You’ve selected the perfect steak and cooked it to perfection. Now it’s time to select the perfect wine to compliment this savory cut of meat. It is common knowledge that red wines are the go-to selection for red meat, but which type of red depends on the type of steak you’ve selected, according to Nic Hunter, owner of Harlequin Steaks & Seafood. “The perfect wine to pair with steak really is a matter of personal preference,” says Hunter. “But a full-bodied red wine is usually your best starting point. Red wine and red meats have a simple culinary kinship that brings out the best qualities in both.” Wines that match the meatiness of the steak and have enough acidity to cut through the fat are keys to creating a successful pairing, Hunter adds. “The tannins in red wine, which create the astringent, dry feeling in your mouth, are softened by the fat in steak,” Hunter says. “Lean steaks like filet mignon or some sirloin cuts work well with a wine with fewer tannins, while a fatty cut like a ribeye or New York Strip require a more brawny wine.” How you like your steak cooked should also factor into your wine selection. A juicier wine pairs well with a well-done steak, while a medium rare steak and an earthier, aged wine work well together. “The way your steak is seasoned should be taken into consideration when selecting a wine,” adds Hunter. “For example, if you use peppercorns to season your steak, a shiraz will have a nice peppery undertone that will work well with it. Most marinades are going to add some tartness to the meat so you need to counter that with your wine selection.” In general terms, Hunter concludes that a cabernet sauvignon, merlot or a malbec all are good bets to pair with your next steak. “The long-standing theory is the heavier the steak, the bigger the wine; the leaner the cut, the softer the wine.” For more information or to reserve your spot at the upcoming Rouge et Blanc wine dinner scheduled for October 17 at Harlequin Steaks & Seafood, call (337) 310-0077.
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©Laura Kelley Photography
October 2012
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