Ribeye steak and peppercorn sauce with red wine
For meat lovers, an evening with a succulent, juicy steak and a delicious bottle of wine is one of life’s great pleasures. The big meaty flavours of a steak demand an equally big wine with plenty of tannins – and the good news is there are several red grapes and wine styles that fit the bill.
As with any food pairing, it’s also useful to consider the other ingredients on your plate. Are you serving steak with chips or a salad? What sauce is on the side? Read on to discover go-to wine styles for steak, tips on pairing with particular cuts of meat and other things to consider if you’re preparing a special steak dinner…
Malbec and steak: a match made in heaven
Seasoning medium rare steak Credit: zoranm / E+ / Getty Images
There are several classic wine pairings for steak and top of the list is the Malbec grape. With their lush dark fruit and naturally high tannins, Malbec wines and blends are a safe choice if you’re unsure what to buy.
Two main regions should be on your radar. First is Argentina, the New World country that has become synonymous with quality Malbec at all price points. The region of Mendoza has more Malbec planted than anywhere else in the world. It’s home to 76% of Argentina’s vineyards and Malbec plantings here account for one-fifth of the total Malbec in the country. So look out for the name on wine labels.
Since Argentina is also famous for the production of high-quality beef, it’s no surprise that steak and Malbec have found a perfect partnership here. The classic style of Argentinian Malbec is an oaked wine packed with layers of dark fruit and spice. But it’s also worth considering fresher styles.
‘I tend to choose a “new wave” Malbec, one with less oak, fresher fruit and better acidity,’ says South American wine expert Patricio Tapia, editor of the annual Guida Descorchados. ‘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.’
The other region to seek out for top Malbec is the grape’s French homeland of Cahors. Although this region in southwest France doesn’t produce as much Malbec as Argentina, it can be a good source of value bottles, with styles ranging from the traditional gutsy and full-bodied to light and fruity.
Cabernet Sauvignon: a classic choice
Sliced steak with rosemary and roasted garlic Credit: VICUSCHKA / Moment / Getty Images
Another great option if you’re looking to pour a full-bodied red wine, is Cabernet Sauvignon. A winning combination of dark fruits, tannin and naturally high acidity makes Cabernet and Cabernet-dominant blends a successful partner for steak.
The most classic of Cabernet regions is Bordeaux, whose red wines are also known as claret. More Cabernet Sauvignon is planted on the Left Bank, so these wines will be richer in style. Right Bank Bordeaux is Merlot-dominant so the wines will be more supple. But both varieties are planted throughout Bordeaux so claret is usually a blend of the two.
France isn’t the only source of Cabernet Sauvignon however. This adaptable grape is successfully grown all over the world from Australia and China to South Africa and California. ‘A powerful California Cabernet Sauvignonwith a grilled steak is pretty hard to beat,’ says US wine expert Karen MacNeil in her 10 rules to food and wine pairing.
Syrah to Pinotage: more red options
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‘I’d urge people to look beyond the traditional matches of Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon with steak,’ says wine writer and DWWA judge Peter Richards MW. ‘The risk with steak is to think big meaty flavours equals big wine,’ he adds.
‘How about a nice lively Cabernet Franc? Or may even a Carignan, Cinsault or cool-climate Syrah? Even a full-bodied but elegant rosé can work well on a warm day,’ says Richards.
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