Wine Pairing

The Best Selections for Your Favorite Cuts of Meat

When it comes to pleasing the palate, there aren’t many culinary combinations that can top a good glass of wine with a delicious steak. Choosing the best wine to go with the right cut of beef isn’t as simple as picking out something red or white. You might be comfortable taking a restaurant server’s suggestion when you’re out for a nice meal, but what about when you’re at home preparing dinner for your family? Sometimes the choices can be overwhelming, or we feel we just don’t know enough about meat or wine to make a confident decision that will enhance the dining experience.

One of the reasons that red wine pairs so effortlessly with steak is because the tannins in the red wine help enhance the beef flavor. Steak, in turn, can make wine taste better too: The fat in the meat brings out the fruit flavors in the wine. While red wine is a classic choice for steak, the acid in white wine produces a similar effect on beef that the tannins in the red wine do. Since whites are generally served best chilled, they provide a great contrast to a hot sizzling steak.

So which wines are best with which cuts of steak? Fear not, we have some suggestions that will make you look and feel like an expert the next time you are planning a steak dinner at home that rivals the highest quality steakhouses.

Rib-Eye or Delmonico – Zinfandel

The rib-eye is arguably one of the most flavor-packed cuts of steak. This cut pairs nicely with the spicy undertones of Zinfandel. The flavors in Zinfandel contrast well with the meatiness of the rib-eye. Try seasoning the rib-eye with the bold flavor of paprika, which will give your steak a smoky spiciness perfect for a glass of Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Filet Mignon – Pinot Noir

The much-admired filet is the most tender, leanest cut of beef that also has one of the most subtle flavors, which is why it’s often served with sauces. It’s important to choose a wine that won’t overshadow the steak. Pinot Noir is higher in acidity but tends to be lower in alcohol content resulting in a light refreshing taste, adding to the flavor of the filet mignon without being overpowering. Feel free to choose a heartier pinot noir if the steak is prepared with a peppercorn sauce or other big flavor accompaniment. Malbec is another nice complement to the texture of a filet mignon.

NY Strip – Cabernet Sauvignon, Champagne

If you are a white wine lover, NY strip is the steak for you. Champagne is the best pairing here because its acidic qualities are similar to that of a red wine. The classic pairing for the NY Strip is Cabernet Sauvignon since its fruit tones work well with the bold flavor of the strip. Looking for something different? A lighter rosé can bring out the natural flavors of the steak when it’s simply seasoned with salt and pepper and served with a fresh salad.

Porterhouse or T-bone – Syrah

As we’ve mentioned, red wine is the best pairing for steaks with higher fat content. The porterhouse calls for a wine that can handle the combined textures of the tenderloin and the strip. Syrah pairs well because it’s not as heavy as a Cabernet Sauvignon, but it’s also not as light as Pinot Noir. The Cabernet will do, however, for a porterhouse that comes with a rich sauce.

Knowing which wine pairs best with various cuts of steak depends not only on the meat itself, but also on the steak’s preparation and any side dishes as well. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you truly can’t go wrong with any wine you choose, but being particularly selective will enhance the flavors.

Now that you have some inspiration and know what to look for, be sure to visit the Wine & Spirits aisle in our store when you are picking up your favorite cut of meat. You can put your expert wine skills into practice and impress your dinner guests.