Ribeye steak is one of the most popular and delicious cuts of beef. It is well-marbled with fat, making it juicy, succulent, and full of flavor. But what makes a rib-eye steak even more enjoyable? Pairing it with the right wine!
The perfect pairing can take your meal to the next level and bring out all those delicious flavors. In this article, we will discuss the best wines for rib-eye steak to help you pick the perfect pairing.
What Is The Best Wine To Go With Rib-Eye Steak?
The classic pairing of rib-eye steak and Cabernet Sauvignon is one that never goes out of style.
- A young Sauvignon, in particular, offers a rich and vibrant flavor profile that perfectly compliments the meaty, full-bodied characteristics of rib-eye steak.
- The astringency of the wine is often too harsh to drink alone, but when paired with rib-eye steak, the tannins mellow out, allowing the robust flavors of blackberry, and blueberry to shine beautifully.
Additionally, you’ll find notes of:
- Dark chocolate,
- Herbs,
- Mocha,
- Leather,
- Meaty undertones,
- Smoke,
- Mint, and
- Graphite pencil shavings.
It is also usually available at an economical price point, making it an excellent option for those looking for a gourmet dining experience on a budget.
Ultimately, if you’re in search of a traditional yet flavorsome steak accompaniment, then look no further than the timeless combination of rib-eye steak and young Cabernet Sauvignon.
Bordeaux
The blend of the grapes used to create a Bordeaux wine make it incredibly popular among collectors.
The unique blend in Bordeaux gives the wine complexity and flavor that is hard to find anywhere else.
While some bottles of Bordeaux are expensive and worth thousands, most people are still able to locate other reasonably priced bottles with just as much flavor and complexity.
When pairing a bottle of Bordeaux with your Ribeye Steak you don’t need to break the bank – one between $40-$80 will do just fine for a beginner taster.
Sure, you can go more expensive if you know your palate, but for anyone new to tasting wine, there’s no need to splurge unnecessarily.
Finding something suited for your taste buds within an affordable budget will still give you that amazing flavor and aroma associated with Bordeaux wines.
Barolo
Barolo and Ribeye Steak make an unforgettable pairing. That’s how it feels when you crack open a bottle of Barolo; its intense tannin content gives it that punchy flavor.
- The heavy tannins are why Barolo should normally be aged for at least two decades before drinking – but by pairing it with a Ribeye steak, you don’t have to wait so long.
- The protein and fat in the steak actually soften the tannins, letting the beautiful flavors of blackberry, cherry, and plum come through much more quickly. This way, you get to enjoy this Italian classic sooner rather than later.
Nothing quite compares to the experience of cracking open a bottle of this wine for the first time and taking a bold sip.
That’s because Barolo actually is a tannin-heavy Italian wine, one that requires years and years of aging before it can be truly enjoyed.
The boldness of this wine, however, has made it a firm favorite amongst steak lovers, when combined with your Ribeye steak, which has just enough protein and fat to soften up the bold tannin.
Oftentimes, people may lack the patience or resources to wait that long for this rich red wine to reach its optimal drinking age.
Luckily, Barolo pairs graciously with rib-eye steak and can be enjoyed while still young, allowing it to ascend alongside one of the most popular cuts of beef in any impressive culinary satisfaction (Also check out Best Wine Pairings For Corned Beef & Cabbage).
Australian Shiraz
Australian Shiraz is a great wine to pair with Ribeye steak due to its strong, full-bodied flavor.
The same type of grape as the Syrah, Shiraz is known for being loud and jammy, with flavors of spice and vanilla along with black pepper.
- Australian Shiraz is quickly becoming a favorite amongst wine drinkers around the world.
- That’s because this grape, which is in fact the same as Syrah, holds up particularly well with robust meals.
- Australian Shiraz finds its way onto dinner tables everywhere thanks to its loud, jammy flavor and heady aromas of vanilla and spice with a hint of black pepper.
- This powerful varietal moves away from Syrah’s typically more savory profile, and definitely stands up to the flavorful cut of steak.
When pairing an Australian Shiraz with Ribeye steak, it pays off to select one at the higher end of your budget – suggesting something valued at $30 or more per bottle at retail prices.
Doing so will open up great offerings from renowned labels, which can highlight new notes for an already delicious meal.
Whether served alone alongside steak or included in recipes such as rib-eye stir frenzy, Australian Shiraz will please those looking for bolder flavors while standing out decently without overpowering the palate.
Zinfandel
When it comes to pairing with Ribeye steak, you can’t go wrong with a fruit-bomb, full-bodies Zinfandel. These powerhouse wines fill the palate with ripe and juicy fruit flavors of:
- Blackberry,
- Raspberry,
- Black cherry, and
- Plum.
These bright notes blend well with the more robust meat flavors of the Ribeye steak for a pleasing balance. The added smoky spices that the steak offers also bring an extra depth to this combination that is sure to delight.
The high alcohol content in Zinfandel helps to bring out the richness of the Ribeye steak while adding additional depth to the wine and allowing it to stand up against more flavorful dishes like this one.
The fruity flavoring of slightly sweetened acidity makes this pairing especially mouthwatering when finished off with a dusting of black pepper or some seasoning mix you might have on hand.
Whatever your preference, this classic pairing will be sure to delight all your dinner guests!
The Most Classic Pairing For Ribeye
For something more daring, try a Syrah or Grenache.
- These red wines are jammy and have spicy notes that are sure to elevate your meal. If you’re looking for something white, try a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
- These crisp whites offer a bright, fruit-forward flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of rib-eye steak.
No matter what type of wine you choose, it’s important to remember that the key to a great pairing is balance. The flavors in your wine should complement, not overpower, the flavors of your steak. Enjoy!
Why Do Wine And Steak Go Well Together?
Wine and steak are one of the most classic culinary combinations known to mankind. Not only is it delicious, but it also has a rich history behind it that has been around for centuries.
The reason why wine and steak go together so well is because the acidity and tannins found in the wine help to cut through the richness of the steak and actually bring out its flavors even more.
- When paired together, these two ingredients can create an incredibly complex and delicious flavor profile that pairs perfectly with each other.
- Tannins, which are molecules found in grape skins and seeds, add complexity to the dish as they soften the steak fats while bringing out their robust beefy flavors.
- The presence of tannins also helps balance out any fat content within the steak, creating a much cleaner finish.
Together with the acidity found within the wine, this combination makes for some truly incredible-tasting steak dishes that everyone should experience at least once in their life!
Aromatic And Flavor Enhancing
Red wine and rib-eye steak are the perfect pair. The strong, robust flavors of red wine can enhance the already flavorful rib-eye steak and bring out its best qualities.
It’s all about the tannins – specifically, how they interact with the fat in the steak to bring out its flavor.
Tannins are compounds found in red wines that have an astringent taste. When paired with rib-eye steak, which contains plenty of fat, this astringency is softened, releasing deeper and richer flavors from both ingredients.
The balance between acidity levels in red wine also helps to offset the richness of a juicy rib-eye steak.
If you want to experience a richer depth of flavor than either ingredient offers alone, then make sure you incorporate some red wine into your next rib-eye steak meal.
Final Thoughts
Ribeye steak and red wine are a classic pairing that cannot be beaten. The intensity of the red wine enhances the bold flavors of the rib-eye steak while helping to soften any fat found within it.
Not only does this combination result in a complex flavor profile, but it can also help to reduce any sense of heaviness associated with the dish, making it even more enjoyable for all involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to pairing Pinot Noir with steak, you may feel a bit stumped. After all, Pinot Noir wines tend to sit at the light to medium-bodied end of the spectrum, and its profile is usually better suited for lighter meats like poultry and fish.
But the natural acidity and subtle red berry notes can work surprisingly well with steak, too.
I can offer you articles and information about wine from a seasoned sommelier, and now a winemaker too! I hope that you enjoy some of our articles, and start thinking outside of the box when it comes to wine.
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