Best red wines to drink with steak that will make a tasty pairing

Some food and drink just go together. Burgers and beer. Oysters and Champagne. And steak and wine.

But why is it such a heavenly match? According to oenophiles, molecules known as tannins in the wine soften the fat in the meat to release its flavour, while in turn the fat mellows the harsher qualities of the wine to produce a juicier taste (although some theories suggest it’s the salt seasoning and not the steak that softens the wine, but that’s another story).

Red wine, in particular, is richer in tannins, which is why it’s generally favoured over white varieties when it comes to washing everything down. 

Carlos Santos, wine and operations manager at Humble Grape, the London-based group of restaurants and wine bars, told ES Best: “Food and wine pairing is a fascinating subject, particularly when it comes to your steak dinner: the rich, savoury flavours of a ribeye steak can be complemented by the velvety tannins and flavours of a complex Argentinian Malbec.

Leaner cuts such as fillet can be perfectly paired with fresh, red-berried and medium-bodied Pinot Noir. Steaks are rarely served on their own, either, so remember that sauce matters: a peppery Syrah would be a perfect match for peppercorn sauce; on the