Wine Pairing with Beef
Wine pairings for steak, roast beef, burgers, and other beef dishes.
Quick Wine Pairing Guide for Beef
Finding the right wine to pair with beef depends on the specific dish, cooking method, and sauce. Here's what you need to know:
- Consider the preparation: Grilled, roasted, and fried dishes pair differently than poached or steamed.
- Match intensity: Bold dishes need bold wines; delicate dishes need lighter wines.
- Don't forget the sauce: Often the sauce matters more than the protein itself.
Beef Dishes & Wine Pairings
Steak
Grilled, pan-seared, or broiled beef steak including ribeye, filet mignon, NY strip, and sirloin.
💡 The fattier the cut, the more tannic the wine should be. Ribeye loves Cabernet; filet pairs well with Merlot.
Roast Beef
Slow-roasted beef including prime rib, pot roast, and beef tenderloin.
💡 Match the richness of the roast with a full-bodied red. Consider the sauce - mushroom gravy pairs with Pinot Noir.
Burgers
Classic beef burgers, cheeseburgers, and gourmet burger variations.
💡 Zinfandel's jammy fruit complements burger toppings. For fancy burgers with blue cheese, try a bold Cabernet.
Best Wines for Beef
The king of red wines, known for its bold tannins and dark fruit flavors. Full-bodied with notes of blackcurrant, cedar, and vanilla.
Merlot
RedA softer, more approachable red wine with plush tannins and ripe fruit flavors. Perfect for those new to red wine.
A bold, spicy red wine with dark fruit and peppery notes. Called Shiraz in Australia, Syrah elsewhere.
Malbec
RedArgentina's signature grape, producing rich, velvety wines with dark fruit and smoky notes.
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