When entertaining during your stay in the Cayman Islands, you can’t go wrong with steak. Determining what wine goes well with various cuts and preparations of steak can be confusing, but the professionals at Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits will be happy to help with making purchase decisions and even providing free delivery.
Locals and visitors alike come to Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits for their purchases of beer, liquor, and wine. We offer a blend of classic brands along with carefully selected vintages from around the world. We have locations on Seven Mile Beach, George Town, East End, Savannah, West Bay, and Frank Sound where you can browse and shop, and we also offer free delivery anywhere on Grand Cayman.
Red wine typically complements red meat. This fact is fairly common knowledge, but you can impress your guests with an even more precise understanding of complementary pairings.
Pairings for Specific Cuts of Steak
Filet mignon is the leanest cut of steak, coming from the thick end of the tenderloin. The daintiness of the texture and flavor welcome a light bodied wine like Drouhin Laforet Pinot Noir or Yellow Tail Pinot Noir.
When the filet mignon is dressed with peppercorns or a heavy sauce, the wine needs to be in balance. A bold Malbec or a dry or full-bodied red wine brings out the flavors of filet mignon.
T-bones, also known as Porterhouse steaks, are cut from the short loin. A Porterhouse steak actually includes the filet mignon and New York Strip cuts with a bone shaped like a T between the two. If the steak is served on its own, choose a medium-bodied red wine, and if you plan to elevate the meal with a rich sauce, you’ll have to up the ante on the wine choice as well. A full-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon would be appropriate.
The ribeye comes from the rib area of the cow and welcomes a robust wine choice to supplement the intense flavor of the steak. This cut is the juiciest, most flavorful of all. A Cabernet Sauvignon like 2016 Raymond ‘R’ Cabernet Sauvignon or Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon is a sure match.
Other options for a ribeye, especially one that’s highly seasoned, include Merlot and Zinfandel.
The New York Strip has a rich flavor and medium texture. This cut is a favorite among chefs because it can be prepared in a variety of ways. A Cabernet Sauvignon perfectly balances the meat.
When serving the New York strip, the side dishes will influence the choice of wine. A light salad as a side rather than a heavy potato dish will merit a lighter wine choice like a rosé or pinot noir.
To sum up, if you’re serving or ordering steak and you’re not sure the best wine, go with a Cabernet Sauvignon or another medium to full-bodied red wine unless the lightness of the meal suggests a lighter body. A high tannin content balances the intensity of the meat in a steak meal.
A trip to the Caymans should be exciting and free of stress. When deciding what wine goes well with steak for your dinner party, relax and call Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits: (345) 949-0277. We’ll be happy to suggest a wine based on your description of the meal, and we’ll deliver anywhere on Grand Cayman!
