There's nothing so deliciously decadent as a hearty steak accompanied by a glass of wine. The saying "red meat with red wine" will work in a pinch, but you may be surprised by how the subtle nuances of different cuts of meat and styles of red wine bring out the best in each other when properly matched. Make your next dinner party one for the books with these handy tips on pairing different cuts of steak with wine.
Ribeye
Ribeye is one of the juiciest, most flavorful cuts of steak. As the name implies, it comes from the cow's rib region. Ribeye goes by many names, including cowboy ribeye when served with the bone-in, Scotch filet when the bone is removed, and prime rib when it is roasted.
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. A spicy Zinfandel is another nice choice, as the fruitiness of the wine contrasts well with the ribeye's robust meatiness.
When it comes to seasoning your ribeye, you can't go wrong with kosher salt and plenty of coarsely ground black pepper — that's true for all quality cuts of steak. When in doubt, keep it simple. For a bolder flavor, try seasoning with paprika. Paprika provides a nice smoky spiciness that pairs wonderfully with Bordeaux (ideally aged), Cabernet Sauvignon (ideally young), Merlot, and Zinfandel wines.
Best Wines for Ribeye
Filet Mignon
Filet mignon is an incredibly tender cut that comes from the thicker end of the cow's tenderloin. 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.
If you plan on serving your filet mignon on its own with a simple salt and pepper seasoning, Pinot Noir is a great choice. Pinot has a pleasant fruitiness and sometimes subtle oakiness that complements the gentle flavors of the meat without overpowering it. Sometimes less is more when it comes to pairing wine and steak. If you plan on serving filet mignon heavily seasoned with peppercorns or accompanied by a sauce, choose a heavier, smokier Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, or a rich white wine like Chardonnay.
Malbec is also an excellent wine pairing choice, as its bold flavors and velvety tannins complement the buttery texture and flavor of the filet. In particular, Argentinian Malbec tends to have floral characteristics that bring out the flavors of this cut.
Best Wines for Filet Mignon
New York Strip
New York strip comes from the cow's short loin region and is one of the most versatile cuts, boasting a rich, beefy flavor and a tight grain that has a medium tenderness. New York strip tastes lovely with just salt and pepper, but you can add garlic and onion for a bolder taste.
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. Additionally, the tannins and acidity of Cabernet Sauvignon balance out the fattiness of the meat on the palate.
If you plan on serving a lighter wine, such as a Pinot Noir or Rosé, you may want to serve the steak alongside a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette or honey Dijon dressing instead of the traditional mashed potatoes and broccoli.
New York strip is a middle-of-the-road steak as far as textures and flavors go, so use your seasonings, sauces, and accoutrement to create a flavor profile that matches the style of wine you plan to serve. Always remember to consider the whole dish, not just the meat, when selecting a wine to match steak.
Best Wines for New York Strip
Porterhouse
Porterhouse steaks, or T-bones, come from the cow's short loin region. This cut contains both filet mignon and New York strip cuts separated by a t-shaped bone. Porterhouse steaks pair well with medium-bodied red wines. Syrah is an excellent choice because of its refined tannins and notes of hearty black fruits.
If you plan to serve your porterhouse with a rich sauce, such as Béarnaise, go for a full-bodied, high-tannin red such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The sauce helps to balance out the intensity of the wine.
Best Wines for Porterhouse
Cuts of steak with wine pairings
To wrap things up, here’s a quick overview of the best wines with steak.
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Cabernet Sauvignon
Bold tannins and high acidity in Cabernet wines make them the go-to crowd pleaser and all-around excellent steak companion.
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Merlot
Slightly less tannin and acidity than some other red wines make Merlot great for slightly leaner cuts of steak like filet mignon.
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Zinfandel
Jammy fruit flavors and a touch of spice make Zin perfect for highly seasoned and fatty steaks like ribeye.
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Malbec
Lots of fruit flavors and tannin but usually less oak influence, make Malbec great with leaner steaks like flank steak and sirloin.
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Shiraz / Syrah
Syrah also has lots of fruit flavors and refined tannins that pair well with cuts like porterhouse and filet mignon.
So now that you have a better idea of how to pair these four major steak cuts, it's time for the best part, experimenting with different combinations. Fortunately, it's hard to go wrong with steak and wine; you're bound to have a pleasant dining experience.
