Rioja Is The Best Wine Pairing With Steak
Perhaps its a recent trip to Spain thats given me the Rioja bug, but Ive currently been loving this red wine and firmly believe its one of the best matches for steak. Rioja is made in the northern region of Rioja, Spain, and is a blend of a few different kinds of red grapes its mostly Tempranillo mixed with some Garnacha and often a couple of other common Spanish red grapes varietals.
Rioja is separated into four levels of classification that are based on how long the wine is aged before its sold. For steak, Crianza Rioja and Reserva Rioja are your best bets. Both have been aged for at least a couple of years, which means theyll be medium-bodied and balanced. Since these are in the middle of the classification spectrum, it also means theyre pretty affordable.
You can pick up a high-quality Crianza or a Reserva Rioja for under $20 at most wine shops and feel confident its going to pair really well with your steak. Like the best California Cab, they both have lots of fruitiness and tannins, with toasted, almost meaty notes from being aged in oak barrels. Yet, they dont come with the same price tag and its just a little different than whats expected, which is always fun.
4 Bottles of Rioja Under $20 to Try
- El Coto Rioja Crianza Rioja, $10.95
- Marques De Caceres Crianza Rioja, $14.95
- Campo Viejo Reserva Rioja, $15.99
- Marques De Riscal Reserva Rioja, $19.95
How Steak And Wine Combine
Generally, the fat in steak balances out the tannins in wine, so you get less of a bitter alcohol-like taste. You can more easily taste the fruit elements of the wine if you pair it with a steak that has high-fat content.
At the same time, the tannins in wine help to break down the fat molecules in the steak, bringing out its flavor in turn.
Benefits Of Pairing Wine And Meat
There are many health benefits when pairing your favorite Steak with wine. Chemical compounds in wine, such as polyphenols, prevent bad cholesterol in the bloodstream.
These also reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. High antioxidants in the body result in decreased risk of long-term diseases.
Diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease can be prevented as these are associated with oxidative stress.
Wine also has anti-inflammatory processes. It can prevent chronic inflammation, which may increase the risk of heart disease, cancers, and autoimmune disorders.
Enjoy the umami taste of Steak while having the health benefits of drinking wine.
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Red And White Wines We Recommend Pairing With Seafood
Pinot Noir – The Pinot Project Pinot Noir 2017
Pure Pinot aromas and flavors — black cherries kissed by oak and complimented by just the right amount of Asian spice. Extremely versatile with a host of your favorite dishes.
Buy it Here: The Pinot Project Pinot Noir 2017 – $12.95
Chardonnay – Orin Swift Cellars Mannequin Chardonnay 2016
A massive palate consists of ripe white peach and a bold Werthers Original entry and a layered mid- palate of nectarines, pineapple and honey. A touch of green apple and wet stone culminate in a concise cre`me brulee finish.
Why Is Red Wine Good With Steak
If youre not a connoisseur of wine, you probably have heard that rule that red wine is perfect with red meat and whites are excellent with fish.
To keep it short, steak goes with red wine because molecules called tannins soften the meats fat to release its flavor.
This fat then mellows the wines astringency, releasing more of its fruit flavors.
We end up here with a win-win situation for both: the tannin in the wine is softening the steak, and the steaks fat is chilling the wine.
The idea is to pair bold dishes with bold wines. That is why we assigned you to Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Best Red Wine For Steak
Most of the wines that will fit the description above are going to be red. Heres a simple mnemonic, red meat goes with red wine. And here are the top red picks:
Cabernet is the most popular wine for a reason. Cabernets have a relatively balanced flavor profile and tend to have the acid and bitterness to cut through even the meatiest of meats.
Cabernet Sauvignon is your get out of jail free card if youre trying to pair a wine with your steak. Its available everywhere and it comes in a variety of price levels so you can be as fancy as you like with your steak dinner. If you need a recommendation, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons are among the best in the world.
Zinfandel is a more specific choice and it shows youve got a plan going into this pairing. And thats because Zinfandel has moderate bitterness and acidity, and more fruity notes. But that doesnt make it a poor choice.
The bitterness in Zinfandel is just right to wash away some of the meaty flavors of a New York strip steak or ribeye without competing too hard for your attention. The dark fruit flavors are also an excellent complement for a medium done steak without excessive fat content. Zinfandels are primarily made in California, and a Cali Zin is exactly what we recommend.
The one caveat about Malbec is that it may be too bold and full-bodied for some steaks. While there are great Malbecs to be found from California and France, Argentine Malbecs are typically regarded as the best.
Creating A Flavor Story
The key to creating a beautiful flavor story for your meal is to experiment, mix and match, and try combinations that you love. So think about what youve learned above and if all this talk of wine and steak has got you drooling for a filet and a glass of red, contact our restaurant near you, and make a reservation today.
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Why Do Steak And Red Wine Go So Well Together
Theres no denying how good a velvety drop of red goes with a big, juicy steak.
Even if youre not a wine buff, most people know that red wine and beef complement each other perfectly as does fish served with a glass of a crisp white wine. But why is that?
It turns out theres a scientific reason behind this common culinary rule and it all comes down to the different compounds that can be found in meat and the chemicals and fermentation process used to make wine.
In particular, its the tannins in red wine which mainly comes from the grape skins and seeds, as well as the wine barrels during the ageing process and the protein in the meat that interact to make the ideal flavour combo. As tannin molecules soften the fat in the meat, it works to release more of the flavour. At the same time, the fat lessens the astringency of the wine, making it taste smoother and less bitter while bringing out more of its fruity flavours.
So essentially, because they are opposites with beef being fatty and having slippery or lubricating qualities, and red wine being astringent with rough or dry qualities they work to balance each other out by reducing the opposing sensation and ultimately, create a pleasing effect on the palate.
Red Wine To Pair With Steak
Steak is a dish that can be prepared dozens of ways–from sweet, leaner dishes to peppery, spicy, and fatty ones. The herbs and sauces used in the main meal can guide you towards which red wine to pair with steak.
For richer steak meals, both Shiraz and Sangiovese varieties make excellent pairs. Shiraz has a peppery sweetness to it that both complements fatty dishes and provides a counterpoint for them.
Shiraz is one of several red wine types thatâs grown in moderate climates like the Moselle Valley, southern Chile, Bordeaux, and New Zealand. This gives it higher tannin and acidity levels, deepening the flavor dimensions in fat-heavy steak dinners.
For lighter dishes, Malbecs and Pinot Noirs are great choices. Malbec is a well-rounded classic for its chocolatey notes, red fruit tastes, and because itâs a low acid wine. This pleasant, smooth flavor profile pairs naturally with leaner cuts of meat.
Pinot Noir is similarly light and fruity, offering cherry, forest floor, and vanilla flavors. Its natural sweetness comes partly from being aged in oak barrels, partly from the grape type, and partly from its terroir.
Pinot Noir is made with Vitis vinifera grapes–one of the varieties known for producing more sugar in wine. Itâs also usually grown in cool-to-temperate climates with just the right amount of sun. Too little sun will create highly acidic wine, whereas too much can override the aromatic and taste complexity of Pinot Noir.
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Red Wines We Recommend Pairing With Steak
Cabernet Sauvignon – Juggernaut Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
The wine tastes are rich and intense with a complex character and smooth finish. Luxurious texture with black currants and vanilla. One of the best value wines we have – the boldness of the wine is the perfect pairing for a great steak.
Juggernaut Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 – $18.95
Zinfandel – 1000 Stories Bourbon Barrel-Aged Zinfandel 2016
Bursting with aromatic red fruit scents and complex black fruit flavors. A touch of Petite Sirah and Syrah enhance those flavors even more with bold black and white pepper spices.
Three Rules To Follow When Combining Beef And Red Wine
Want to enjoy the maximum flavour benefits and health benefits that pairing red wine and beef offer? Key things youll want to consider are the cut of meat youre using, how youre preparing it and what sauces or other flavours may be present. Theres a wine to suit every dish.
Follow these general rules to help you decide.
Pair bold dishes with bold wines
If youre cooking a steak or some other beef dish thats dominated by strong, bold flavours, the key is to pair it with a bold wine to match.
A nice, robust cabernet sauvignon is a great choice for most steaks, while zinfandel is also ideal, with its high acidity and moderate tannins making it particularly ideal with relatively fatty steaks such as rib eye, T-bone or porterhouse. Malbec is another winning choice, with its big, bold flavour and high in tannins.
Pair simpler fare with lighter wines
If youre cooking a beef dish using leaner, less flavourful cuts, be sure to opt for a lighter red wine so you dont run the risk of it overpowering your fare.
Syrah is a lovely full-bodied red with punchy flavours that taper off, worth trying. Merlot is also great for a more complex red wine thats low in tannins, and so easier to drink than some other reds. And pinot noir is a lovely, light-bodied red ideal with a range of dishes, including beef bourguignon.
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Simply Seasoned Chicken Or Pork Chops Or Meatier Grilled Fish
The Tom Gore Chardonnay is ideal for simply seasoned chicken or pork chops as well as meatier grilled fish.
This creamy California Chardonnay features apple, vanilla and butter notes.
The richness of the wine and its flavours go well with simply seasoned, heartier cuts of poultry and fish.
Available at LCBO for $17.95/750mL.
Find Your Perfect Summer Steak And Wine Pairing At Ruths Chris
If you are in the mood for steak this summer, but theweather outside is too hot to stand by the grill, head to your nearest RuthsChris Steak House. Well serve up your favorite ribeye, T-bone or other cutcooked to sizzling perfection and well also gladly recommend the perfectwine from our extensive wine listfor you to pair it with this summer. Make a reservation today.
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Ask A Somm: What Kind Of White Wine Pairs Well With Steak
Welcome to Ask a Somm, a column in which experts from across the country answer questions about wine. Wondering about a bottle? Drop us a line.
Wine and steak go hand in hand. But most often, diners drink red wine with red meat. Which explains why much of the bottle list at chef ‘s Tribeca, New York steakhouse, American Cut, is dedicated to reds. But, according to sommelier , many white wines, surprisingly, play nice with beef. Below, she shares her two cents on the subject.
Q: Are there any white wines that pair well with steak?
Bolitiski: I’m often asked this question by our guests when they’re just not in the mood for a big, heavy red. It’s fair to say that not all white wines will work perfectly with steak. Sometimes it is far more important to enjoy what you are eating and what you are drinking without forcing them to work in perfect harmony. However, there are a few styles that work better than others. Look for wines that have bright, fresh acidity , generous minerality, and that are rich and layered.
The very first thing that comes to mind when I think white wine with steak is Champagne. Admittedly, somms love Champagne with just about anything. Wines in the “Extra Brut” style have a freshness that serves to lift the fatty richness off of the palate.
Look for wines that have bright, fresh acidity, generous minerality, and that are rich and layered.
The very first thing that comes to mind when I think white wine with steak is Champagne.
What Is The Best Wine To Pair With Steak
As a general rule, you should pair your steak with red wine. You need a wine that is bold enough to stand the fatty and meaty richness of the steak. But it shouldnt overpower the dish with too aggressive tannins.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a versatile option that matches most types of steak. But depending on your specific preparations, other wines might be even better matches. To learn the basic rules about pairing steak and wine and the best wine pairings for specific steaks, keep reading.
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Filet Mignon And Wine
The Filet Mignon is an expensive cut from the thicker end of the cattles tenderloin. It has almost no fat, and thus, its very tender with a delicate flavor. Pan-frying and grilling are good ways to cook it but you should avoid drying it out.
A cut of meat that is as low in fat as the Filet Mignon doesnt need a bold red wine to stand it. Thus, you can go for a light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir. Its fruitiness pairs deliciously with the delicate flavors of the meat. If you serve the meat with a heavy sauce, choose a bolder wine, for instance, a Sangiovese or a Merlot:
More Details on Cabernet Sauvignon: CABERNET SAUVIGNON THE RED WINE ALL-STAR
What Wine Goes With A Steaks Side Dish
One aspect we have not mentioned yet is how to ensure the side dishes match well with your steak and wine pairing. Light side dishes such as a salad tend to go well with lighter wines. If you plan to eat a salad with your steak, then a Pinot Noir is a great choice.
However, if you plan to get the more traditional mashed potatoes as your side dish, then bolder red wine such as the Malbec may be a better choice.
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What Wine Goes With Ribeye T
The porterhouse, ribeye, and T-bone steaks are similar in that they all have high-fat content from excellent marbling. Taking into consideration that red wine is the perfect pairing for steaks with a lot of fat content, its safe to say that your chardonnay may not be the best choice for your ribeye meal.
Both Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel work perfectly with the ribeye, T-Bone, and Porterhouse. Your choice will depend on how robust you like your wine flavors. Both score right in the middle of the wine sweetness scale, but the Zinfandel has some spiciness weaved into its fruity flavor, lending a unique twist to your steak.
Wine And Food Matching: Lightly Seared Tuna Steaks
- https://wineanorak.com/foodtuna.htm
- The delicate, perfumed wine doesnt overpower the tuna, and its citrussy, high-acid edge complements the fish quite well. Durney Cabernet Sauvignon: An odd match, but not disastrous. Theres no metallic clash, as red wine is often criticised of when its paired with fish.
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The Best Wine Pairings For Grilled Steak
Its no secret that you want to break out your big red wines with steak. When that steak is grilled, dont be afraid to serve wines that have seen some new oakthe smoky-sweet flavors of the barrels work well with the char on the meat.
Its no secret that you want to break out your big red wines with steak. When that steak is grilled, dont be afraid to serve wines that have seen some new oakthe smoky-sweet flavors of the barrels work well with the char on the meat.
California and Washington Cabernet Blends. Napa Valley Cabernets with grilled steak are a classic combo, and you cant go wrong with this pairing. For wines that are a little more interesting , look for Cabernet blends from less-known regions, like Californias Paso Robles and Washington States Walla Walla.
Bordeaux. If you prefer European-style wines, red Bordeauxwhich is made of a blend of Cabernet and Merlot, among other grapesare a good bet. These wines tend to have more acid and tannins than the California wines, which you might appreciate with a rich, buttery sauce. The somewhat savory flavors in Bordeaux can also be great with an herb-laden condiment. For affordable Bordeaux that are dominated by Cabernet, look for wines from appellations like Haut-Médoc or Graves.
