What Wine Pairs Best with Steak?



Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits is synonymous with quality, value, and fine food and wine. If you wonder what wine pairs best with steak, here are some excellent tips from our knowledgeable experts.

Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits is the leading wholesaler and retailer of premium wines, beers and spirits in the Cayman Islands. Discover award-winning wines from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Spain, Portugal and South Africa, as well as the finest French, Italian and American wines.

What Wine Pairs Best with Steak?Visit any of our convenient locations in George Town, Seven Mile Beach, West Bay, Savannah, Frank Sound and East End. Or, place an order in our online store and choose free delivery to anywhere on Grand Cayman from Monday through Saturday.

Wine & Steak

Wine is an excellent accompaniment for steak. In most cases, red wines are the best choice, but the cut of the meat, the way you cook it, and the sauces you serve with it can affect the match-up. If you prefer white wine, look for one with good tannin and acid content to balance out the rich textures of the steak.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon, the king of red wines, is widely considered one of the world’s best wine varieties. It’s a full-bodied red wine that is primarily known for its blackberry, currants, and dark cherry flavors, and can stand up to almost any steak, including those prepared with smoke, marinades or pepper. The high alcohol levels and tannins cut through the fat, making the steak more flavorful and the wine smoother and less bitter. Recommendation: Cakebread Cabernet from California’s Napa Valley or Pied A Terre Cabernet from Sonoma County, California.

Champagne

Champagne is far more versatile than you think and can stand up to the richness of steak, particularly when the meat is served on the rare side. It tends to pair exceptionally well with foods that have high levels of fat and salt, and won’t interfere with the meat’s flavors. Order a cut of steak that is higher in fat content and a bottle of the bubbly for the perfect combo. Recommendation: Try the award-winning Pol Brut Reserve from Champagne, France.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay has an amazing range. It can be bright and fresh, full and creamy, or something in between. Look for well-oaked wines with a smoky or nutty quality, and those that have a natural acidity and structure that will support the richness of a steak right off the grill.  Recommendation: Consider the award-winning Bodegas Salentein Chardonnay from the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel may be the world’s most versatile wine grape, making everything from blush wine (White Zinfandel), to rich, heavy reds. Although the grape originated in Croatia centuries ago, the best ripe, sweet black cherry flavored versions come from California. Zinfandel has high acidity and moderate tannins. It’s a great match for steaks that have good amounts of fat, such as rib eyes, T-bones and Porterhouse steaks. Recommendation: Try the excellent Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel from California’s Sonoma County.

For more recommendations on what wine pairs best with steak, visit Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits stores across Grand Cayman.