Filet Mignon Wine Pairing

One of the most prized cuts of steak is the filet mignon, which is a steak that is cut from the thick end of a beef tenderloin. Known for its tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, filet mignon is one of the most expensive cuts of meat you can buy. With less fat than your Ribeye or New York Strip, you will not get the rich, beefy flavor that you would with other steaks, but you will get a mild, slightly sweet-flavored steak that, when prepared well, is tender enough to cut with a fork.

Now you may be wondering, what does one drink with a delicious filet mignon? The easy answer is a glass of red wine, but not all reds are created equal. The best wine for a filet mignon is going to be light-bodied so it does not overpower the flavor of the steak, and silky smooth to match the tender texture filet mignon is so well known for.

Wine Characteristics To Pair With Filet Mignon

Characteristic	Detail
Acidity	Medium
Tannins	Low-Medium
Fruitiness	Medium
Alcohol ABV%	Low
Body	Light-Medium

Best Red Wine To Pair With Filet Mignon

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is usually not a top choice when pairing with steak, but its light body and smooth, refreshing taste guarantees it will not overpower your filet.

Beaujolais

Similar to Pinot Noir, Beaujolais is an easy-to-drink, unassuming red. The light body and fruity notes of the wine will complement the flavor of the filet mignon.

Merlot

The soft tannins and low acidity make Merlot another great option for pairing with filet mignon. This is one of our favorite choices, because the wine can be fruity and smooth, which go very well with the smooth and delicate texture of the meat.

Malbec

Malbec is a bit of a bolder choice than the other options, but we think it is a great pairing with filet mignon. The smooth tannins really complement the texture of the meat.

Best White Wine To Pair With Filet Mignon

Yes, you read that correctly. While we normally would not recommend a white wine with steak, we can make an exception for Chardonnay. The natural acidity in Chardonnay cuts through the richness of the steak and oaky Chardonnays come in everything from medium to full-bodied styles so it is sure to stand up to a meaty steak. Try to choose a full bodied oaked chardonnay for the best pairing with filet mignon.

Best Wines To Pair With Filet Mignon

Filet Mignon is not as fatty and doesn’t have as strong of a flavor as other cuts of steak. Because of that, you may not need a big and bold red wine to pair with the steak. A big and bold red wine may overpower the delicate flavors of a filet. If the cut is wrapped in bacon or if it has a strong flavored gravy or sauce on top of the steak, then a bolder wine may be warranted. Here are our favorite wines to pair with filet mignon or tenderloins.