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Flank Steak Wine Pairing: The Best Wines for Flank Steaks

Quick Answer

The best wines to pair with flank steak are medium-bodied reds, such as Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Shiraz/Syrah or Malbec. These wines are full of flavor and have enough tannin structure to balance the fattiness of the meat. If you prefer white wine, a Sauvignon Blanc is also a great option.

Flank steak is a flavorful and popular cut of beef that can be prepared in a variety of ways, from grilling to braising.

But did you know that pairing flank steak with the right wine can elevate its taste and take your dining experience to the next level?

That’s right, flank steak wine pairing is a real thing, and it can make all the difference in your meal.

So, what wine goes with flank steak?

The best wines to pair with flank steak are bold reds like Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, or Malbec. These wines have enough body and tannins to match the flavor of the steak without overpowering it. For lighter options, opt for a Pinot Noir which will provide subtle flavors that won’t overwhelm the steak.

In this article, we’ll explore the best wines to pair with flank steak and provide some tips to help you choose the perfect wine for your next steak dinner.

So, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking to experiment with new flavors, read on to discover the perfect wine pairing for your next flank steak meal.

5 Reasons to Consider Serving Wine with Flank Steak

Grilled Flank Steak

If you’re wondering whether wine is the right pairing for flank steak, here are five reasons to consider serving wine with your next flank steak meal:

  1. Enhances the flavor of the steak: Wine has a complex flavor profile that can enhance the taste of the flank steak. The right wine can bring out the richness and depth of the meat, making it more enjoyable to eat.
  2. Helps balance the richness of the meat: Flank steak is a relatively fatty cut of beef, and the right wine can help cut through the richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the meat.
  3. Complements the flavors of side dishes: Flank steak is often served with side dishes that have their own unique flavors, and the right wine can help tie all the flavors together and create a more cohesive dining experience.
  4. Elevates the overall dining experience: Pairing wine with flank steak can make a simple meal feel more luxurious and special. It adds an extra layer of sophistication to the meal and can make the dining experience more memorable.
  5. Provides a fun opportunity to explore new wines: Trying new wines can be an enjoyable and educational experience. Pairing different wines with flank steak can help you discover new flavors and broaden your wine knowledge.

The 5 Best Red Wines for Flank Steak

Red Wine

Red wine is a classic pairing for red meat, including flank steak. When selecting a red wine to pair with flank steak, it’s important to consider the tannin levels, acidity, and flavor profile of the wine.

Here are the five best red wines for flank steak:

  1. Sangiovese wines such as Chianti Classico: Sangiovese is a medium-bodied Italian red wine that has a high acidity level, making it a great complement to the rich and fatty flavors of flank steak. Chianti Classico, in particular, is known for its fruit-forward notes of cherry and plum, which pair well with the steak’s flavors.
  2. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: Another Italian red wine, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is made from Sangiovese grapes grown in the Tuscan region. It’s a full-bodied wine with bold tannins and notes of red fruit and spice. Its acidity and tannins cut through the richness of the flank steak and enhance its flavor.
  3. Montefalco Rosso: This Italian red wine is a blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino, and Merlot grapes. It’s a full-bodied wine with a high tannin level and notes of black cherry, blackberry, and vanilla. Its complex flavors pair well with the bold flavor of flank steak.
  4. Cabernet Franc wines from the US: Cabernet Franc is a grape variety commonly used in red wine blends. It has a lower tannin level than Cabernet Sauvignon, making it a great option for those who prefer a smoother wine. Cabernet Franc wines from California and Washington state have notes of black cherry, raspberry, and black pepper, which complement the flavors of the flank steak.
  5. Cabernet Franc wines from Argentina: Cabernet Franc is also grown in Argentina, where it’s known for its bold flavor and high tannin level. Argentine Cabernet Franc wines have notes of blackberry, plum, and leather, which pair well with the richness of flank steak.

The 5 Best White Wines for Flank Steak

Pinot Grigio

While red wine is the classic pairing for red meat, white wine can also be a delicious and unexpected pairing for flank steak. When selecting a white wine to pair with flank steak, it’s important to choose a wine with enough body and flavor to complement the meat.

Here are the five best white wines for flank steak:

  1. Pinot Grigio: Pinot Grigio is a light-bodied white wine that pairs well with lighter, leaner cuts of steak such as flank steak. It has crisp acidity and notes of citrus and green apple, which complement the flavors of the meat.
  2. Chenin Blanc: Chenin Blanc is a medium-bodied white wine with a high acidity level and notes of honey, apple, and pear. It has enough body to stand up to the richness of flank steak and provides a refreshing contrast to the meat’s flavor.
  3. Viognier: Viognier is a full-bodied white wine with a rich texture and notes of apricot, peach, and honey. Its bold flavors and body make it a great pairing for flank steak, especially when the meat is prepared with a spicy rub or sauce.
  4. Gewürztraminer: Gewürztraminer is a medium-bodied white wine with a slightly sweet flavor and notes of lychee, rose, and spice. Its sweetness pairs well with the bold flavors of flank steak and can balance out the meat’s richness.
  5. Chardonnay: Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine with a rich texture and flavors of apple, vanilla, and oak. It pairs well with grilled flank steak and provides a creamy contrast to the meat’s texture.

The 5 Best Rosé Wines for Flank Steak

Rosé wine

Rosé wines can be a surprisingly good pairing for flank steak, especially when you’re looking for a lighter and refreshing option. When selecting a rosé wine to pair with flank steak, it’s important to choose a dry wine with enough acidity to balance out the meat’s richness.

Here are the five best rosé wines for flank steak:

  1. Dry Rosé: Dry rosé is a classic and versatile wine that can pair well with many different types of food, including flank steak. It has a crisp acidity and flavors of red fruit and citrus, which complement the flavors of the meat.
  2. Grenache Rosé: Grenache is a grape variety commonly used in red wine blends, but it also makes a delicious rosé wine. It has flavors of strawberry, watermelon, and citrus, which pair well with the rich and bold flavors of flank steak.
  3. Mourvèdre Rosé: Mourvèdre is another grape variety commonly used in red wine blends, and it also makes a delicious rosé wine. It has a high acidity level and flavors of red fruit, spice, and herbs, which can cut through the richness of flank steak.
  4. Cinsault Rosé: Cinsault is a grape variety that’s often used in rosé wine production. It has a light body, high acidity, and flavors of raspberry, cherry, and rose, which can complement the flavors of the meat.
  5. Syrah Rosé: Syrah is a grape variety commonly used in red wine blends, and it also makes a delicious rosé wine. It has a bold flavor profile with notes of blackberry, cherry, and spice, which pair well with the bold flavors of flank steak.

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Wine

Choosing the right wine to pair with flank steak can be a bit intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.

Here are five tips to help you select the perfect wine for your next flank steak meal:

  1. Consider the flavors of the flank steak: The flavors of the flank steak should be the starting point when choosing a wine. If the steak has a bold and spicy flavor, a bolder and more full-bodied wine may be a good pairing.
  2. Think about the cooking method: The way the steak is prepared can also affect the wine pairing. For example, if the steak is grilled, a wine with smoky notes may complement the flavors.
  3. Look for a balance of acidity and tannins: The wine should have enough acidity to cut through the richness of the meat, but not so much that it overpowers the flavors. Tannins should be present but not too strong, as they can clash with the flavors of the steak.
  4. Experiment with different wines: Don’t be afraid to try different wines and see what works best for your palate. Wine pairing is a personal preference, so what works for one person may not work for another.
  5. Consider the occasion: The occasion can also affect the wine pairing. For a casual meal, a more affordable wine may be appropriate, while a special occasion may call for a more expensive and high-quality wine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wine pairing is an excellent way to enhance the flavors of flank steak and elevate your dining experience.

To summarize, here are some of the best wines to consider when pairing with flank steak:

  1. Sangiovese wines such as Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Montefalco Rosso
  2. Cabernet Franc wines from the US or Argentina
  3. Pinot Grigio, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Gewürztraminer, and Chardonnay
  4. Dry Rosé, Grenache Rosé, Mourvèdre Rosé, Cinsault Rosé, and Syrah Rosé

When choosing a wine to pair with flank steak, it’s important to consider the tannin levels, acidity, and flavor profile of the wine, as well as the flavors of the steak and the occasion. By following the tips in this article and experimenting with different wines, you’ll be able to find the perfect pairing for your next flank steak meal.

So, next time you’re planning a steak dinner, don’t forget to consider the wine pairing. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of wine, pairing the right wine with flank steak can take your dining experience to the next level.

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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.