Wine Pairing With Steak Basics
The first thing you need to know about how to pick the right wine for your food is that theres no right or wrong answer. Sure, some wines taste better than others with certain dishes, but the main deciding factor is what tastes best for you.
There are two broad ways to pair wines congruent pairing and contrasting pairing. Contrasting is easier to understand because its simply seeking balance by contrasting tastes and flavors. When youre looking for the right wine for your steak, youll mostly try to find a contrasting pair.
Congruent pairings do the opposite. That is, match flavors with other flavors that complement them.
In wines, youll find three basic flavors or taste components. They are sweetness, acidity, and bitterness. What you wont find in wines is fatness, saltiness, or spiciness.
On the other hand, youve got steak.
Steak has saltiness, fat, and meatiness or umami as its three basic flavors along with myriad minor notes. So youll be looking to cut through the fat in the steak with a matching degree of acidity, complement the umami with sweetness, and mellow out the saltiness with bitter notes.
You also want to consider how the steak is cooked. An open-fire grilled steak will be a little less overpowering that one sauteed in butter, for instance.
Filet Mignon Wine Pairing
Although the filet mignon is regarded as one of the best cuts of steak you can sink your teeth into, it actually has some of the subtlest flavors of any cut. Thats why its important to choose a wine that wont overpower the filet mignon.
The most ideal pairing for a filet mignon is an Old World aged wine, like Pinot Noir or Port, which tend to be higher in acidity but have less alcohol content than a New World one. The result is a lighter taste that lends to the flavor of filet mignon without being so loud that you cant taste the beefy flavors of your steak.
House Wine 2014 Steak House Cabernet Sauvignon
Type: Cabernet SauvignonOrigin: USAPrice: $11
This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Grenache made with grapes sourced from Washington, California and Idaho. Yes, Idaho believe it or not, the Gem State is one of Americas up and coming producers of quality vinifera. Youd be hard-pressed to find another steak mate with as much personality at this price point, which has been House Wines forte since its inception in 2004. The Steak House cab is lean, but by no means a pushover. The fruit dominated by blackberry and black cherry notes shows front and center, with a fair degree of spiciness bringing up the rear.
Suggested Cut: Flat-iron steak seared on a charcoal grill
> For more information, visit the House Wine official website.
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Chardonnay Chenin Blanc Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon
You can enjoy your chicken with either a red or white wine depending on your preference as well as how you prepared your chicken. If you prepared your chicken in a light, creamy sauce you’re going to want to go with a white wine such as a versatile Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, or Pinot Gris.You can also pair these white wines with chicken that is prepared with light seasoning or slightly spicy chicken dishes. If you are going to go with a spicy chicken dish or spicy asian chicken dish, we suggest pairing with a Riesling because of the great fruit-forward flavor.
For chicken that is prepared with a tomato or Pepper-based sauce, we recommend going with a red wine. A good Merlot would work great here but if you prefer a Cabernet Sauvignon we say go for it instead. Also if you’re roasting a chicken, you may look to pair it with a red wine such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. If you prefer a white wine however, we suggest pairing a roasted chicken with Chardonnay.
Chicken wine pairing is similar to seafood in the way that the perfect pairing really comes down to how the dish is prepared, how much and what seasoning to use, isfthe sauce a light, white sauce or if it is a red sauce, etc.
Wine With A Steak Is A Great Way To Elevate The Flavors Of Both Your Drink And Your Food
A great wine can provide an acidic tang and a delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with the salty, fatty, umami butteriness of a steak. Take a big, take a swig, and delight in the flavor sensation of pairing a wine with a steak.Whether youre celebrating a special occasion like an anniversary or a promotion at a steakhouse, and eating a dry-aged, Wagyu beef filet or youre just living your best life, and cooking yourself a ribeye steak on a Tuesday night, indulging is all the better when you know youve got the perfect wine to pair with your tender steak.Not an experienced wine aficionado? Not sure how to identify different types of steak, or choose between the perfect pairs? Dont worry. Food and wine pairings arent just the purview of snooty artisans and sommeliers with a bit of basic know-how and information about steak and wine, you can create a truly unforgettable flavor experience, even in the comfort of your home kitchen. Read on, and find out how.
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Buty 2012 Phinny Hill Vineyard Columbia Rediviva
Type: Red BlendOrigin: Walla Walla Valley, Washington, USAPrice: $50
It was a sensational year for wine production across the state of Washington in 2012, and there are any number of gorgeous reds that would do right by a prime cut of meat. But this offering from the first Washington winery to focus on Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah blends as deluxe wines, is emblematic of the 2012 vintages greatness intense flavors highlighted by black cherry and cassis, with unassailable structure and polish.
Suggested Cut: This sumptuous wine calls for a big, juicy ribeye with lots of marbling.
> For more information, visit the Buty official website.
Filet Mignon And Wine
The Filet Mignon is an expensive cut from the thicker end of the cattles tenderloin. It has almost no fat, and thus, its very tender with a delicate flavor. Pan-frying and grilling are good ways to cook it but you should avoid drying it out.
A cut of meat that is as low in fat as the Filet Mignon doesnt need a bold red wine to stand it. Thus, you can go for a light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir. Its fruitiness pairs deliciously with the delicate flavors of the meat. If you serve the meat with a heavy sauce, choose a bolder wine, for instance, a Sangiovese or a Merlot:
More Details on Cabernet Sauvignon: CABERNET SAUVIGNON THE RED WINE ALL-STAR
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A List Of The Best Reds With Mouthwatering Steak
There’s nothing so deliciously decadent as a hearty steak accompanied by a glass of your favorite wine. From flame-kissed sirloin tips to succulent ribeye, each cut deserves a unique wine companion to bring out the best flavors and textures. The old adage of “red meat with red wine” can work in a pinch, but you may be surprised by how the subtle nuances of steak and wine flavors bring out the best in each other when properly matched. Make your next dinner party one for the books with these handy tips on wine pairing with steak.
A Note On White Wines
Dont write off white wine with steak, however. While reds are usually considered to be the best wines with steak, sommelier Mariette Bolitiski told Eater that the acid in white wine also cuts beautifully through rich, fatty cuts of beef. Since whites are generally served best chilled, they provide a great contrast to a hot sizzling steak.
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Bordeaux & Ribeye Steak Pairing
Bordeaux is a blended French wine that may contain Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Bordeaux is a highly sought after red wine, and collectors are known to pay thousands of dollars for the best bottles.
Youll still be able to find reasonably priced Bordeaux, and with Ribeye Steak, Id suggest a bottle $40 and up. The more expensive the Bordeaux, the better it will taste, but stick to something in your budget. Furthermore, if youre new to wine, you dont want to drop $100 or more on a bottle of Bordeaux as most of the wines nuances will go right over your head . Thus, Id stick to lower-cost Bordeaux between $40-$80 until your wine tasting skills are at an intermediate level.
For expensive bottles in the thousands, where you have carefully aged them for 25 years, Id suggest a less fatty steak, such as a NY Strip Steak, to pair up with your wine. If you have your heart on Ribeye, cook it at least medium. Medium-rare Ribeye steak might overpower a mature Bordeaux.
Learn To Pair The Best Wine With Steak
If you need a little nudge in the right direction, a virtual wine tasting is a unique way to learn all about gourmet food and wine pairings. No matter what wines you prefer, talented chefs and sommeliers can help you gain confidence in selecting the ideal types of wine to complement your favorite steak.
Of course, if youd like to pair the best wine with steak through your own experimentation, this helpful guide will get you headed in the right direction.
via Shutterstock
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Awesome Wines That Go Well With Steak
With scores of different kinds of reds, whites, and bubbles flooding the wine market, selecting one to sip and savor with your steak can be mind-boggling. This Tastessence article tells you the wines that pair well with different kinds of steak.
With scores of different kinds of reds, whites, and bubbles flooding the wine market, selecting one to sip and savor with your steak can be mind-boggling. This Tastessence article tells you the wines that pair well with different kinds of steak.
Food and wine are like soulmates. If you pair them right, theyll bring out the best in each other.
Were all well-versed with the simple rule: red wine with red meat! This is true to some extent because you need a wine with good tannin and acid content to balance the rich textures of a steak. Red wines fit the bill because the tannins present in them impart a slightly bitter and astringent characteristic to the wine that gels well with the fats and protein in the steak. Light-bodied wines or white wines are generally not paired with steak, simply because they are weak and get overshadowed by the dish itself. However, pairing wine with steak involves much more.
Wine Pairings With Steak
There’s really nothing better than a juicy, flavorful steak to go along with your favorite red wine. The components of a red wine are going to pair very nicely and complement the choice of steak for dinner. When pairing your food with your wine, it’s important to keep in mind that you aren’t going to want either to overpower one another so you have to find the perfect balance between the flavors. That’s why steak and red wine go so well together neither will be overpowered by the flavors of one another.
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Pairing Wine And Steak: The Ultimate Guide
Steak and wine can be a great match, but the right wine must be selected. The juiciness of red meat combined with the smooth, ripe tannins of a full-bodied red wine is a match made in heaven. However, with different cuts as well as different ways of preparing steak, the ideal wine paring can differ.
Below, well be discussing which wines are best paired with various cuts of steak. So, the next time you are in front of your wine collection wondering if a T-bone steak pairs better with a French Syrah or a Nebbiolo youll know exactly which bottle to reach for.
Find Your Perfect Match
The perfect wine-and-steak pairing can make a routine visit to your favorite steakhouse seem like a pleasurable and unforgettable romantic date. All you need is to understand the different types of wine that can bring out the best flavors and textures in expertly cooked meat.
Sit down to a steak dinner with loved ones and friends at Boa today and experience bliss for yourself.
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The Best Wine Pairings For Grilled Steak
Its no secret that you want to break out your big red wines with steak. When that steak is grilled, dont be afraid to serve wines that have seen some new oakthe smoky-sweet flavors of the barrels work well with the char on the meat.
Its no secret that you want to break out your big red wines with steak. When that steak is grilled, dont be afraid to serve wines that have seen some new oakthe smoky-sweet flavors of the barrels work well with the char on the meat.
California and Washington Cabernet Blends. Napa Valley Cabernets with grilled steak are a classic combo, and you cant go wrong with this pairing. For wines that are a little more interesting , look for Cabernet blends from less-known regions, like Californias Paso Robles and Washington States Walla Walla.
Bordeaux. If you prefer European-style wines, red Bordeauxwhich is made of a blend of Cabernet and Merlot, among other grapesare a good bet. These wines tend to have more acid and tannins than the California wines, which you might appreciate with a rich, buttery sauce. The somewhat savory flavors in Bordeaux can also be great with an herb-laden condiment. For affordable Bordeaux that are dominated by Cabernet, look for wines from appellations like Haut-Médoc or Graves.
What Wine Pairs With Steak
There are many wines that pair with steak, but sweeter red wine types tend to be the best fit. Most red wines offer fruity aromas and tastes that bring out the savory, spiced, and herby elements of steak. They also span the breadth of tannin characteristics, offering you light or strong dryness depending on the recipe youâre making.
Steak is a dish that often has as diverse an ingredient list as the wines that go with it. As such, itâs important to understand which flavors complement each other and what the right red wine serving temperature is. Since steak is already a substantial meal, you donât want to choose a wine that will overwhelm your palate with too many rich flavors.
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel are some of the most popular choices to pair with steak. Each of these wines embodies various red and black fruits, ranging from the sweetness of strawberries to the tangy, woodsiness of currants and cherries.
Whether youâre learning how to become a sommelier, or perhaps youâve been on bar staff for a long time, keeping track of wine bottles isnât easy. Manual bar inventory management can only get you so far before paperwork piles up and youâre looking for a simpler solution.
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Your Own Favorite Red
Heres the thing about pairing a red wine with steak its hard to go wrong if you just choose your favorite! Even if its a wine thats not on this list, such as a Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Sangiovese or even a blend.Fine dining is all about finding your own personal preferences and favorites. Sure, its nice to try new things every once in a while, but if you have a red wine that you absolutely love, you should ignore all of our advice and pair it with your next steak!Your goal is to enjoy your dinner, not impress food or wine snobs who will snark at your selection of wine. While the above guidelines are helpful if you want to try new things, youre always free to choose to accompany your meal with whatever beverage you want. Heck, if you want to drink a white wine like Pinot Grigio with your steak, feel free! Grab a frozen margarita to drink with your ribeye! Accompany your filet with a root beer, if you want!Anything goes. The only way to find out the very best steak and wine pairing for yourself is to taste different wines, and experiment. And, once you find a combination you love, you can feel free to stick with it or try new things! Its your call.
What About Steak Sauces
A major consideration in deciding which wine to pair with your steak is whether your meal includes a sauce or gravy. For instance, a creamy or buttery sauce, like bechamel, may even call for a full-bodied white wine such as Chardonnay or Roussanne.
Oh no, we just broke red meat with red wine rule.
If youre sticking with the more traditional steak sauces such as peppercorn au poivre or an herb chimichurri, then a Bordeaux blend would do nicely.
A sweet fruit reduction sauce may call for a less acidic wine like a ripe Syrah, since sweet foods highlight the perceived acidity in the wine, and you dont want to overdo tartness.
A dark mushroom sauce may call for a fruitier choice like a Grenache, so your meal can elevate off the forest floor and you can enjoy the contrast in flavors.
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Stoller Family Estate 2014 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
Type: Pinot NoirOrigin: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USAPrice: $30
As a LEED Gold certified winery with sustainable vineyards, Stoller is as resource efficient an operation as youll find in the Pacific Northwest. The savory 2014 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir is very approachable, with notes of mistletoe, exotic spices and Bing cherry. Its classic Willamette Valley pinot at an excellent price point.
Suggested Cut: The wine exudes chocolate and sea salt flavor that meshes well with Delmonico-style ribeye.
> For more information, visit the Stoller Family Estate official website.
