Best Brunch In Forest Hills

What to Look for in Wine to Pair with Your Steak? 

Pairing the right wine with your steak, or any other red meat dish for that matter, can elevate your overall dining experience, and help you to create an amazing balance of flavors – that will simply make your meal a million times better! However, with so many wine options available, choosing the perfect bottle can be overwhelming – especially when you are choosing for yourself and a date or a table of guests and the pressure is truly on. To make sure you find a successful pairing, there are few key qualities to look for, and you want to make sure you are selecting a wine to complement your steak or any red meat dish, that will bring out the flavors and amplify the tastes. From learning about the wine's body and tannins, to a few of the other essential factors to look for in a proper wine and red meat pairing, here are a few vital things to learn so you can impress at your next big dinner. 

Flavor Intensity

Steak and red meat dishes are known for their robust and savory flavors. When choosing a wine, opt for varieties that can match or enhance the intensity of the meat's flavor profile. Full-bodied wines with rich and concentrated flavors, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz, Malbec, or Merlot, can stand up to the boldness of the meat and create a well-rounded pairing.

Wine Body

Something you often hear the experts mention is the body of a wine. Consider the body of the wine, which refers to its weight and mouthfeel. According to the team at Aged, known as the Best Places to Eat In Forest Hills has to offer, red meat dishes typically pair well with medium to full-bodied wines that have a substantial presence on the palate. A wine with a similar or slightly heavier body than the meat can complement its richness. For instance, a well-aged Bordeaux or a bold Zinfandel can provide the necessary weight to match the bold taste of a steak. 

Tannin Structure

If you want to learn about wine, you must learn about tannins. Tannins, which are naturally occurring compounds found in grape skins and stems, contribute to the structure, texture, and astringency of red wines. When pairing with red meat, it's essential to consider the tannin level. Known for being the best restaurant and bar Queens has to offer, Aged and their expert team will tell you that tannins in wine often act as a palate cleanser, cutting through the richness of the meat and providing balance. Steaks with higher fat content can be paired with wines that have more pronounced tannins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Nebbiolo, while leaner cuts may benefit from wines with softer tannins, like Merlot or Pinot Noir. 

Flavor Profiles

Pay attention to the flavor profiles of both the wine and the dish. Try to understand how these flavors might best work together, and learn to seek complementary or contrasting flavors to create harmonious pairings – this is what the experts do, and it truly isn’t that hard when you are just trying to pair things for your own specific tastes and palette. According to the team at Aged, considered the best restaurant for brunch in Queens, a steak with a peppercorn crust could be enhanced by a wine with herbal or spicy notes, such as a Syrah/Shiraz or a Malbec. Similarly, a well-marbled ribeye might be accentuated by the fruit-forward characteristics of a California or Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Personal Preference

Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in wine selection and no matter what anyone else thinks about a wine, if you don't like it, then it simply isn't the right wine to get! Experimentation is encouraged, as individual taste preferences can vary widely. Some people may prefer bolder, more tannic wines, while others may prefer smoother, fruit-driven options. Consider your own palate and explore different wine regions and grape varieties to find out which wine choices are right for you.  

When it comes to pairing wine with steak and red meat dishes, the best thing to do is to ask an experienced sommelier or your wait staff. However, having as much knowledge of your own can help you to develop a keen palette over time, help for when you’re making steaks at home, and even be a pretty impressive skill to have on your next date! And for some of the best steak and wine selections, and the best brunch in Forest Hills, be sure to check out Aged in Forest Hills today!