Traditionally, people think of classic red wines when they choose wine pairings for steak cuts. Thankfully, today's sommeliers can see beyond the obvious. You can also benefit from their experience by stepping outside the box and trying these five unexpected wine pairings for your favorite steak cut.
Which Wine Goes Well With Steak?
The classic wine pairing for premium steaks is Cabernet Sauvignon, and you still can't go wrong with this combination. The high levels of tannins create a unique flavor reminiscent of oak that goes well with all sorts of beef, lamb, and even roasted duck dishes.
If you're sick of traditional wine pairings, you have two options. You can look for a Cabernet blend from a lesser-known region that offers both good value for the money and a unique flavor profile. Alternatively, you can eschew traditional constraints entirely with one of the sommelier-recommended alternatives below.
Bordeaux Blends
European-style red Bordeaux blends typically contain Cabernet Sauvignon, but it's mixed with a variety of other red wines. The best Bordeaux blends to eat with steak contain a good deal of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, as well as smaller amounts of Petit Verdot and Malbec.
Like a pure Cabernet Sauvignon, a Bordeaux blend is relatively acidic, and you'll be able to note the tannins. For most diners and wine lovers, the savory combination provides a perfect complement to rich steaks, sauces, and herb-laden sides.
Bordeaux blends work because they deliver complementary flavors that bring out everything the best cuts of steak have to offer without stepping on their toes. Merlot-heavy Bordeaux blends are perfect for filet mignon, particularly when simply seasoned and butter-basted.
If you're going to serve a Bordeaux blend, it's important to find a European wine. Californian Bordeaux blends are less acidic and more alcoholic thanks to the area's climate, so they don't pair as well with steak compared to wines produced in cooler, more temperate places.
2. Zinfandel
Zinfandel can make a better pairing than a heavier-bodied red wine if you're rubbing your steak with sweet spices or using a dried chile sauce. The berry-rich flavor of this California wine is food-friendly alongside many meats, but it's uniquely suited to sweet and spicy barbecued meats.
Unlike Cabernet Sauvignon and most red Bordeaux mixes, Zinfandel has a high acidity and only moderate levels of tannins. The acid allows it to cut through the fat, and the berry flavor complements sweet sauces while providing a delicious contrast to spicy steak sauces.
Ribeye and T-bone steak are the best cuts to pair with Zinfandel. These rich, delicious steak cuts are naturally tender and feature a lot of marbling, making them perfect matches for California Zinfandel.
3. Barolo
Made from Nebbiolo grapes, Barolo is considered by many to be one of Italy's best wines. With undertones of truffles, chocolate, and fruit, a true Barolo must be aged in wood for at least two years and in glass bottles for at least one before it can be served.
Because of the involved aging process and the difficulty of growing Nebbiolo grapes, Barolo is a high-end wine. Thanks to its aromatic, flavorful profile, it pairs well with porterhouse and T-bone steaks. These steaks are usually tender but lean, so there's less need for highly acidic wines or heavy tannins.
If you're looking for a slightly less expensive alternative that features a similar taste and aromatic profile, Valfaccenda's Roero Rosso Riserva is a good option. Made from grapes grown at the famed Valmaggiore vineyard, it has a similar Nebbiolo structure that holds up to lean cuts. However, you should be able to find a bottle for far less than a true Barolo.
4. Malbec
Malbec has a strong berry flavor with a unique, velvety texture that complements fibrous cuts of meat like Flank and Skirt. A Malbec's strong flavor will cut through any potential chewiness, whether marinating your steak cuts or keeping things clean by grilling with salt and pepper.
These tough cuts can be savory treats when cooked correctly, and adding a full-bodied red wine will further enhance the experience. A French Malbec will be savory and tart, with higher levels of tannins. You'll find that it's a good alternative to traditional pairings like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Malbec grapes can be grown throughout the world, although Argentina is the biggest producer. Consider an Argentinian Malbec for classic Argentine dishes like Chimichurri Steak Asado. This dish typically uses sirloin steak, which can also benefit from the Malbec's fruit-forward flavor.
Vineyards also produce Malbec in Chile, South Africa, the United States, and elsewhere. Don't be afraid to experiment, but keep in mind that Malbec is an intense wine, so it pairs best with lean meats and rustic flavors.
5. White Burgundy
Recently, steak houses across America have been turning to unlikely pairings to keep things interesting, often to great effect. White Burgundy wines form unexpected complements to any high-quality cuts thanks to their acidity and smoky, earthy notes.
Sommeliers often have highly specific recommendations for white Burgundy wine and steak pairings. Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey's "Les Champlots" is an excellent option for dry-aged strip steak. Domaine Roulot, Ampeau, and Dujac are also good options.
A red Burgundy from Corton-CHarlemagne, Volnay, or Pommard is a good alternative if you don't feel good about venturing quite so far into the unknown. As with white Burgundy wines, you'll need to find one with the structure and body required to complement a rich dish like steak.
Keep Options Open
If you're going out to eat at a steakhouse, you'll have plenty of wine options to explore, and it will be easy to get recommendations for unique pairings. When you host guests at home for a steak dinner, things can be more complicated.
We recommend providing at least two options to your guests. Choose a classic Cabernet Sauvignon for those who want to stick with what works, then branch out a little. Try one of the suggestions discussed above or ask a local sommelier for help with choosing the perfect wine for more adventurous diners.