Pairings | Steak

The best wine pairing for steak

Posted by Fiona Beckett (Google+) on February 15 2020 at 07:33

Steak is a natural partner for red wine, but is there a definitive “best” red wine for steak? While it’s easy to say that any good red will do, finding the perfect match requires a bit more thought. The cut of the steak, the way it’s cooked, and even the sauce you choose all play a role in determining which wine will bring out the best in your dish. This guide dives into the nuances of pairing wine with steak, offering tips and wine suggestions that will enhance your steak experience.

Have you ever wondered why certain wines seem to mellow out when paired with a rare steak? Or why a robust, full-bodied red complements a juicy ribeye so perfectly? Whether you’re a fan of a lean fillet or a fatty ribeye, knowing which wine to pour will make your next steak experience all the more satisfying.

But the art of pairing doesn’t stop at the steak itself—sauces can also make or break your wine choice. From rich red wine reductions to tangy chimichurri, the right wine can balance or enhance the flavors on your plate. Curious to find out which wines pair best with your favorite steak preparations? Read on to learn more and discover my top five wines that consistently shine when paired with steak, and learn how to make every steak dinner a culinary delight.

Tips for Pairing Wine with Steak: Best Choices for Every Cut, Cooking Style, and Sauce

Rare-ness: The rarer a steak is the more it will lessen the sensation of tannin in any accompanying wine. So if you have a young or comparatively young cabernet sauvignon or malbec, for instance, a rare steak will make it taste more mellow
Fattiness: The fattier a steak is the more robust a wine it needs. Rhône reds or other syrah or GSM (grenache/syrah/mourvèdre) blends are perfectly suited to ribeye steaks while a leaner fillet steak pairs better with a pinot noir.
Char: The more charred (and therefore bitter) a steak is the more ripeness/sweetness you want in your wine. A Coonawarra or Napa Valley cabernet for example or a Stellenbosch cabernet sauvignon.
Sauces: Sauces make a difference. A rich red wine sauce like my Essential Steak Sauce will need a wine that can stand up to it like a malbec or a good quality red Bordeaux. (If you’re making the sauce yourself drink a wine of slightly better quality than you used to make the sauce). With a peppercorn sauce you don’t want a wine that’s too oaky and/or high in alcohol or it may make each mouthful too spicy. A ripe Rhône or Languedoc red such as a Minervois should work well. With a béarnaise sauce a pinot again is a good match or you could even drink a rich white like a Meursault or other full-bodied chardonnay. With an Argentine chimichurri sauce a malbec is the obvious go to.
Age: If you’re serving an older red ease back on the saucing and serve the wine with its natural juices. If it’s a very old vintage you might even want to serve the steak medium-rare rather than rare.

My 5 best wines for steak

When it comes to enjoying steak, there are a few wines that I turn to time and time again. These wines not only complement the richness and flavors of various steak cuts but also enhance the overall dining experience. Here are my top five choices for pairing with steak:

1. Malbec (especially Argentinian malbec)

Malbec has earned its place as a go-to steak wine, particularly those from Argentina. Known for its deep, dark fruit flavors, smooth tannins, and a touch of spice, Malbec is a perfect match for the bold flavors of a juicy steak. The high altitude vineyards of Argentina produce Malbecs with a unique combination of ripeness and acidity, making them incredibly versatile. Whether you’re enjoying a well-marbled ribeye or a tender fillet, Malbec’s rich body and lush fruit profile will enhance every bite.

2. Cabernet sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is often hailed as the king of red wines, and for good reason. Its robust structure, firm tannins, and complex flavors of blackcurrant, cedar, and spice make it an ideal partner for steak, especially when the meat is grilled or charred. The tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon help to cut through the fat in richer cuts like ribeye or T-bone, while the wine’s acidity balances the meat’s savory flavors. A well-aged Cabernet Sauvignon can also pair beautifully with more delicate cuts, providing a balanced and memorable dining experience.

3. Merlot

Merlot might be softer and more approachable than Cabernet Sauvignon, but don’t let that fool you—this wine is a fantastic match for steak. Merlot’s plush, velvety texture and flavors of ripe plum, black cherry, and cocoa make it a great choice for leaner cuts like sirloin or filet mignon. The wine’s moderate tannins and juicy acidity complement the meat’s natural flavors without overpowering them. Merlot’s versatility also means it can handle a variety of sauces, from a classic red wine reduction to a creamy béarnaise.

4. Shiraz/syrah and syrah blends e.g. with grenache and mourvèdre

Shiraz, or Syrah as it’s known in France, brings a bold and peppery profile to the table, making it a natural pairing for steak. With its rich, full-bodied character and notes of dark berries, black pepper, and smoked meat, Shiraz is particularly well-suited to steaks with a bit of char or spice. Whether you’re grilling a New York strip or preparing a peppercorn-crusted steak, the intensity of Shiraz will stand up to the strong flavors and enhance the overall dish. Blends that incorporate Grenache and Mourvèdre add further complexity, offering layers of fruit, spice, and earthiness that make the pairing even more compelling.

5. ‘Supertuscans’ and other modern Tuscan reds

‘Super Tuscans’ are a category of high-quality, modern Tuscan wines that often blend traditional Italian grape varieties like Sangiovese with international grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. These wines are known for their elegance, balance, and depth of flavor, making them an excellent choice for pairing with steak. The vibrant acidity and firm tannins of these wines complement a variety of steak preparations, from simple grilled cuts to more complex dishes with rich sauces. The blend of Old World tradition with New World innovation in ‘Super Tuscans’ creates a wine that is both versatile and sophisticated, perfect for elevating your steak dinner to a new level.