Restaurants — like swanky, chic steakhouses — employ a full-time sommelier to assist diners by recommending wines to accompany the delicious, marbled, melt-in-your-mouth steak that they're about to order. Although it may seem like some sommeliers are trying to sell patrons the most expensive bottle on the menu, it's far from the case. Their goal is to help you enjoy your evening meal to the fullest — and the wine you choose to sip with is a big part of that process.
Wines can amplify a steak's flavor and allow the savory notes to dance and mingle with the liquid you're imbibing. The good news is, there's no shortage of great wines to choose from; whether American or international, dry or sweet, single varietal or a blend of three. Which makes selecting the best wine to pair with your steak such an important (albeit sometimes difficult) decision.
When in doubt, follow this rule: Red wine is your best friend to pair with a mouth-watering steak grilled to perfection. Choose a red wine for the higher tannins and wine enthusiasts know that red wines pair beautifully with steak — and for good reason. Remember, which are found in the grape's skin and stems and which embody bitter, astringent notes.
A good way to tell if a red wine is higher or lower in tannins is to do a quick 'swish' test. When you sip a red wine, briefly swish it around in your mouth like you're rinsing with mouthwash, then swallow. If you notice the wine remnants feel like they are clinging to your teeth .
