Steak Wine Pairings – Urban Bliss Life

Published: March 27, 2024 / Updated: March 7, 2024 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland · This post may contain affiliate links.

What’s the best wine with steak? Check out this comprehensive Steak Wine Pairings Guide! In it, we share our expert wine pairing selections for a wide variety of steak dishes.

Whether you’re preparing an everyday meal like Air Fryer Steak Bites, or a special occasion dinner with ribeye steak or filet mignon, you might be tempted to reach for any red wine to pair with it. But not so fast!

While red wine pairs beautifully with most red meat, there’s a lot more to consider. Choosing the right wine that compliments the specific flavors of each delicious steak dish can elevate your dining experience.

During my wine studies to reach my WSET 2 level certification, one of my favorite parts was learning and testing out different food and wine pairings. I’m excited to share what I have learned over the years in our wine and food pairing guides!

Now, let’s talk steak and wine!

🍇 Wine pairing tips

Pairing wine with a juicy steak dinner isn’t rocket science. But, you do want to take a moment to carefully think about the nuances of each dish and which particular wines will pair well.

Here are the top three things to consider when choosing the right steak wine pairing:

1. Intensity of flavor – The intensity of both the steak and the wine should complement each other. A bold steak, such as a ribeye or a T-bone, has rich flavors and marbling. It pairs well with full-bodied wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Syrah. These bold red wines have enough body and high tannin to stand up to strong flavors without being overwhelmed.
2. Tannins and fat content – Tannins are naturally occurring compounds found in wine that affect the mouthfeel of the wine. When someone says they like wines with “high tannins,” they mean a red wine that feels heavier and lingers on the tongue. Tannins can actually interact with the proteins and fats in steak. So steaks with higher fat content, such as a prime rib or a New York strip, can benefit from wines with higher tannin levels. The tannins help cut through the richness of the meat and cleanse the palate. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Bordeaux blends are a good choice due to their tannic structure.
3. Preparation and seasoning – Finally, it’s important to consider how the steak is prepared and seasoned. Grilled steaks tend to have a smokier flavor that pairs well with wines exhibiting similar characteristics, like a smoky Syrah or a charred oak-aged Cabernet Sauvignon. For steaks seasoned with peppercorns or herbs, a wine with herbal or spicy notes, such as a Shiraz or a Zinfandel, can complement the flavors beautifully.

Remember, your personal preference ultimately plays the most important role in wine pairing. So after reading this guide, don’t hesitate to experiment and find combinations that suit your taste buds.

🥂 White wine pairings with steak

White wine with steak? Seriously?

Yes! Seriously!

Pairing white wine with steak might not be the classic choice, but there are some white wines that can complement certain preparations of steak beautifully. Trust me on this!

Here are three white wines to consider pairing with different preparations of steak:

• Chardonnay – Chardonnay is the main white wine I like to pair with steak. With both oaked and unoaked varieties, it’s so versatile and can pair well with different preparations. Full-bodied oaked Chardonnays have a rich texture that make it an excellent choice for steak with creamy or butter sauces. Try it with a steak béarnaise or steak topped with a creamy mushroom sauce. Also, Chardonnay’s subtle oakiness can complement the charred flavors from grilled or seared steaks.
• Viognier – Viognier is a lovely white wine with aromatic floral notes and a lush, fruity character. It pairs well with steak dishes that are seasoned with fragrant herbs or spices. Think steak au poivre or a steak with a Mediterranean herb rub. The wine’s floral aromas and stone fruit flavors can enhance the savory flavors of steakand provide a refreshing contrast.
• Sauvignon Blanc – Sauvignon Blanc is known for its crisp acidity and vibrant citrus flavors. This makes it a great choice for pairing with lighter steak preparations. Or, with steak dishes that incorporate tangy or acidic ingredients. For example, if you’re serving a steak salad with a citrus vinaigrette or a steak topped with a salsa verde. Sauvignon Blanc’s high acidity can help cut through the richness of the meat and refresh the palate between bites.

🍷 Best red wine with steak

Okay, now we’re getting to the more traditional wine pairing options. Red wine and steak are a classic pairing, for good reason. There are several types of red wine that can complement different preparations of steak.

Here are four top red wine and steak pairings to consider:

• Cabernet Sauvignon – When in doubt, I suggest reaching for a Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s the perfect wine for most steak preparations. This full-bodied red wine usually has rich flavors of dark fruit, such as blackberry and cassis. It also has notes of oak, vanilla, and sometimes tobacco. It is one of the best wine pairings for all kinds of steak. But it’s especially a perfect match for hearty cuts like ribeye or New York strip that are grilled or roasted. The wine’s high tannins and bold flavors can stand up to the intensity of a more expensive cut of steak.
• Malbec – Malbec is a medium to full-bodied red wine with ripe fruit flavors, velvety texture, and a subtle spiciness. It’s also usually quite affordable compared to other red wines. Malbec pairs beautifully with grilled steaks, particularly those with smoky or charred flavors. The wine’s smooth tannins and notes of blackberry, plum, and black pepper can complement the caramelization of a perfectly seared steak. It’s such a delicious combo!
• Syrah/Shiraz – Syrah, also known as Shiraz in Australia, is a bold and peppery red wine with flavors of dark fruit, black pepper, and smoked meat. It’s a great wine with steak dishes that are seasoned with spices or herbs. Think pepper-crusted skirt steak or steak with a rosemary-garlic marinade.
• Merlot – Poor Merlot – it got a bad rap for so many years. But today’s Merlot is most definitely more refined and elegant than the Merlot wines of decades past. This medium to full-bodied red wine has soft tannins and flavors of ripe plum, cherry, and chocolate. It tends to pair well with steaks that have lighter sauces or marinades. Merlot’s smooth texture and fruity flavor profile pairs particularly well with tender cuts of steak, such as filet mignon or flank steak, cooked to medium-rare or medium doneness.

🩷 How to pair rosé wine with steak

While rosé wines are often associated with lighter fare like salads and seafood, they can also pair surprisingly well with certain steak dishes. I love serving grilled steaks and other BBQ meats with rosé, particularly in the summer.

Here are two types of steak dishes that would pair well with a rosé wine:

• Steak with Chimichurri Sauce – Rib-eye is a flavorful cut that benefits from grilling or cast iron cooking, and its bold flavors are complemented by the fresh, herbaceous notes of chimichurri sauce. We love pairing our Cast Iron Steak with Chimichurri Sauce with a rosé made from richer red grapes, like Tempranillo or Syrah.
• Steak Salad with Balsamic Glaze – A steak salad offers a lighter take on steak that pairs beautifully with a rosé of Pinot Noir. The wine’s acidity and fruit-forward character complement the freshness of the salad while providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steak and the sweetness of the balsamic glaze.

Check out our BBQ and wine pairing guide for more wines that pair well with grilled foods.

🍾 How to pair sparkling wine with steak

Sparkling wine is always a good idea! And it can be a delightful pairing with steak, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the meat.

Here are two types of steak dishes that would pair well with sparkling wine:

• Steak tartare – Steak tartare is made from finely chopped raw beef seasoned with various herbs, spices, and condiments. The bright acidity and effervescence of sparkling wine, such as Champagne or Prosecco, can cut through the richness of the raw beef. It also helps cleanse the palate between bites. The wine’s crispness and lively bubbles provide a refreshing contrast to the intense flavors of the steak tartare. It’s a sophisticated and truly delicious pairing.
• Grilled Steak Bruschetta – Slices of grilled steak are served atop toasted bread slices. Then it’s topped with tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Such a great party appetizer, especially when served with sparkling wine! The vibrant flavors and textures of the bruschetta pair beautifully with the effervescence and acidity of sparkling wine.