You can get the perfect wine for your meal if you follow a few
simple guidelines.
You can get the perfect wine for your meal if you follow a few simple guidelines.
For instance, according to wine expert Evan Goldstein, “grilling beef results in charry, rich caramelized flavors that are a great complement to the typically toasty and smoky nuances, not only found in Cabernet Sauvignon, but in many California Merlots, Zinfandels and Pinot Noirs.”
Even among red wines there are differences that affect what wine goes with what dish. Merlot may seem to go with everything, but Goldstein doesn’t recommend it with a number of dishes, including steak tartare, beef with curry and coconut milk or carpaccio.
“When pairing wines with lean grilled beef, it’s important not to serve a wine that features heavy tannins,” Goldstein says. “Save those wines for more fatty meats.” He suggests lighter styled wines, such as Pinot Noir, or Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel.
Here are a few wine recommendations designed to pair well with slowly lean grilled beef:
2000 Clos du Bois Sonoma County Zinfandel: “This is an easy-to-drink style of Zinfandel, offering fruit complexity, without high alcohol levels,” Goldstein says.
2001 Clos du Bois Sonoma County Pinot Noir: “A soft red wine, loaded with fragrant aromas of dried cherries, caramel and toffee-great with grass-fed beef hamburgers.”
2000 Clos du Bois Sonoma County Merlot: “This round, ripe Merlot features luscious flavors of blackberry and toasty oak. It is a medium-bodied wine that will pair beautifully with a grilled London broil.”
1999 Clos du Bois Alexander Valley Reserve Shiraz: “Full of rich, spicy fruit, this wine will complement a thick, juicy rib eye steak.”
