Meat Master

Red Wine and Steak Pairing

Name: The Meat & Wine Co
Price range: $$

Few culinary pairings are as iconic as red wine and steak. The combination of rich, juicy steak with the complex flavours of red wine has been a tradition for centuries. But selecting the right wine to pair with your steak isn’t as simple as choosing any red—different cuts of steak have unique flavours and textures, and finding the perfect wine to complement these can transform your dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying a marbled ribeye, a tender fillet, or even something as unique as kangaroo steak, the right wine can make all the difference.

Why Red Wine Compliments Steak

Pairing red wine with steak is a science as much as it is a tradition. The secret lies in the tannins found in red wine. Tannins are compounds that create the dry, slightly astringent sensation you feel on your palate when sipping a full-bodied red. These tannins interact with the fats and proteins in steak, creating a smoother, more balanced experience.

When you take a bite of steak, particularly a fattier cut, the proteins and fats coat your palate. Red wine tannins work to cleanse this richness from your mouth, refreshing your taste buds between each bite. This dynamic is why red wine paired with steak works so beautifully—each sip of wine enhances the steak’s flavours, making the entire meal more enjoyable.

The fat content in different cuts of steak can significantly influence which red wine pairs best. For instance, a fatty ribeye benefits from a wine with strong tannins, while a leaner cut like fillet steak might pair better with a lighter, more elegant wine.

Best Red Wines to Pair with Steak

When it comes to pairing red wine with steak, certain wines stand out for their ability to complement the rich, savoury flavours of beef.

Here are some options for the best red wine to drink with steak:

Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its high tannin content and full-bodied profile, Cabernet Sauvignon is often considered the go-to wine for steak lovers. Its bold flavours can hold their own against richer cuts of beef.
Merlot: Softer than Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot offers smooth tannins and a fruity profile that pairs well with both lean and fatty steaks. It’s particularly good with medium-bodied cuts like sirloin.
Malbec: This Argentinian favourite brings a touch of spice and dark fruit to the table, making it an excellent match for steaks with rich flavours. Its medium to full body and moderate tannins make it a versatile choice.
Zinfandel: Known for its intense fruitiness and bold character, Zinfandel pairs well with rich, fatty cuts of steak, enhancing the smoky, charred flavours often found in grilled ribeye.
Shiraz: Shiraz is a bold, peppery wine that complements steaks with a hint of spice. Its full body and dark fruit flavours make it a great match for grilled meats.

Red Wine Pairing with Ribeye Steak

Sirloin steak is a leaner cut compared to ribeye, with less marbling but still plenty of flavour. For this reason, the best red wine pairing for sirloin steak leans towards medium to full-bodied wines that complement the meat’s texture without overwhelming it. Merlot is a popular choice, with its smoother tannins and notes of dark cherry and plum enhancing the natural beefiness of the sirloin. Shiraz is also a great pairing, with its peppery finish adding a layer of complexity to the dish.

Red Wine Pairing with Fillet Steak

Fillet steak is one of the most tender cuts of beef, known for its delicate texture and subtle flavour. Since fillet is leaner, it pairs best with a wine that offers elegance and balance. The best red wine pairing for fillet steak is typically a lighter, more refined wine like Pinot Noir. With soft tannins and bright red fruit notes, this wine enhances the tenderness of the fillet without overpowering its delicate flavour. Merlot is an alternative choice, particularly a softer style that complements the steak’s mildness.

Exploring Unique Pairings: Red Wine and Kangaroo Steak

Understanding the different levels of steak doneness is key to achieving the perfect cook:

Rare: Seared outside, red and cool inside
Medium-Rare: Warm red centre, slightly firmer
Medium: Warm pink centre, more browned outside
Well-Done: Fully cooked through, no pink, firm texture

To achieve your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your rump steak, and remember that the temperature will rise slightly during resting, so remove the steak from heat when it’s just below your target temperature.

Other Wines

Book Your Table Now!

Ready to experience the perfect pairing of red wine and steak? At The Meat & Wine Co., we specialise in crafting the ultimate dining experience, with expertly selected wines to complement each of our premium steak cuts. Whether you’re exploring classic pairings or venturing into something more adventurous, we have the perfect pairing waiting for you. Book your table now and treat yourself to an unforgettable meal – reserve your table today and discover the magic of red wine and steak done right!