Favorite Pairings: Red Wine & Steak

When it comes to pairing food with wine here at Bogle, there are no rules! But, as Jody Bogle once said, there are those perfect pairings that make certain dishes “sing”. The strong flavors and fat content in steak love the bold fruit flavors and tannins in red wine. Depending on the level of marbling and how you cook it, there’s a perfect pairing for every cut. Here are some of our favorite red wine and steak pairings!

Sirloin with Pinot Noir

Sirloin is variable but it’s most often a fairly lean cut of steak with light fat marbling or a strip of fat on the edge. It’s a very common cut of meat served many ways, so we want a wine that is elegant but will match well with most directions this cut can take. Pinot Noir and steak is one of the most common and “can’t go wrong” pairings out there. Our Pinot Noir‘s medium body, bright fruit notes, and touches of oak, brown sugar, and allspice make this a versatile wine that will pair well with a variety of foods.

Ribeye with Cabernet Sauvignon

A ribeye steak is one of the richest and most tender cuts of steak, usually with lots of marbling. This cut is a perfect match for our Cabernet Sauvignon red wine. The higher fat content in this steak wants the higher tannins to cut it, while the fruit forward notes contrast the buttery, fatty flavor of the steak.

Porterhouse and T-Bone with Petite Sirah

Porterhouses and T-bone steaks both have a mix of a strip and tenderloin. These hefty pieces of meat deserve, and maybe even require, a big red wine. The Bogle Petite Sirah is a perfect match for this two-in-one cut because the acidity and aromatics will complement the tender filet side, while the bigger, jammy characteristics will match up to the firmer, flavorful strip side of the steak.

Filet Mignon with Merlot

Oh, the filet mignon. Arguably one of the highest quality cuts of steak. It is tender, lightly marbled, lean, and very flavorful. Lighter red wines tend to do well with a filet mignon to complement the softness of the meat. While our Pinot Noir would be an excellent pairing, we also think the Merlot is a pairing that really sings. Especially a filet mignon served with a sauce. The wine is robust with elegant, soft tannins and a balanced mix of fruit flavors and sweet herbs, bringing out the best flavors of this lean cut.

And, if you are a white wine drinker through-and-through, try one of our favorite white wine and steak pairings in our classic Chardonnay! Its indulgent flavors will match the richness while the acidity will have the same effect on the fat as the tannins in red wine. The balanced richness in the Chardonnay will rev up all the right flavors on your palate and cleanse you for the next bite!

Cheers to summer grilling and finding perfect red wine and steak pairings!