Wine pairing
What wine goes with steak?
Steak and red wine is the most reliable pairing in the book, and the reason is simple chemistry: the tannins in a bold red bind to the protein and fat of the meat, cleaning your palate between bites. The richer the cut and the char, the bigger the wine can be.
The best wines for steak
- Cabernet Sauvignon Top matchBold red
The default for a reason — firm tannins and blackcurrant fruit are built for a fatty ribeye.
- MalbecBold red
Argentina’s steak wine: plush, dark, and a touch smoky. Brilliant with grilled cuts.
- Syrah / ShirazBold red
Peppery and savory — a natural with a well-charred, peppercorn-crusted steak.
- Chianti Classico (Sangiovese)Medium red
High acidity makes it the pick for a leaner cut or a tomato-based sauce.
One to avoid
Skip delicate light reds like a chilled Beaujolais or most whites — a big steak will simply flatten them.
Sommelier’s shortcut
Match the wine to the sauce as much as the meat: peppercorn loves Syrah, while a tomato or herb sauce leans toward Sangiovese.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best wine for steak?
Cabernet Sauvignon is the classic best wine for steak — its firm tannins and dark-fruit flavor cut through the fat of a rich cut. Malbec and Syrah are excellent alternatives.
Can you drink white wine with steak?
You can, but it’s tricky. A very full-bodied, oaked white like a top Chardonnay can work with a buttery cut, but a bold red is a far safer match.