There are many iconic food and beverage pairings that have been ingrained in our collective consciousness. Bacon and eggs, peanut butter and jelly, french fries and burgers, you get the idea. However, there is one combo that reigns supreme, at least, if you love some high-quality steak and wine. Wine with steak is a great way to elevate the flavors of both your drink and the food. If you are looking to satiate your palate with this savory but elegant pairing, it would be well worth your time to pay a visit to the best steakhouse in NYC, The Old Homestead Steakhouse. A dining experience with us is the pinnacle of elegance, class, and of course, pure hospitality towards our loyal patrons. Today, we will be discussing the best wine with steak to prepare you for your next steakhouse visit! 

Factors To Keep In Mind With Steaks

There are two primary factors to pay attention to when determining which steak should be paired with which wine. They are as follows:

  • Fattiness: A steak that is fattier should usually be paired with a wine that is less robust. If there is too much richness, this can overwhelm your palate. High acidity goes well with a fatty steak since it counterbalances the flavors.
  • Seasoning: A steak that is seasoned with just salt and pepper can be accompanied by almost any wine, as the flavor is very versatile. On the other hand, steaks that are flavored with sweeter ingredients should not be paired with a sweeter wine. This is an example of too much of a good thing. Additionally, heavily-seasoned or spiced meats need not be paired with a spicy or elegant wine, instead, try having it with a light, sweet, and fruity blend.

The steak you eat is completely up to you! But keep these guidelines in mind so that you have an easier time creating a pairing at the best steakhouse in NYC.

What’s the Best Wine with Steak for Harmony?

Allow us to clear a few things up, here. It’s not wise to start experimenting with random combinations until you have grasped the basics. You are more than welcome to have a classic cocktail with a steak (e.g. old-fashioned, bourbons, etc), white wine is also another option, but it’s not the absolute best pairing for steak (although this can be subjective). Typically speaking, red wine is what you should choose to go with a steak. Remember this rule– red meat gets red wine. Beef is better suited for red, while white wine is a better fit for chicken or fish dishes. 

Certain meats like pork don’t fall into either camp, and can be paired with one or the other. It’s important to know the rules, so that you don’t break them. But, of course, we aren’t saying this to add any sort of pressure onto your dining experience. After all, our staff will be more than happy to assist you with any insights you may have on the ideal pairings that will best complement your meal.

Cabernet’s

There is nothing quite like a Cabernet. Commonly referred to as the “people pleaser” of red wines, The Old Homestead Steakhouse offers an assortment of elegant Cabernet. This wine has a very balanced flavor and is the ideal choice for beginners who are breaking new ground with the steak and wine combo. They have a high acidity that cuts through fatty and umami foods, providing a nice tanginess that goes perfectly with a good steak.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel is another superb choice for those who enjoy the taste of sweeter wines, as opposed to others that can be more acidic and dry. The varietal of the grape for Zinfandels has a high sugar content, so it can be made into wine with a 15% or higher alcohol level, or the sugar can be preserved, creating a sweeter wine. If you opt for this wine, avoid steaks that have a sweeter seasoning, such as brown sugar glaze. Pair it with a steak that has a spicy, zesty flavor. The sweetness will help offset the spice, and clear the palate between every bite. 

Chardonnay

Even though many white wines don’t stand up to red meat, Chardonnay is often the exception. Its natural acidity can cut through the juiciness and fattiness of the meat. If you are going to choose white over red, keep an eye on the tannin and acid content are important for balancing out the rich textures of the steak.

Your Personal Favorite Wine

It’s hard to go wrong with wine if you choose your favorite! Even if it’s a wine that we haven’t mentioned. Fine dining at the best steakhouse in NYC is all about finding your own personal preferences and favorites. While it’s nice to be adventurous in trying new things, there is no shame in sticking to what you know. Your ultimate goal should be to enjoy your meal, not impress food or wine connoisseurs who may scoff at your selection of wine.

The Best Wine with Steak: Let The Old Homestead Steakhouse help!

The key to creating a flavorful experience for your next steakhouse meal is to experiment, mix and match, and try combinations that you love. Take the time to think about everything we discussed today. When you get the craving for some elegant cuisine, visit us at The Old Homestead Steakhouse to have a fun-filled, memorable experience. We also encourage you to take a look at our dinner and wine menu to have a better understanding of our offerings. If you still aren’t sure what the best wine with steak is for you, don’t worry, our expert staff have got you covered.