Steak & Red Meat
The Ultimate Steak & Wine Pairing Guide
The best wines to pair with every cut of steak, from ribeye to filet mignon.
Quick answer
Pair fatty cuts like ribeye with Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, lean filet with Pinot Noir or Merlot, and grilled skirt or flank steak with Malbec.
Why red wine works with steak
Tannins in red wine bind with fat and protein, which makes each sip taste smoother and each bite taste richer. The fattier the cut, the more tannin it can handle.
Wine by cut
- Ribeye: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Napa red blends
- New York strip: Cabernet, Bordeaux, Tempranillo
- Filet mignon: Pinot Noir, Merlot
- Skirt and flank: Malbec, Zinfandel
Sauces change the match
Peppercorn sauce loves Syrah; béarnaise works with Chardonnay; chimichurri is perfect with Malbec.
Wines Worth Pouring
Cooking something else?
Get instant suggestions from our wine pairing tool.