How to Pair Wine with Steak

Some classic culinary pairings are so popular that everyone has tried them out at some point: Salt and pepper, bacon and eggs, spaghetti and meatballs – you get the picture. However, there is one underrated combo that doesn’t get as much recognition as it deserves: Wine and steak.

Anyone who knows a thing or two about eating out will tell you that the right wine provides an acidic tang that pairs perfectly with a steak. While most people know that red wine is the best drink to enjoy with a steak, some might want to know what kind of red wine to order the next time they’re at a steakhouse. Luckily, a bit of basic know-how and information about steak and wine can help you create a memorable taste experience.

Here are the five best red wine styles to pair with your steak.

Cabernets

Cabernets are the crowd-pleasers of red wines. There are plenty of cabernets to try out and are among the best red wines for beginners. The high acidity of cabernets easily cut through fatty and savoury foods, adding a tanginess that brings out the flavour of a good steak.

Zinfandel

If sweeter wines are your forte, Zinfandel is the perfect wine to enjoy with your steak. A word of caution, though: Avoid steaks that have a sweet seasoning if you’re going to drink this type of wine. Instead, pair Zinfandel with spicy, zesty steaks. The wine’s sweetness balances out the spice and clears your palate between bites of your steak.

Malbec

This bolder red wine has a dark, ink-like colour and a rich flavour profile packed with tannins (naturally occurring compounds found in bark, wood, and leaves that add bitterness to wine). Despite this, Malbec has a fruitier profile rather than the expected woody or oaky aroma. Because of its fruity flavour and strong scent, Malbec goes great with lean cuts of steak such as a top sirloin or a flank steak.

Syrah (Shiraz)

Are you looking for a red wine that pairs perfectly with fatty steak cuts such as ribeye? Then a Syrah varietal is your go-to red wine. Cuts like ribeye usually require heavier wines to balance out their flavour and counter the richness of the fatty meat cuts. The terms Syrah and Shiraz can be used interchangeably, so don’t be surprised if you see wines marketed under both varietals wine.

Your Favourite Red Wine

The beautiful thing about pairing red wine with steak is that it’s near impossible to go wrong. Sure, everyone enjoys the novelty of new culinary experiences, but that doesn’t mean you have to ignore your preferences. After all, the goal is to enjoy your dinner, not impress a wine aficionado with your choice of drink.

Remember that the above guidelines are only meant to steer you in the right direction, not restrict your choices when all you want to do is have a good meal. The only way to find your ideal steak and wine pairing is to experiment. And once you find a combination that works for you, you can either stick with it or try new things! It’s all up to you.

Reserve your table at Turn ‘n Tender today by clicking here.