10 Best Wines with Steak & Steak Pairing Guide

Pairing the right wine with steak can transform a good meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. This guide is dedicated to all steak and wine lovers, aiming to select the perfect wine to complement your favorite cuts of steak. Whether you're a connoisseur of reds, a lover of whites, or somewhere in between, our carefully curated list of the 10 best wines with steak will guide you through the nuances of pairing, ensuring that each bite and sip is a harmonious blend of culinary delight, so as to elevate the flavors of your favorite steak dishes.

10 Best Wines with Steak

When selecting the best wine for steak, the choice can significantly enhance the flavors and overall dining experience. Here are ten exceptional wines, each offering unique attributes that pair beautifully with different types of steak:

2018 Hall Coeur Cabernet Sauvignon ($81)

A robust choice from Napa Valley, this wine is known for its full-bodied concentration. It combines the earthy tones of dusty sage and sweet tobacco with the richness of blackberry fruit. Its ripe tannins and oak influences make it an excellent match for well-marbled steaks.

2018 Paul Hobbs Nathan Coombs Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($370)

This wine stands out as the best red wine with steak with its elegant structure and balanced acidity. The bouquet of chocolate-covered cherries, cassis, and black olives, followed by flavors of dark fruits and herbs, complements the savory flavors of grilled or roasted steaks.

2017 Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Cabernet ($100)

From Argentina's Uco Valley, this blend offers a deep purple color and complex aromas of baking spices, black cherries, and a hint of mint. Its palate of black raspberries and plums, accented with milk chocolate and peppermint, pairs wonderfully with spicy or boldly seasoned steaks.

2018 Benziger Family Winery de Coelo Pinot Noir ($61)

This Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, with its creamy mouthfeel and voluptuous texture, brings out the best in tender cuts like filet mignon. Flavors of black cherry, red plum, and cranberry, along with a touch of pomegranate, complement the subtle flavors of the meat.

2018 Sadie Family Wines Columella ($150)

A celebrated South African blend, this wine offers a bold nose and a well-balanced palate with smooth tannins. Its complex profile, with a mix of Syrah, Mourvedre, and Grenache, makes it versatile enough to pair with a variety of steak dishes.

2019 Bodega Garzón Petit Clos Block #212 Tannat ($54)

This Uruguayan wine features a well-structured body with unique aromas of green bell pepper and plum, accented by cinnamon. Its elegant palate of blueberry and plum, with hints of black olive, suits the rich flavors of steaks, especially those with a charred crust.

2018 Chateau de Pez Bordeaux ($54)

A delightful blend from Saint-Estephe, it combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, enriched with notes of black fruits, red cherry, tobacco leaf, and purple flowers. The wine's ripe fruit flavors and balanced tannins are ideal for complementing thick, juicy cuts of beef.

2012 Hudson Vineyards Chardonnay ($54)

Distinctive for its grilled nut and apple compote aromas, this Chardonnay from Napa Valley pairs surprisingly well with steak, especially fattier cuts like ribeye. Its rich body and lemon zest notes provide a nice counterbalance to the meat's richness.

2020 Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling ($140)

A German Riesling with a detailed profile, offering dried mango and white peach notes. The wine's acidity and minerality cut through the fattiness of the steak, making it a refreshing choice for lighter preparations.

2021 Press Gang Savanna Rhea Grenache Rosé ($26)

This rosé, with its unique orange-pink hue, provides a fresh contrast to steak. Aromas of strawberry and cherry sorbet, along with zesty red fruit and tangerine-peel flavors, offer a lighter, yet energetic pairing option.

Each of these wines brings something special to the table, enhancing the flavors of the steak and creating a harmonious dining experience. Whether you prefer the classic boldness of a Cabernet Sauvignon or the subtle elegance of a Pinot Noir, these selections cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

How to Choose Wine to Pair with Steak?

Pairing wine with steak isn't just about choosing red over white; it's about understanding the nuances of both the wine and the cut of meat. The key is to match the intensity of the wine with the richness of the steak. Here’s a guide on how to select wine based on different types of steak:

• Beef Ribeye: Rich and fatty, ribeye steaks are full of flavor. They pair well with bold, full-bodied red wines that have high tannins. A Cabernet Sauvignon or a robust Bordeaux blend can stand up to the richness of the meat, with the tannins in the wine helping to cut through the fat.
• Filet Mignon: This cut is leaner and more delicate, requiring a wine that won’t overpower it. Pinot Noir, with its lighter body and subtle flavors, complements the tenderness of the filet mignon. Alternatively, a rich Chardonnay can also pair nicely.
• Sirloin: A versatile cut like sirloin, which is moderately tender and flavorful, pairs well with a variety of wines. A Merlot, known for its softer tannins and fruit-forward profile, or a medium-bodied Shiraz, can enhance the flavors of sirloin without overwhelming them.
• T-Bone/Porterhouse: These cuts combine tenderloin and strip steak, offering a mix of textures and flavors. A wine that balances these elements, like a Zinfandel or a Tempranillo, can complement the complexity of these steaks.
• Flank Steak: Often used in dishes like fajitas and known for its strong beefy flavor, flank steak pairs well with wines that have a good balance of fruit and acidity. A Malbec or a Sangiovese can complement the meat’s robustness.

Conclusion

In wrapping up our journey through what wine goes with steak, we've explored how the right wine can profoundly elevate the steak-eating experience. Whether it's pairing a bold Cabernet Sauvignon with a richly marbled ribeye or complementing a delicate filet mignon with a subtle Pinot Noir, the key lies in creating a balance between the flavors and textures for a seamless culinary experience. Remember, while guidelines are helpful, personal preference is paramount. Don't hesitate to experiment and trust your palate to find your perfect match.