Whether you’re preparing a meal for a whole dinner party or just you and your spouse, you may be looking for a way to elevate the experience. What better way to do that with a classy steak and wine pairing?

By serving the right glass of wine with your steak at your next meal, you will enhance the flavors of both the food and drink.

However, you’ll have to put some thought into your pairings, as not every beverage goes well with every cut of meat.

If you’re a novice, the right pairings may seem like secret knowledge that only a connoisseur can possess.

This simply isn’t the case! With some basic background knowledge, you can create a truly memorable flavor experience.

Here’s our guide on serving wine with steak that will leave you, your family, and your dinner guests wanting more.

What to Know About Steak

When it comes to determining which steak cut to pair with which wine, you should consider two primary factors about the meat:

Seasoning: A steak with minimal seasoning (like salt and pepper) can be paired with almost any kind of wine. However, if you use sweet ingredients to flavor your meat, you shouldn’t pair it with a sweet wine. On the other hand, if you use a lot of spices, you should opt for a sweet and fruity beverage for balance.
Fattiness: A fattier cut of meat will go well with a wine that’s high in acidity. This will help balance out the strong umami flavors.

Wine Suggestions for Your Next Steak Meal

While cocktails and white wine are delicious, they are not the perfect match for a steak meal.
Red wine is always your best bet when it comes to steak. And, it’s easy to remember too: red wine with red meat.
Check out our top 3 red wines to serve with your next steak meal:

1) Zinfandel

If you try dry aging beef at home or another preparation method that gives your steak a strong nutty flavor, Zinfandel is a great wine to pair your meal with. Zinfandel is a sweet wine that isn’t too dry or acidic.
The grapes that are used to make it have a high sugar content, so the sugar is adequately preserved and grants you a sweet-tasting beverage.
If you do choose Zinfandel, avoid using sweet seasonings like a brown sugar glaze on your steak. Instead, opt for a seasoning that has a zesty flavor.
Zinfandel will successfully counterbalance a spicy seasoning. It will also clear your palate between each bite, which means you’ll get to experience maximal flavor in every bite of meat.

2) Cabernet

Cabernet is commonly referred to as the “people-pleaser” of red wines. There are a lot of varieties available, so you can experiment and find the one that suits your taste buds. Almost all the varieties offer a balanced flavor that beginner connoisseurs will love.
Cabernets are highly acidic, so they provide a tanginess that will complement your steak perfectly. Choose a fatty cut of meat for the best pairing experience.
Don’t let labels fool you. While Cabernets from places like Chile and France are often highly sought after, you can find varieties that are just as good in the U.S.

3) Malbec

Malbec is a bold red wine with a rich flavor profile. Despite being full of tannins, it doesn’t have an oaky or woody aroma. Rather, it has hints of citrus and other fruits.
Malbec goes well with leaner cuts of steak like a top sirloin. While you can serve Malbec with a thick cut like a filet mignon, its richness will saturate the flavor of the meat.

Have Fun Experimenting!

If you’ve just recently become interested in food and wine pairing, your best bet is to complement your steak with a high-quality red wine.
As you get more comfortable in the kitchen and dining room, you can experiment with bold meat and drink combinations.