How to Select the Right Alcohol when Canning Beef Burgundy

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Beef Burgundy, or “Boeuf Bourguignon” in French, is a classic dish that has captured the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts around the world. This rich and hearty stew, made famous by Julia Child, features tender beef braised in red wine and cognac, making it a comforting and flavorful delicacy. While many might think that the choice of wine and cognac doesn’t significantly impact the final product, connoisseurs of this dish know that the selection of these alcoholic ingredients can greatly affect the flavor profile of the dish.

Let’s explore how to choose the perfect wine and cognac for Beef Burgundy, especially when adapting the recipe for canning.

1. Red Wine: The Backbone of Flavor

The selection of red wine for your Beef Burgundy is a critical decision. The wine not only adds depth and complexity to the sauce but also contributes to the dish’s signature deep red color. When it comes to choosing the right wine, here are some key considerations:

Varietal: Opt for a dry, full-bodied red wine. Julia Child recommended using a Burgundy wine, such as Pinot Noir or a red wine from the Burgundy region. These wines are known for their earthy and fruity characteristics, which complement the dish perfectly. Alternatively, you can choose a good-quality Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which will also work well.

Quality: Use a wine that you would enjoy drinking. While it’s not necessary to use an expensive bottle, don’t choose the cheapest option either. A mid-range wine can strike a balance between flavor and budget.

Avoid: Steer clear of sweet or overly fruity wines, as they can overpower the dish with sweetness and acidity. Also, avoid using cooking wine with added salt, as it can disrupt the seasoning.

2. Cognac: Elevating the Flavor Profile

Cognac is another key ingredient that adds a layer of complexity to your Beef Burgundy. It’s a type of brandy produced in the Cognac region of France and is known for its rich, aromatic qualities. When selecting cognac for your recipe:

Quality: Choose a good-quality cognac or brandy. The flavors from a high-quality cognac will enhance the overall taste of your Beef Burgundy. VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) cognac is a good choice.

Flavor Profile: Look for a cognac with subtle fruit and spice notes. The nuances in the cognac will marry well with the wine and other ingredients in the dish.

Don’t Overdo It: While cognac can add a wonderful depth of flavor, be mindful not to overuse it. A little goes a long way, and you don’t want the alcohol to dominate the taste.

3. Balancing the Wine and Cognac

The key to a successful Beef Burgundy lies in achieving a harmonious balance between the wine and cognac. The wine provides a fruity and tannic base, while the cognac contributes a warming, aromatic layer. When adapting this recipe for canning, it’s essential to maintain this balance, even though the alcohol will evaporate during the process.

When canning Beef Burgundy, you can slightly increase the amount of wine and cognac to ensure the flavors remain robust after the canning process. For those of you who wish to make and preserve Beef Burgundy, but do not cook with or consume alcohol, you may substitute beef broth.

In the world of culinary art, the choice of wine and cognac for Beef Burgundy is like selecting the right colors for a masterpiece. While you may not always have access to the finest or most expensive options, careful consideration of the wine’s varietal, quality, and the cognac’s characteristics can elevate your dish from good to extraordinary.

When canning Beef Burgundy, remember to preserve the essence of these alcoholic ingredients by maintaining a proper balance. By doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy the rich, complex flavors of Beef Burgundy even after the canning process. Your canned Beef Burgundy will not only be a convenient and delicious meal but also a testament to your careful selection of the perfect wine and cognac.

So, pour yourself a glass of your chosen wine and savor the journey of creating a timeless culinary masterpiece.

Happy Canning!
xo
Diane, The Canning Diva®

 

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