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages with its varied wines along the Rhône. Second step, the grand wines from the southern part: the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas.

MORE POWERFUL AND FRUITY WINES

Finally, for those who enjoy round, powerful, and fruity wines, the Terrasses du Larzac will be perfect, while Bordeaux enthusiasts will find satisfaction in the Côtes de Blayes.