Pairing & serving wine: a guide for the real beginner is a new online learning course from Decanter designed to introduce the basic principles and start beginners on their journey through the fascinating world of wine. Chef Bernhard Klotz with his Regent Seven Seas team. Why they work: Since Rump is prepared in many ways to overcome the firm texture, weve got a few selections that can support your cook. Touriga may not be as known as other varietals, but it's on the rise and has some pretty major roots. It is fruity without being jammy with well-integrated tannins. He said he enjoyed red wines that have body and texture but that could also refresh the palate during a steak dinner. "I am a steak lover. After your browser is set to accept cookies, you can use the button below to continue shopping. Each provides a balance to the other, and each enhances the other while still maintaining its individuality. A great ribeye is in need of two things: tannin and acid. "I'm really into the wines of Giacomo Borgogno, and the red cap originals are examples of traditional wine-making at its best. "Nebbia is Italian for fog and the most prestigious vineyards are above the fog line that blankets the valley below," Laura Pauli, Chef & Certified Sommelier, Cucina Testa Rossa told Tasting Table. What do you prefer when it comes to a bottle of red wine?Do you enjoy a lighter, fruitier red or a heavier, full-bodied one? These steaks are quite flavorful and are best cooked on the grill. The process that goes into selecting the best cut of steak and preparation should be complemented by a rich, well-layered wine. The cut has more connective tissue, but its still a tasty cut and tender when cooked properly. The wine is bright with balanced acidity. There's another benefit of that Zinfandel. And if youre hunting for possibilities for pairing with other meats, head over to our guide on pairing with Beef, Lamb, Venison, and more. 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. 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. Lighter red wines tend to go best with the leaner cuts of steak such as filet mignon, while more marbled, higher fat cuts of meat like a rib eye do well when accompanied by more robust red wines. Has it been treated to the simpler wet-aging or given more complexity with dry-aging? The 11 Best Wines to Pair With Turkey in 2021, We Reviewed the Best Wines to Pair With SalmonHere Are Our Top Picks, The 9 Best Wines from Black-Owned Wineries in 2022, The 15 Best Sparkling Wines From All Over the World, A Guide to the Best Wines for Thanksgiving, The Best Orange Wines to Drink During Any Season, The Best Wine Gift Baskets to Make Someone's Day, A Guide to the Different Types of Red Wine, The 8 Best Wines for Thanksgiving in 2021, The Best Cheap Champagnes and Sparkling Wines. With its buttery, melt-in-the-mouth texture, it needs a wine that does not overpower. It is a very flavorful cut of meat that has a tight texture and is quite lean. The dark fruit on the palate and lower alcohol content in the wine elevate the meats texture. The goal is not to cover up the bitter notes of the red wine, but rather, to balance them out with the proteins to enhance the flavor and aroma between the two extremes. Lots of marbling and naturally tender, the Ribeye does well on the drier heat of a hot grill. Once you discover that, everything is possible. Dry-aging at its finest," said Strangis. Most Pinot Noir wines tend to sit at the light to medium-bodied end of the spectrum, and its profile is often therefore paired-up with lighter meats. Fortunately, it's hard to go wrong with steak and wine; you're bound to have a pleasant dining experience. The cuts of steaks are many and so are the techniques of cooking them. This is a fun wine to experiment with different food pairings. With aromas of herbs and baking spices on the nose, the wine is full of juicy plum and dark cherries on the palate. There are different levels of tannins depending on the style of red wine. Click on the conversation bubble to join the conversation, PwC Cloud and Digital Transformation BrandVoice, How To Earn Cash Rewards For Everyday Spending. The Decoy Merlot does exceptionally well with varied food and hence would stand up to any complementary marinade you put on the steak. Another classic is filet mignon, an incredibly lean and tender piece of meat, dressed in a simple seasoning and a light Pinot Noir. Throw a spoonful of bleu cheese butter on top, and you've reached nirvana. I am looking forward to seeing my colleagues and getting back to the business that we know bestgiving our guests the best culinary dining experience possible. Prats & Symington Chryseia Douro 2016, Best with Hanger Steak: Dont be afraid to use our recommendations as a jumping off point for discovering wine pairings that are unique to you and your taste. Its always fun to experiment when it comes to wine and food pairing but here are some go-to styles and things to consider if youre preparing a special steak dinner. "Steaks are normally hit with salt and pepper before grilling, and this seriously takes it to the next level," Michele Gargiulo, Certified Sommelier, Certified Specialist of Wine, Executive Bourbon Steward, and Certified Sake Advisor, told Tasting Table. Then, the various qualities available rich marbled Wagyu or prime, sparer select or grass-fed? The link will expire in 24 hours. Its loose texture is a perfect canvas for marinades, which add acidity and moisture to the steak. Cherries and raspberries come through on the palate with hints of spice at the finish. There is an earthiness to this wine that complements the meat. This wine is a powerful and complex companion to the Porterhouse steak. "I prefer to pair steaks with Super Tuscans. Yet Pinot Noirs natural acidity and bright, red berry fruit can work with your steak dinner, depending on the style and the cut. Theyll marinate well, which makes them ideal for fajitas, but if youre looking to keep your meat eating experience purely Steak, they can be done on the grill with salt and pepper to season. They strive to produce quality with their farming practices," said Davis. The fruit character on it is dark-fruited, with some serious plushy tannin. It all boils down to what your preference isjust take pleasure in that juicy steak and glass of wine. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best There's nothing so deliciously decadent as a hearty steak accompanied by a glass of your favorite wine. Steaks seasoned with spicy ingredients need a lighter, sweeter wine, while steaks accompanied by robust sauces should have a full-bodied wine.. Syrah can work well with peppercorns.. "Proteins and fat in steak love and soften the tannins and acidity in big reds, having complementing richness," Richard Vayda, Director of Wine & Beverage Studies at the Institute of Culinary Education, told Tasting Table. Why not ignore the raised eyebrows and forget the long-established mantra that a steak dinner is no place for white wine? Wine Folly states that the wine pairs particularly well with red meat, as well as game, as both "stand up to the earthy funk in this wine.". The palate is luxurious and well-rounded with big bold hints of herbs and fruits. I cover what's interesting in wine, spirits, food, and travel. Cabernet Sauvignon and steak are the love and marriage, horse and carriage go-to pairing. I dont normally think of Pinot Noir as a match for steak, but the best pairing by far, when the meat was cooked rare, was a classically silky, seductive Daniel Rion, Vosne-Romane 2001, wrote food and wine expert Fiona Becket after tasting several fine wines with steak for Decanter magazine back in 2007. Options range from a mature white Rioja to thinking about how to subtly adapt the meal to suit other styles, such as Pinot Grigio, he wrote. In general, think about trying this with leaner cuts, such as fillet, cooked rare to medium-rare. Often served with sauces but also a choice preparation with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper. Filet mignon is an incredibly tender cut that comes from the thicker end of the cow's tenderloin. Have there been any other flavors added? He enjoys reading all subjects, jasmine tea, and the zen of a really nice pencil. However, should the New York Strip be served for lunch alongside a fresh salad then I recommend a lighter wine like a Pinot Noir or Ros. The Chteau de Beaucastel Chteauneuf-du-Pape is a rich, intense, and elegantly balanced wine. "Softer cuts of steak like filet mignon or porterhouse are best with wines like Malbec," Anna Maria Kambourakis, a certified sommelier and wine blogger at Unraveling Wine, told Tasting Table. The flavors of strawberry, black pepper, and tobacco in classic Tempranillo compliment a steak beautifully," said McKeon. "Any back-vintage bottles with some age we're talking ten years or more is bound to be a winner," fine and rare wine expert Walker Strangis, CEO of Walker Wine Co. in Los Angeles, told Tasting Table. You can find exemplary styles all over California from Sonoma down the Central Coast and then inland to Lodi and Fresno. If you want a truly earthy experience, outside of the usual reds like the new world cabernet sauvignons, merlots, and syrah, Portuguese reds are high up on the list to pair with steaks," says Zachary Marcus Cesare Harris. It can benefit from marinating, but that can throw off your wine selection. "Consider first the cut and quality of the meat. 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. Crom Larson is Managing Editor for Folly Enterprises and Winefolly.com. Sauted, pan-seared, broiled or grilled? Davis' favorites are Il Bruciato by Guado Al Tasso. In fact, it may be the best companion for dry-aged steaks. Your wine selection will be informed by what kind of fuel is in the smoker we recommend wood chips, but there are many to choose from and each imparts something tasty and particular. As the name implies, it comes from the cow's rib region. Touriga Nacional is a grape grown often in Portugal, although it is gaining popularity, and it's a perfect mate for a great steak. Although technically not a steak, the flank is a very popular cut of beef. Find out more. "The key to this is finding a wine that has enough tannin to stand up to it but that doesn't overwhelm with more richness in the way of fleshy fruit and lacking acidity, such as a California Cabernet from a cooler mountain site like the Moon Mountain District in Sonoma, which experiences cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean and San Pablo Bay," said McCrossin. By no means a common example of steak, Brisket is still worthy inclusion in the potential steak pairings. The sauce helps to balance out the intensity of the wine's mouthfeel. For well marbled powerhouse steaks you can always pick up a cabernet sauvignon like the Raymond Reserve Selection Cabernet (view at Vivino) that has the tannins to balance out the fat. One of the richest and tastiest cuts of steak. In an article from our archive, Matthieu Longure MS, of Le Cordon Bleu London, talks about possibilities for pairing white wine with steak and other red meat. Your brain anticipates a light wine, only to be surprised with a palate of big red fruit flavors of cherry and raspberries, earthy leather, red clay, herbs, coffee, clove, and anise with sandpaper-drying tannins that demand ample fatty, salty umami-packed food. Tempranillo is spicy and meaty itself, which always works well with the juiciness of a steak. our process. Its smooth with characteristically soft tannins and medium acidity. If you're not a fan of red wine and prefer white wine, go ahead and grab a bottle of Chardonnay or Riesling. Why they work: The Strip is flavorful and a thicker grain cut of beef, making it useful for several different methods of cooking, but it needs a wine that can complement the flavor AND cut through the fat. And for steaks that are leaner with generous seasonings, the Tikal Amorio Malbec (view at Vivino) is a delicious option. Sirloin can be done on the grill, in the oven, or pan but it shines on the grill. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Always remember to consider the whole dish, not just the meat, when selecting wine to match steak. When looking for a Zinfandel, some great ones to check out includeOak Farm Vineyards 2017 Zinfandel, Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel, or 7 Deadly Zins 2017 Zinfandel. Pan seared and butter basted for the win. Especially ones coming from places like Altamira and Gualtallary in the Uco Valley, towards the Andes Mountains. He added, Always keep in mind that the main task for a glass of wine is to refresh the food.. In her 2007 article on pairing different cuts, Beckett said a ribeye steak with relatively high fat content worked well with a Cte-Rtie from the Syrah stronghold of the northern Rhne, and also a Super Tuscan both generous, ripe and full-bodied. A classic wine and steak pairing is a ribeye with a Cabernet Sauvignon as the high tannins present in the wine help cut through the juiciness of the steak. Most often, full-bodied red wines have high tannins. Our wines aim to complement flavorful but chewy beef, taking it from a chore to a savory experience. The same goes for quality beef. The porterhouse or the T-bone is a cross-section of marbled, textured strip steak and the lean tenderloin. Pulenta Estate La Flor Malbec 2019, The Best Places to Order Meat Online in 2022, What to Look for in a Wine to Pair with Steak. Can be done in a pan, but the grill is typically easier to keep the cook even. The rib-eye steak is a rich cut with great beefy flavor and is known as much for its marbling as it is for the flavor. The rule of thumb when pairing with steak is to choose dry red wines leaner cuts of meat pair with lighter wines, while richer, fattier cuts pair up with high tannin wines that can cut through the fat. This is a wonderful pairing for fajitas, stews, and anything else you might want to make with the skirt steak. This bright acidity allows it to cut through the fat and complement the flavor of the beef in the strip. This cut takes well to marinades, seasonings, and quick cooking. In particular, a Argentinian Malbec red wine tends to have floral characteristics that bring out the flavor of this cut. Hickory is the most common recommendation for brisket. When shopping for a Malbec, some great options to look into includeTussock Jumper 2019 Malbec,Trivento Reserve Malbec,or Septima Malbec. That time the world of wines was much smaller and there were not as many international influences in our cuisines as there are now. Fine dining is all about finding your personal preferences and favorite flavor profiles - not to impress food or wine snobs who might mess with your wine choices. 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. More fat equals more intense beefy flavour, said Quick, speaking toDecanterin December 2020. Also known as the butcher's steak, the hanger steak is loved for its beefy flavor. Malbecs lush dark fruit and natural tannin are considered to match-up well with a good steak in general, but some experts suggest searching for fresher styles. When seeking a Nebbiolo, some great options areG.D. Vajra Barolo Albe, Pio Cesareor Renato Ratti Ochetti Nebbiolo. Prats & Symington Chryseia is big, bold, and alive. 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. Save $3 on Pops & Ready to Drink Cocktails, Save $2 on G&J Greenall's Pink Grapefruit Gin & Tonic, Summer Picks: Pops & Ready to Drink Cocktails, Crossfork Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley, 2018, Courtney Benham Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District, Leone D'Oro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, 2015, Talcott Cellars Red Blend Columbia Valley, Truth & Valor Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, Vistamar Cabernet Syrah Gran Reserva, 2019. It is a carefully crafted full-bodied wine with a long finish. Our wine choices have strong fruit along with acidity and tannins that get the job done. A spicy Zinfandel is another nice choice, as the fruitiness of the wine contrasts well with the ribeye's robust meatiness. A wine should complement the cut of steak and not overwhelm or take away from the flavor of the meat. The only way to find out the best steak and wine combination for yourself is try experiment with different wines! One of the most common steak cuts, fairly lean with light fat marbling and often cut with a strip of fat along the edge. 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. "Bordeaux experimentally planted some of these grapes a few years ago in response to climate change. When in doubt, keep it simple. Raymond Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Best with Porterhouse: The final classic pairing is a New York Strip, which is the most versatile cut, with a Cabernet Sauvignon, as the fruit forward flavor wine contrasts nicely with the meatiness of the steak. Porterhouse steaks, or t-bones, come from the cow's short loin region. There is cassis, chocolate, baking spices, and cedar on the nose. said Vayda. You may opt-out by. Although you should drink the wine you like, with all the myriad of variations that steak dishes potentially offer, a little examination might yield more satisfying mates. There are many fabulous wines waiting to be discovered and tasted for your next elegant steak dinner. In many ways, there are few pairings that are more satisfying than steak with wine. Aromatic and flavorful reds will complement their combination of filet and strip. The tannins are more angular, like a Cabernet, which works perfectly with an extra-fatty cut, such as the ever-popular ribeye. Amarone della Valpolicella OR Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso, guide on pairing with Beef, Lamb, Venison, and more. Steak may seem like an easy one to pair (red meat with red wine has long been the standard) but Klotz argues that when it comes to pairings its best to consider the entire dish. Indeed, one of his personal favorite pairings involves Champagne. A powerful California Cabernet Sauvignon with a grilled steak is pretty hard to beat, said wine expert Karen MacNeil in her 10 rules to food and wine pairing. This is one cut that takes to low and slow cooking, especially on a smoker, like no other. Tuck your napkin into your collar, grab your knife, and lets explore the best wine to pair with steak. How does the method of cooking affect the dish? 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. Were calling out all the classic cuts and their respective wines. Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Best with Rib-Eye: However, with steak and red wine, it is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Ive spent my time during the pandemic learning new recipes and cooking dishes that I have not prepared in a long time, researching new restaurant concepts and looking for new ideas. While the classic pairing with steak is the big bold red wine, if you are not in the mood for one of those, pick up a sparkling wine or a ros. 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. The new saying should be drink what you like and eat what you like, When we used to say red wine with red meat, white wine with fish and white meat that was the simplest way to remember that the weight and body of the dish is consistent with the weight and body of the wine. A Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon provides that expression of fruitiness and chewy tannins that complement the steak.". Consider the fat content in your meat, for example. How you prepare the steak will also affect the type of red wine you drink with the meal. The Bone-in verison follows all the same rules, but is cut to the width of the still attached rib-bone, making it trickier to cook well. If your steak is dressed in a thicker sauce, a dry wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz, Merlot and Sangiovese are also good choices. When looking for a Touriga, some great ones includeField Theory Touriga Nacionalor Montaria Capital Red 2018. See why we use cookies and how to enable them. If you dont have a smoker, maybe go get one (live a little!). Red wine pairs nicely with red meat due to the harmonious combination of red wine tannins and red meat protein. One of the most synergistic pairings in the food and beverage world is steak and wine. The choice of the cut deeply influences the choice of wine you pair with it. Is it a fatty steak like rib eye, a leaner filet, or a lower fat round? Expect robust black fruit, dark coffee, silky smooth tannins, and a subtle savory finish. Over time, pure expressions of aged Nebbiolo gain extraordinary elegance while retaining those beautiful tar and rose notes we love about Piedmont. Why they work: The Filet has subtle flavor and all of these wines stay in their lane, delivering complementary flavors that assist in bringing out everything in this cut, and avoid stepping on its toes. There's nothing quite like an aged Nebbiolo. Some fabulous Tempranillos include2019 Fuerza de la Tierra TempranilloandVara 2018 American Tempranillo. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Choose the style of wine you love to drink and pair it with the steak you enjoy. Why they work: The higher fat content makes for a buttery, fatty flavor and requires either high tannins to cut the fat or stronger fruit flavor for contrast. "One of my favorite wine pairings for steak is Tempranillo, particularly with a grilled steak," Jessie McKeon of Vara Winery & Distillery told Tasting Table. The finish on the wine is savory and long, yet the fruit carries through until the end. 2022 Forbes Media LLC. Some great Super Tuscan wines include Il Bruciato by Guado Al Tasso, 2018 Aia Vecchia "Lagone" Toscana IGT,or 2019 Selvapiana Chianti Rufina. The most important pairing is not food and wine it is with whom you chose to share your meal with. All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. Crom is an award winning journalist for multimedia and podcast production. Since the steak is thin, it benefits from marinades and spice rubs for added flavor. Choose your selection carefully, so they enhance each other's flavors, making for a delicious and satisfying meal. Why they work: The cuts on both the Porterhouse and T-Bone are tender, but fairly lean. Rump comes from a harder working muscle, making it firm but also highly flavorful. Pairing Wine and Steak is one of the essential match-ups in your wine journey. While the Porterhouse and T-Bone are slightly different cuts, they both have the tasty combination of a tender filet side and a firmer, flavorful strip side. A liberal salt and fresh pepper seasoning on the steak brings out the slight oak and spices in the wine. 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. Here, we present a few choices from around the world to get you started on the best wines with steak. This particular varietal should be excellent with the leaner cuts of steak, such as the always-popular filet. Renu is a personal chef, culinary instructor, and a food blogger who covers food for The Spruce Eats. It offers a nice juicy finish with lingering florals and a great balance of acidity for all the big bold fruitiness and just the right amount of oak. You get the flavor of the strip and the tenderness of the loin. 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. Do it up in a cast-iron pan, salted, basted with butter, and let it rest a little longer. Paprika provides a nice smoky spiciness that pairs wonderfully with Bordeaux (ideally aged), Cabernet Sauvignon (ideally young), Merlot and Zinfandel wines. Cabernet-based Super Tuscans make the best choice. The Pulenta La Flor Malbec is earthy with notes of wood and forest floor on the nose. While the ships await the return of cruise travel he kindly shared his insights with me on the best wine selections for steak dishes. {"wineId":"47956","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}, {"wineId":"46786","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}, {"wineId":"47642","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}, {"wineId":"48119","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}, {"wineId":"48186","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}, {"wineId":"47003","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}, {"wineId":"47865","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}, {"wineId":"44349","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}, {"wineId":"46687","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}, {"wineId":"40529","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}, {"wineId":"13980","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}, {"wineId":"45061","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}, {"wineId":"18127","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}, Australian wine exports fall as China tariffs bite, AXA Millsimes purchases Platt Vineyard in Sonoma, Pairing & serving wine: a guide for the real beginner, after tasting several fine wines with steak for, pairing white wine with steak and other red meat, Matching wines to different cuts of steak. This article was first published in 2018 by Ellie Douglas and has been updated by Chris Mercer in May 2021. Decoy Merlot 2018, Best with Flat Iron Steak: The strip is not the most tender steak, but it is moderately tender with a bit of chew. Rich and full of tannins with lots of fruit on the palate, this variety is well matched with flank steak or top sirloin, and it is an incredibly popular option on steakhouse wine lists. Sharon Lockley has over 20 years of experience as an editor and writer and has been contributing to The Spruce Eats since 2019. So many variables to consider! Why they work: The Sirloin is a work-horse cut that can be seasoned or sauced in a lot of ways, so weve aimed to provide flexible wines that can match whatever direction youre taking, but pay attention to how your seasoning changes the dish and choose accordingly. TO IMPROVE YOUR TOTALWINE.COM SHOPPING EXPERIENCE. [They pair] especially with well-marbled steaks from butchers like Flannery Beef. When you take a visit to Florence or Tuscany, you will often see bold grilled steaks paired with Super Tuscan wines. Follow this author to improve your content experience. Why they work: Its important not to overcook or else youre eating shoe-leather, but even done to perfection these cuts are tougher. Antinori Badia a Passignano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico, Best with New York Strip: Another important factor to considering for meat and wine pairings is the seasoning as a light season of salt and pepper can be accompanied by almost any wine because it has a very versatile flavor while a sweetly or heavily seasoned meat should incorporate a wine that contrasts its flavor profile. Ribeye is the juiciest, most flavorful cut of steak. Discovery is, after all, one of the most exciting things about the wine world. An evening with a succulent, juicy steak and a delicious bottle of wine is one of lifes great pleasures, at least for meat lovers. Renu Dhar is a private chef and culinary instructor. please set your device's browser to accept cookies. While not entirely the same, both Flank and Skirt can be cooked with the same technique. "Be it a big, fruity Napa Cab, an earthy barn-yardy Bordeaux Cabernet blend, or a bold Australian Cab, but there are other cowboys at this rodeo," Laura Pauli, Chef & Certified Sommelier at Cucina Testa Rossa told Tasting Table. With aromas of vanilla, leather, and baking spices, the wine is focused and direct. Skirt steak is a coarsely grained portion of beef with a good amount of fat that gives it a flavorful richness. This luscious signature malbec from Mendoza is a crowd-pleaser. "Those ordering a ribeye love it for its decadence," sommelier Amanda McCrossin told Tasting Table. From classics like Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec to ways of pairing lighter reds and even white wine with a delicious steak dinner, we bring you top tips from our archive and bottles recently recommended by Decanter experts. She has been turning seasonal ingredients into sensational food for years and has years of experience pairing food with wine for personal clients and private events. Malbec red wines have become a classic match with steak, largely thanks to the Argentina-led reincarnation of this grape variety on the global wine stage plus also the countrys reputation for high quality beef. Even a full-bodied but elegant ros can work well on a warm day, said Richards, who is DWWA regional chair for Chile and chairman of Decanter Retailer Awards. If you decide to go for budget-friendly skirt or flank steaks, the cut doesn't matter as much as the overall dish. "I certainly won't say no to a glass of Cab wherever it's from, but given the choice, these days, I channel my inner Stanley Tucci and head to Italy.". Additionally, the tannins and acidity of Cabernet Sauvignon wine balances out the fattiness of the meat on the palate.