For most steak lovers, there is nothing better than combining juicy steak with a good bottle of wine. You don’t have to go out of budget just to buy a good bottle of wine. There are many reasonably priced wines that are perfect with steak. If you are considering pairing wine with steak for a function which you will be hosting or you simply want to enjoy a good meal, here are some of the best wines you can pair with your meat dish.
Cabernet Sauvignon
You cannot possibly go wrong with this choice of red wine. Steak has a strong flavor, and adding ingredients such as a marinade or various sauces will give it an even stronger taste. That is why you need a wine such as the Cabernet Sauvignon that will complement such strong flavors. When combined with good beef steak, the wine taste is smoother and not too bitter. This gives the meat more flavor.
Malbec
Another perfect choice is this Argentinian red wine. This is a good alternative to Cabernet and it is a favorite for many Argentinians. Some people even argue that this earthy and rich wine actually smells beefy; which is not a bad thing when it comes to pairing wine with steak.
Zinfandel
This berry-rich California wine is the ideal choice if you are planning on cooking your steak with sweet spices or dried chili sauce. This is a type of low-tannin red wine which works well with steak. In the event that you are having a barbeque with some friends, it is also a good choice if you are also having the steak with other barbecued meats such as ribs.
Merlot
Another wine that pairs well with steak is the Toad Hollow Vineyards 2012 Merlot. The vineyard is located on what was once an apple orchard and the area is characterized by moderately warm temperatures and sandy soils which produce grapes that make the perfect merlot. This great tasting wine boasts of bright currant and cranberry aromas and it has rich strawberry and raspberry flavors.
Tormaresca 2012 Neprica
You can also opt for the elegant Italian Tormaresca 2012 Neprica. Founded in 1998 by the Antinori famil, Tormaresca boasts violet, plum and berry aromas. It is characterized by a dazzling red color. Its balanced tannins and bright acidity makes it the perfect choice when it comes to pairing with steak.
Dow Vale do Bomfim
This 2010 wine from Portugal also makes for a great combination with steak. It is comprised of five red grape blends. It is rich with wild berry flavors as well as some peppery spice notes. It is a lighter weight red wine and has great acidity.
Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys
Steak lovers will also love the idea of pairing great tasting meat with the Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys wine. This type is comprised of 65 percent zinfandel, 20 percent Petite Syrah, as well as four grape variations. Not only does it taste good, it is also polished and clean. Its black cherry and berry fruit flavors makes it a good choice for pairing with steak.
Vina Cobos Felino
This 2012 delicious wine is a combination of 87 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 5 percent Petit Verdot and 8 percent Cabernet Franc. It boasts of a black currant flavor, as well as pepper notes, fine tannins and great acidity. It is the wine’s fruit that makes it a great combination with steak.
Pairing wine with steak does not have to be tricky. You just have to know the right wine to go with delicious steak dishes such as the ones discussed above.
Story Credit: Elizabeth H.
Photo Credit: Katherine Chase/Unsplash