Inexpensive Red Wine to Drink With Beef
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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.
Ribeye
Ribeye is the juiciest, most flavorful cut of steak. As the name implies, it comes from the cow's rib region. Ribeye is also called cowboy ribeye when served with the rib bone still attached, Scotch filet when the bone is removed, and prime rib when the steak is roasted. Many experts recommend pairing ribeye steak with a Cabernet Sauvignon, as the high tannins help to cut through the juiciness and fattiness of the cut. A spicy Zinfandel is another nice choice, as the fruitiness of the wine contrasts well with the ribeye's robust meatiness.
As far as seasoning goes, you can't go wrong with kosher salt and plenty of coarsely ground black pepper — that's true for all quality cuts. When in doubt, keep it simple. For a bolder flavor, try seasoning with paprika. Paprika provides a nice smoky spiciness that pairs wonderfully with Bordeaux (ideally aged), Cabernet Sauvignon (ideally young), Merlot and Zinfandel wines.
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Crossfork Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley, 2018
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Macchia Zinfandel Mischievous Lodi
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Chateau Bois Redon Bordeaux Superieur
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Torial Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Filet Mignon
Filet mignon is an incredibly tender cut that comes from the thicker end of the cow's tenderloin. Because it's the least fatty cut, filet mignon also tends to have the most delicate flavor, which is why it's often served with sauces. If you plan on serving your filet mignon on its own with a simple salt and pepper seasoning, a light Pinot Noir is a fine choice. The wine has a pleasant fruitiness and subtle oakiness that complements that gentle flavors of the meat without overpowering it. Sometimes less is more when it comes to pairing wine and steak.
If you plan on serving filet mignon festooned with peppercorns or accompanied with a sauce, choose a heavier, smokier Pinot Noir or a rich Chardonnay. Red, dry wines such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz and Sangiovese also tend to work well. Filet mignon is also an excellent choice for Malbec wine pairing, as the Malbec's boldness and velvety tannins complement the texture, flavor and mouthfeel of the filet. In particular, a Argentinian Malbec red wine tends to have floral characteristics that bring out the flavor of this cut.
BEST WINES FOR FILET MIGNON
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Sextant Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
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Finca Flichman Malbec Tupungato, 2019
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Courtney Benham Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District
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Butter Knife Chardonnay
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New York Strip
New York strip comes from the cow's short loin region and is one of the most versatile cuts, boasting a rich, beefy flavor and a tight grain that provides a medium tenderness. New York strip tastes lovely with just salt and pepper, but you can add garlic and onion salt for a bolder taste. Cabernet Sauvignon is the go-to wine for pairing with New York strip steaks, as its juicy black fruit notes provide a lovely contrast to the meatiness of the cut. Additionally, the tannins and acidity of Cabernet Sauvignon wine balances out the fattiness of the meat on the palate.
If you plan on serving a lighter wine, such as a Pinot Noir or rosé, you may want to serve the steak alongside a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette or honey Dijon dressing instead of the traditional mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. New York strip is a middle-of-the-road steak as far as textures and flavors go, so use your seasonings, sauces and accouterments to create a lighter or bolder dish that matches the style of wine you plan to serve. Always remember to consider the whole dish, not just the meat, when selecting wine to match steak.
BEST WINES FOR NEW YORK STRIP
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1858 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles
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Truth & Valor Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles
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Olema Pinot Noir Sonoma County, 2019
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D'Autrefois Rose de Pinot Noir
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Porterhouse
Porterhouse steaks, or t-bones, come from the cow's short loin region. This cut contains both filet mignon and New York strip cuts separated by a t-shaped bone. Porterhouse steaks pair well with medium-bodied red wines; a Syrah is an excellent choice because of its refined tannins and notes of hearty black fruits. If you plan to serve your porterhouse with a rich sauce, such as a Béarnaise, go for a full-bodied, high-tannin red such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The sauce helps to balance out the intensity of the wine's mouthfeel.
BEST WINES FOR PORTERHOUSE
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Sheridan Mystique Yakima, 2018
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Vistamar Cabernet Syrah Gran Reserva
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Radius Merlot
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Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz
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Now that you have a better idea on how to pair the four major steak cuts, it's time for the best part: experimenting with different combinations and preparation methods. Fortunately, it's hard to go wrong with steak and wine; you're bound to have a pleasant dining experience.
If you decide to go for budget-friendly skirt or flank steaks, the cut doesn't matter as much as the overall dish. As a general rule, opt for medium- to full-bodied reds when you're not sure. Finding the perfect wine pairing with steak is a lifelong project, so take your time, invite some loved ones over, and enjoy every moment of the journey.
Source: https://www.totalwine.com/collections/food-and-wine-pairing/red-wine-and-steak
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