It’s a known fact that steak and wine are one of the best combinations. This classic pairing has been enjoyed for ages and for good reason! Plus, there are many types of great wines out there to make this a stand-out meal. However, choosing the right wine to pair with your steak can be a daunting task. The richness and bold flavors of steak call for a wine that can match its intensity. Let’s explore the best wine pairings for different cuts of steak and a few tips for pairing wine with steak.

Types of Steaks Plus Wine Pairing

Ribeye

If you enjoy steak and want the best cut of meat, you want ribeye. A ribeye is simply a large boneless strip steak. A ribeye steak is a rich and fatty cut of beef with intense flavors of marbling. The good thing is, this steak will remain juicy even when grilled or roasted. A strong red such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Pinot Noir would be a good choice for pairing with ribeye steak. The tannins in these wines cut through the fat and enhance the flavor of the steak.

New York Strip

If you love tender steaks that are juicy and full of flavor, you will love the New York strip. This cut is taken from the short loin and has a good beefy flavor that works well with robust wines. An excellent choice for this cut is Cabernet Sauvignon which is full-bodied, rich, and bold.

Filet Mignon

If you are looking for a tender and amazing steak that has a delicate flavor, you want to try filet mignon. This cut is from the beef tenderloin section of the cow, which is tender and flavorful. To enhance the delicious flavors of your filet mignon steak, dip it in an egg wash made with cream or milk. Finally, dredge the meat in seasoned flour before cooking. For a wine that will pair well with these special flavors of your steak, try Bordeaux, Merlot, Rioja Reserva, and Pinot Noir.

Striploin Steak

Another cut from the short loin is striploin. This steak has a rich flavor and is a bit more complex than other cuts of meat because it has little marbling. A good choice for this steak is a robust red wine. Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, are full-bodied, velvety, and soft wines. These wines are also great to pair with powerful cheeses such as Stilton cheese or Brie cheese.

Porterhouse  

If you are not a red wine connoisseur and prefer something lighter, then you may want to try a porterhouse steak. This cut comes from the short loin which you can serve with the tenderloin attached. The tenderloin is always the most desirable section of meat on the cow. For this reason, it should be no surprise that this steak has excellent flavor. This cut is a bit more robust than other cuts of meat, so you can enjoy a good hearty red wine. Some great choices for this steak are Syrah, Shiraz, Riesling, and Merlot.

Flank Steak

Flank steak is a lean and flavorful cut of beef with a chewy texture. This cut pairs well with a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Franc or a fruity and spicy Zinfandel. These wines have enough flavor to complement the steak without overwhelming its natural flavor.

Tips for Pairing Wine with Steak

• Go for Bold Flavors: For a great steak and wine pairing, you’ll want a wine that has enough boldness to stand up to the bold flavors of the steak.
• Consider the intensity of the steak: A rich and fatty steak like a ribeye calls for a wine that can match its intensity. Pair a lighter steak like a filet mignon with a lighter wine.
• Match the flavor profile: Look for wines that complement the flavors of the steak. A steak with a peppery rub would pair well with a spicy Syrah. Conversely, a steak with a creamy sauce would pair well with a buttery Chardonnay.
• Consider the cooking method: The cooking method of the steak can affect the wine pairing. Grilled steaks have a smoky flavor that pairs well with bold red wines. Pan-seared steaks, on the other hand, have a caramelized flavor that pairs well with medium-bodied red wines.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different wine pairings to find what works best for you. Wine pairing is subjective, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Pairing wine with steak is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. It can enhance the flavors of both the steak and the wine. When pairing wine with steak, consider the intensity, flavor profile, and cooking method of the steak to find the perfect match. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different wine pairings to find what works best for you.