Best wine with steak: What to choose

For meat lovers, an evening with a succulent, juicy steak and a delicious bottle of wine is one of life’s great pleasures. The big meaty flavours of a steak demand an equally big wine with plenty of tannins – and the good news is there are several red grapes and wine styles that fit the bill.

As with any food pairing, it’s also useful to consider the other ingredients on your plate. Are you serving steak with chips or a salad? What sauce is on the side? Read on to discover go-to wine styles for steak, tips on pairing with particular cuts of meat and other things to consider if you’re preparing a special steak dinner.

Malbec and steak: a match made in heaven

Seasoning medium rare steak Credit: zoranm / E+ / Getty Images

There are several classic wine pairings for steak and top of the list is the Malbec grape. With their lush dark fruit and naturally high tannins, Malbec wines and blends are a safe choice if you’re unsure what to buy.

Two main regions should be on your radar. First is Argentina, the New World country that has become synonymous with quality Malbec at all price points. The region of Mendoza has more Malbec planted than anywhere else in the world. It’s home to 76% of Argentina’s vineyards and Malbec plantings here account for one-fifth of the total Malbec in the country. So look out for the name on wine labels.

Since Argentina is also famous for the production of high-quality beef, it’s no surprise that steak and Malbec have found a perfect partnership here. The classic style of Argentinian Malbec is an oaked wine packed with layers of dark fruit and spice. But it’s also worth considering fresher styles.