How to Pair Wine with Steak – The Best Wine Pairing

The rich, savory flavors of beef naturally complement the complex notes found in wine, creating a dining experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts. There’s something magical about the relationship between a perfectly cooked steak and the right wine. 

But here’s the thing. We’ve all been there, standing in front of an impressive wine list, feeling completely overwhelmed. Which wine should you choose? Will a bold red overpower your ribeye, or will a lighter option fall flat against that beautiful tomahawk?

The truth is, the wrong wine pairing can turn your premium steak dinner into a disappointing experience. However, when you nail that perfect match, it transforms your meal into something truly extraordinary. This How to Pair Wine with Steak Guide will walk you through the best wine pairings for different cuts of steak, ensuring your next dinner is nothing short of spectacular.

Best Wine With Steak & Pairing Options Explained

Let’s take a detailed look at which wine pairs best with steaks below. 

Filet Mignon

Filet mignon is simple, lean, and gently flavored. Unlike ribeye, which has a more pronounced, bovine flavor, this cut is perfect-great for those in search of a lighter steak. It has such a buttery feel that it literally melts in your mouth.

Best Wine Pairings With Filet Mignon:

• Pinot Noir: This lighter red won’t overpower filet mignon’s delicate flavor. Its smooth, fruity notes complement the meat’s subtle taste while its gentle tannins provide just enough structure.
• Merlot: Soft and easy to love, the soft mouthfeel of Merlot emulates the cut of tenderness in filet mignon. The moderate tannins and fruit-forward character of the wine complement the meat without being in competition.
• Chardonnay: Yes, white wine with steak! A full-bodied, oaked Chardonnay can be magnificent with filet mignon. The wine’s buttery notes echo the steak’s texture, creating a luxurious combination.

Tomahawk Steak

The tomahawk is ribeye’s dramatic cousin, essentially a ribeye with the bone left long for presentation. It offers the same rich, marbled meat as ribeye but with added flavor from the bone. This is steak theater at its finest.

Best Wine Pairings With Tomahawk Steak:

• Bordeaux Blend:  The complexity of a Bordeaux blend (typically Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc) mirrors the tomahawk’s layered flavors, creating a truly memorable dining experience.
• Barolo: This powerful Italian wine can match the tomahawk’s intensity. Its complex tannins and earthy notes create a sophisticated pairing that celebrates both the wine and the meat.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: The classic choice remains king. A full-bodied Cabernet with its structured tannins and dark fruit flavors is perfect for this show-stopping cut.

Ribeye Steak

Ribeye is the crown jewel of steaks – marbled with fat that creates incredible flavor and tenderness. This rich, juicy cut has a bold, beefy taste that can stand up to equally robust wines. The marbling makes it one of the most flavorful steaks you’ll find.

Best Wine Pairings With Ribeye Steak:

• Malbec: The wine’s natural earthiness brings out the steak’s savory qualities without overwhelming the palate. With its intense, dark fruit flavors and smooth finish, Malbec pairs wonderfully with ribeye’s marbling.
• Shiraz/Syrah: These wines offer bold, peppery notes that enhance the ribeye’s robust flavor. The wine’s spiciness adds an extra layer of complexity that makes each bite more interesting.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: This full-bodied red is the ribeye’s best friend. Its high tannins cut through the fat beautifully, while its dark fruit flavors complement the meat’s richness. Think of it as the perfect dance partner – strong enough to keep up.

New York strip

The New York strip strikes the perfect balance between tenderness and flavor. It’s beefier than filet mignon but not as rich as ribeye, making it incredibly versatile. This cut offers a firm texture with excellent marbling throughout.

Best Wine Pairings With the New York Strip Steak:

• Sangiovese: This Italian red brings bright acidity that cuts through the meat’s richness. Its cherry notes and earthy undertones add complexity without overwhelming the steak’s natural flavors.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: A classic pairing that never fails. The wine’s structured tannins complement the strip’s firm texture, while its bold flavors match the steak’s robust taste perfectly.
• Zinfandel: With its bold, jammy fruit flavors and moderate tannins, Zinfandel creates an exciting contrast with New York strip. The wine’s spicy finish adds an extra dimension to each bite.

Lamb Cutlets

While lamb cutlets are technically not steak, they deserve special mention. They offer a distinctive, slightly gamey flavor that’s both rich and sophisticated. Moreover, the meat’s natural oils and herbs create a unique taste profile.

Best Wine Pairings With Lamb Cutlets

• Rosé: A full-bodied rosé can be surprisingly wonderful with lamb cutlets. The wine’s freshness balances the meat’s richness while its subtle fruit notes complement the flavors.
• Côtes du Rhône: The herbal notes in these French wines complement lamb’s natural flavors beautifully. The wine’s earthy character enhances the meat’s distinctive taste.
• Tempranillo: This Spanish red’s moderate tannins and fruit flavors create a balanced pairing. Its slight spiciness adds complexity without overpowering the lamb’s delicate gaminess.

Red or White Wine With Steak?

Usually, red wine pairs best with steak. However, the key is matching intensity. Delicate steaks can pair with elegant whites, while bold cuts need wines with enough structure to hold their ground. 

Red wines dominate steak pairings because their tannins cut through fat and their bold flavors complement beef’s richness. The top three red wines that pair the best with red steaks are: 

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Malbec
• Shiraz

But white wines have their place too! Full-bodied whites like oaked Chardonnay or rich Viognier work beautifully with lighter cuts like filet mignon. 

Factors to Remember When Pairing Wine With Steak

Getting the perfect wine and steak pairing isn’t just about matching flavors . There are several key factors that can make or break your dining experience, such as: 

• Temperature is key: Serve reds slightly below room temperature and whites properly chilled
• Consider the cooking method: Grilled steaks pair better with bolder wines, while pan-seared steaks work well with more delicate options
• Consider the sauce:  A peppercorn sauce calls for a different wine than a simple herb butter
• Check out fat contents: Fattier cuts need wines with higher tannins to cut through the richness
• Don’t forget the sides: Rich sides like loaded potatoes might influence your wine choice
• Always look into your personal preference rules: Don’t be afraid to experiment with what you enjoy.

Verdict

The perfect wine and steak pairing is about finding harmony between flavors, textures, and personal preferences. While these How to Pair Wine with Steak guidelines provide excellent starting points, remember that the best pairing is ultimately the one you enjoy most. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your own favourite combinations.

At Blossom Steakhouse in Sanur, Bali, we understand that great steak dining is about more than just the meat. Our carefully curated wine selection features perfect pairings for every cut on our menu, from our signature ribeye to our spectacular tomahawk steaks. 

Come discover what happens when premium cuts meet perfectly paired wines!