What wine goes with steak?
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Steak and red wine is the most reliable pairing in the book: the fat and protein soften tannin, and tannin in turn cleanses the palate between bites. Fattier cuts like ribeye reward bigger, more structured wines; leaner cuts like filet prefer something more polished.
Napa cabernet sauvignon
Full-bodied, dark fruit, firm tannin
The benchmark steak wine — its structure stands up to a ribeye, and its cassis-and-cedar depth matches the char.
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Argentine malbec
Plush, dark, velvety red
Softer tannin and juicy black fruit make it the crowd-pleaser, especially with chimichurri or leaner cuts.
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Northern Rhône syrah
Savory, peppery, structured
Black pepper and smoked-meat notes echo the grill — the choice for pepper-crusted or charcoal-grilled steak.
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Sommelier's tip
Skip heavy oak with filet mignon — a right-bank Bordeaux (merlot-led) flatters the tenderness better than a blockbuster cab.
Frequently asked questions
What wine goes with steak?
Our top pick is Napa cabernet sauvignon (Full-bodied, dark fruit, firm tannin). The benchmark steak wine — its structure stands up to a ribeye, and its cassis-and-cedar depth matches the char.
What is a budget-friendly wine for steak?
Argentine malbec, typically from about $14. Softer tannin and juicy black fruit make it the crowd-pleaser, especially with chimichurri or leaner cuts.
Does red wine go with steak?
Yes — Napa cabernet sauvignon works well. The benchmark steak wine — its structure stands up to a ribeye, and its cassis-and-cedar depth matches the char.
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