The Winetasting.com Blog

Steak & Wine Pairing 101

Back in the day, pairing steak and wine might have seemed easier given the simple edict of, “Red wine goes with red meat.” But these days, there are almost as many different ways to prepare steaks, as there are varietals of red wine. Rather than become overwhelmed, we turned to the steak experts at Stockyards.com. Known for providing USDA prime and choice beef since 1893, they proved to be an experienced resource when it comes to steaks. In general, their favorite wines for steaks include Cabernet, Bordeaux, Merlot, Shiraz and Zinfandel. But the experts at Stockyards.com are quick to point out that if you’d prefer a white wine with steak, it is perfectly acceptable to serve Chardonnay.

For starters, if serving Carpaccio as an appetizer, accompany it with a full-flavored Sparkling Rosé that will also serve to entice the palate for upcoming courses.

When considering wine for when steak is the main course, grilled steaks require a wine with heft, depth of fruit and smoky oak in order to appropriately balance the char and fat of the meat. Good choices for this include American Red Zinfandels, Cabernets, Spanish Rioha or Priorat. Chardonnay can also be a reliable choice when the steak is grilled and seasoned lightly with just salt and pepper. For pan-fried steaks, our experts suggest a fruitier selection, with more jam and spice in the nuances – such as California, Oregon or Washington Merlots.

It’s not just the steak one has to consider – there’s also the sauce or marinade that’s being used to accompany the steak. If the steak is being served with a barbecue or tomato-based sauce, a Chianti offers nuances that complement both. If a piquant or spicier sauce is being served with the steak, choose a strong Zinfandel or a full-bodied European Red. And a hearty Chardonnay makes a fine choice for Steak au poivre or a steak being served with rich, creamy sauces. For a steak served with a Béarnaise sauce, choose an American Cabernet. And for a sauce that leans more toward blue cheese and/or butter as its main ingredients, our experts suggest Southern Italian Reds.

Steaks braised with wine should be served with a selection that’s similar in flavor to what you’re cooking with – at least in regard to region and grape. Steaks that are stock-braised require wines with a higher acidity to cut the richness.

Finally, Stockyards.com reminds us that, of course, what tastes good together is good together. In other words, it’s okay to make up your own rules as you go along!

Napa Valley Gourmet Experience - Save over 20% on this memorable pairing of aged Cabernet Sauvignon & Top Sirloin steaks.

Treat yourself or a loved one to the truly memorable pairing of a legendary, top rated aged, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with the finest USDA Prime Top Sirloin. Our Napa Valley Gourmet Experience is truly a memorable gift.

Already have the steaks? For an easy wine-steak pairing solution, try Wine That Loves Grilled Steak. Don't let the whimsical label fool you. Wine That Loves is a serious wine. Try this wine with your next steak meal! 

Jan 9, 2012 at 10:57 AM

Permalink

Be the first to comment on this post

Which Sub-Appellation Might Be Your Favorite?

When first planting grapes in the Napa Valley, varieties were planted in somewhat random patchwork patterns. But as winemaking became more of an art, vintners discovered the benefits of matching certain grapes to appropriate microclimates and soils, thus regions have emerged that imprint recognizable characteristics on the grapes grown within them. All this helps the consumer to not only discover what they like, but identify and find it more easily.

Since Napa Valley itself is an appellation, it helps to know the 15 sub-appellations as certified by the American Viticultural Area (AVA for short). Each offers distinctive characteristics that affect not only the grape, but also the resulting wines.

Atlas Peak AVA: The mountain-influenced climate gives Cabernet Sauvignons added acidity, while influencing Chardonnays with crisp, distinctive pear-mineral flavors.

Calistoga AVA: Warmer to downright hot temperatures along with marine air from the Northwest favors Cabernet Sauvignons, Zinfandels, Syrahs and Petite Sirahs.

Chiles Valley District AVA: Later harvests add lush yet firm texture and distinctive blackberry flavors to Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots and Cabernet Francs; while Merlots are distinguished by black cherry flavors with hints of cocoa.

Diamond Mountain District AVA: Moderately warm temperatures give Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet Francs firm structure with strong blackcurrant mineral and cedary flavors. Chardonnays are distinguished by green apple-peach aromas.

Howell Mountain AVA: Afternoon sun influences Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots and Zinfandels with firm blackberry-currant flavors and excellent acidity for aging. Chardonnays reveal more citrus and stone fruit flavors.

Los Carneros AVA: Cooler, marine-influenced winds from San Pablo Bay provide Chardonnays with pear-apple and spice flavors, Merlots with sleek structure and Pinot Noirs with earthy cherry-cinnamon spice flavors.

Mount Veeder AVA: Vineyards above the fog line bestow Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots and Zinfandels with firm, tannic structures and earth-berry aromas, while adding apple and citrus flavors along with good acidity to Chardonnays.

Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley AVA: Marine air and fog provide Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons with cassis, tobacco and spice flavors typical to Bordeaux-style reds, while Chardonnays feature crisp, apple mineral notes with fine acidity.

Oakville AVA: Moderately warm temperatures result in Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots with ripe currant and mint flavors; along with Sauvignon Blancs that are full, steely and very fleshy.

Rutherford AVA: Early morning fog gives way to warm temperatures that provide Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, Cabernet Francs and Zinfandels with intense cherry and mineral aromas along with supple tannins for extended aging.

Spring Mountain District AVA: Fairly cool nights and higher elevations result in Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots and Zinfandels with powerful blackberry-currant flavors and excellent agility for aging while Chardonnays exhibit less fruity, more citrus and stone fruit flavors.

St. Helena AVA: Mid summer temperature peaks of 90+ degrees bestow Cabernet Francs, Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots with deep, ripe and often jammy flavors.

Stags Leap District AVA: Moderate warmth along with afternoon marine winds distinguish Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots and Sangioveses with finely perfumed cherry and red berry flavors while Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs exhibit excellent citrus and apple flavors.

Wild Horse Valley AVA: Warmth that’s moderated by both altitude and winds result in Cabernet Sauvignons and Sangioveses with bright berry and cherry fruit and provide Chardonnays with distinctive pear-mineral flavors and bright acidity.

Yountville AVA: Fog and a cooler marine influence provide Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots with ripe, violety aromas and firm tannins.
 

Nov 2, 2011 at 4:00 PM

Permalink

Be the first to comment on this post