Pairing Wine with Meat
Updated: Oct 7
Pairing wine with meat comes down to one rule: match the body of the wine to the fat of the cut. Here are four red wine pairings for Pre steaks.
If you are like us, pairing wine with meat is a specialty. A tasty steak deserves a great glass, whether you like a Cabernet or a Tempranillo. Here are some wine pairing ideas for Pre steaks, each with a recipe or guide to go with it.
Pairing wine with meat: the rule of thumb
The most important thing to remember when pairing wine with meat is to match the body of the wine with the color and amount of fat of the meat. When you are eating a tender steak, you will want to pair it with a medium or full-bodied red wine. Keep that rule of thumb in mind as we go through the pairings.
Cut | Wine | Why it works |
Pre New York Strip | Tempranillo | Cherry and tobacco notes play well with the fat in a strip. |
Pre Petite Sirloin | Red blend | A rich, jammy blend suits a lean, tender cut with more structure than a filet. |
Pre Ribeye | Cabernet Sauvignon | A full-body, high-tannin wine matches a juicy, marbled steak. |
Pre Filet Mignon | Bordeaux blend or Malbec | Lean and tender, so the tannins match the steak without overpowering it. |
Tempranillo wine pairs with New York strip
The Pre New York Strip is perfectly complemented by a bold, aged, full-bodied Tempranillo that enhances its savory flavors. The cherry and tobacco notes play well with the fat in the strip.
Perfect recipe pairing: Grilled Sriracha Marinated Strip Steak.
Red blend wine pairs with petite sirloin
Pre Petite Sirloin is a tender, low-fat cut of steak. It has more structure than a filet and holds a marinade or rub very well. Pair it with a rich and jammy red blend and you have a never-ending flavor combination.
Perfect recipe pairing: 8 tips and tricks for marinating meat.
Cabernet Sauvignon wine pairs with ribeye
The marvelous Pre Ribeye deserves a rich and robust pairing. It is known for its juicy tenderness and marbling, and a full-body, high-tannin Cabernet pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of a grilled ribeye steak.
Perfect recipe pairing: Whole30 Herbed Ghee Basted Ribeye Steak with Seasoned Frites.
Bordeaux blend or Malbec wine pairs with filet mignon
A red Bordeaux-style blend is a great pairing for Pre Filet Mignon. Filet is lean and tender with minimal fat, and the tannins in this blend match the steak. A full-bodied Malbec is another good choice, because the filet is lean and Malbec does not have a super long finish. This pairing is best with minimal seasoning, like salt and pepper. Curious why the filet is so soft? Read why the filet mignon is so tender.
Perfect recipe pairing: seven delicious days of filet mignon.
Cook it right, then pour the wine
A great pairing starts with a perfectly cooked steak. Use our steak temperature chart and how to cook every steak Pre sells to get it right. Want to know why region, breed, and age shape the flavor of both wine and beef? Read why you should buy your beef like you buy your wine. Please enjoy wine responsibly.
FAQ
What is the rule for pairing wine with meat?
Match the body of the wine to the color and amount of fat of the meat. Rich, marbled steaks pair with medium to full-bodied reds.
What wine goes with filet mignon?
Filet is lean and tender with minimal fat, so a Bordeaux-style red blend works well, and the tannins match the steak. A full-bodied Malbec also works.
What wine goes with ribeye?
A full-bodied, high-tannin Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with the rich flavor of a grilled ribeye.
Where can I buy Pre 100% Grass-Fed & Finished Beef?
Pre Brands beef is a lean, High Protein, delicious way to keep dinner healthy. Use our store locator to find a store near you, browse all Pre products, or find us on Instacart.
