Meat
Best Wine with Steak
Rich, well-marbled steak calls for bold red wines with firm tannins to complement the meat's fat and protein.
Why This Pairing Works
The fat in steak softens wine tannins while protein binds to them, cleansing your palate between bites. Bold red wines match the intensity of grilled beef without being overwhelmed.
Best Wine Varieties for Steak
1Cabernet Sauvignon
2Malbec
3Syrah/Shiraz
4Barolo (Nebbiolo)
5Bordeaux blends
Alternative Wine Choices
These wines also pair well with Steak:
ZinfandelTempranilloCarménèreMonastrell
Pairing Tips
- Match wine intensity to cooking method—grilled steaks need bolder wines than pan-seared
- Fattier cuts (ribeye) handle more tannic wines than leaner cuts (filet)
- Consider the sauce: peppercorn sauce pairs with Syrah, béarnaise with Chardonnay
- Aged steaks pair beautifully with aged wines—both have developed complex flavors
Wines to Avoid
- Light-bodied reds (Beaujolais)
- Delicate whites
- Sweet wines
- High-acid wines without body
Top Pick
Cabernet Sauvignon
Our top recommendation for pairing with steak.
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