There’s nothing quite like a juicy, flavorful steak cooked to perfection. But when it comes to pairing wine with your steak, it can be a bit overwhelming. With so many types of red wine available, how do you know which one to choose? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what wine goes with steak, so you can elevate your meal and impress your guests. Stay tuned!
Best Wine Pairing with Steak
When pairing wine with steak, the best rule of thumb is to match the wine’s intensity with the dish’s intensity. A bold, full-bodied steak requires a wine that can stand up to its rich flavors and textures. Here are a few of the best wine pairings for steak:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic pairing for steak, and for a good reason. This full-bodied red wine has plenty of tannins, which help cut through the steak’s rich, fatty flavors. Look for a Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of black cherry, blackcurrant, and tobacco for the best pairing.
- Merlot: Merlot is another good wine with steak. This red wine is a bit softer and more approachable than Cabernet Sauvignon, with blackberry, plum, and vanilla notes. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a wine that’s a bit more mellow.
- Malbec: Malbec is a full-bodied red wine that’s a bit bolder than Merlot, with flavors of blackberry, plum, and leather. It’s an excellent pairing for steak, mainly if you’re serving a spicier dish.
- Syrah/Shiraz: Syrah (or Shiraz, as it’s known in Australia) is a bold, full-bodied red wine with flavors of blackberry, black pepper, and smoked meat. If you’re serving a dish with a bit of spice, look no further than a glass of Syrah.
- Zinfandel: Zinfandel is a full-bodied red wine with blackberry, raspberry, and spice flavors. It’s a perfect pairing with meat, primarily if you’re serving a steak with a bit of sweetness, like a BBQ sauce.
- Pinot Noir: While Pinot Noir is often considered a lighter wine, it can still be a good choice for pairing with steak. Look for a Pinot Noir with some body and structure and notes of cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones.
- Cabernet Franc: Cabernet Franc is a medium-bodied red wine with raspberry, bell pepper, and spice flavors. This wine is ideal for pairing with steak, especially if serving meat with herbaceous flavors.
- Bordeaux: A good Bordeaux blend can be an excellent choice for pairing with steak. These full-bodied red wines often blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other red varietals and have black currant, plum, and tobacco flavors.
What is the Best Wine for Steak?
If you’re looking for the absolute best wine with steak, it’s hard to go wrong with a good Cabernet Sauvignon. This full-bodied red wine is the classic pairing for steak, and for a good reason. It has plenty of tannins to cut through the rich flavors of the steak, and its notes of black cherry and tobacco complement the meat perfectly.
However, if you’re looking for something a bit different, plenty of other wines pair well with steak. Merlot, Malbec, and Syrah are all excellent choices, depending on your personal preferences and the flavors of your dish.
What is the best white wine to pair with steak?
While red wine is the traditional choice for pairing with steak, some white wines can also work well depending on the preparation and seasoning of the steak. Yet, it’s important to note that white wines generally have a lighter body and fewer tannins than red wines, which may not be as suitable for pairing with steak.
That being said, if you prefer white wine and want to pair it with your steak, here are a few options to consider:
- Chardonnay: A full-bodied Chardonnay with oaky notes and a buttery mouthfeel can pair well with a grilled or pan-seared steak. This wine has enough weight and complexity to hold its own against the flavors of the steak.
- Viognier: This medium to full-bodied white wine has flavors of stone fruit, honeysuckle, and spice, which can complement the flavors of a spicier steak dish. Its weight and richness can also help stand up to the meat’s richness.
- White Bordeaux: A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, White Bordeaux is a medium-bodied wine with flavors of citrus, green apple, and honey. It can pair well with a leaner cut of steak, such as filet mignon, and its acidity can help to cut through any richness in the dish.
- Pinot Gris/Grigio: Pinot Gris/Grigio is a lighter white wine with pear, apple, and citrus flavors. It can pair well with a grilled or roasted steak seasoned with herbs or a more delicate sauce, as its acidity can help balance out the flavors.
Tips for Pairing Wine with Steak
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when pairing wine with steak:
- Consider the preparation: The way that your steak is prepared can have a big impact on the wine pairing. A grilled steak might pair better with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon, while a pan-seared steak might be better with a softer Merlot.
- Be bold and experiment: While there are certainly some classic wine pairings for steak, don’t be afraid to try something new. You might discover a new favorite pairing that you would never have thought of.
- Match the intensity: As we mentioned earlier, the key to a good wine pairing with steak is to match the intensity of the wine with the power of the dish. Look for a full-bodied red wine that can stand up to the rich flavors of the steak.
- Consider the sauce: If you’re serving your steak with a sauce, consider how that sauce will impact the wine pairing. A creamy sauce might pair better with a softer wine, while a spicy sauce might pair better with a bolder wine.
In Conclusion
When it comes to pairing wine with steak, there are plenty of options to choose from. Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic choice, but don’t be afraid to try something new, like a Malbec or a Pinot Noir. Remember to consider the intensity of the wine, the flavors in your dish, and your preferences when making your selection. With some experimentation, you will surely find the perfect wine pairing for your next steak dinner.