The pairing of wine and meat is a technique that will turn a meal from the average to the fantastic. A good wine will complement the taste of the meat and counterbalance fat and texture. Cellar Beast Winehouse has several wines that create excellent food pairings with a wide range of meats. Use this article to determine the best wine to elevate your next steak, roast chicken, or smoked ribs. Check out our more comprehensive guide for other favorite wines with food pairings.
1. Steak with Cellar Beast's Dark Angel (Carménère Blend)
Steak is a fat–heavy, beefy cut, especially ribeye or New York strip. What is most important when it comes to pairing wine with steak is to go for a full-bodied red wine with the tannin to sever through the fat and add richness to the meat without overwhelming it.
Wine Recommendation: Dark Angel from Cellar Beast is a robust Carménère blend that would do the trick. The wine is characterized by dark fruits such as blackberry and black cherry but also features flavors of black pepper and smoked herbs, in the same way as a grilled steak can be with its reddened, juicy flavors.
- Why It Works: Dark Angel's intense tannins purify the palate between bites, and its fruity and peppery character deepens the steak.
- Pro Tip: Add a peppercorn sauce or grill the steak with rosemary to highlight the wine's spicy and herbal notes.
2. Roast Chicken with Cellar Beast Chardonnay
Roast chicken also goes well with many different wines, but it’s best paired with a white wine that doesn’t overwhelm the chicken with its flavors. Roast chicken is buttery and light, so mild oak is what you need to support its meaty intensity.
Wine Recommendation: Cellar Beast Chardonnay is a classic wine companion. It is a medium-acid wine with bright acidity, pear, apple, and oak notes that will pair well with chicken breasts braised in herbaceous broth with thyme and sage (white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio/Gris would also be great choices for pairing with light dishes including a green salad as a starter).
- Why It Works: The acidity of the wine cuts through the buttery texture of the roasted skin, and the milkiness of the wine helps the dish become buttery.
- Pro Tip: You can add lemon to the chicken, which will give it the clementine of the wine and make a nice pair.
3. Barbecue Ribs with Cellar Beast Old Vine Zinfandel
For sweet, smoky barbecue ribs, a wine that’s full of fruit and a little spicy is fantastic. All the meat and the tart, vinegary sweetness of barbecue sauce require a red wine that can accommodate the rich flavors of the spicy dish.
Wine Recommendation: Cellar Beast’s Old Vine Zinfandel delivers balance from 67-year-old vines in Amador County, CA. The wine is fruity with cherries, strawberries, and blueberries, followed by cedar and baking spices that suit the sweet and smoky flavors of barbecue.
- Why It Works: The fruit-forward character is a good fit for the sweet sweetness of the barbecue sauce, and the tannic structure and spice notes are perfect with the meat's smoky notes.
- Pro Tip: Add a little hot sauce to create a more spicy dish. The wine's fruitiness balances spicy foods and makes a nice contrast.
4. Lamb Chops with Cellar Beast Syrah
Lamb is a tender, gamey animal that makes a classic pairing with big, earthy wines. Syrah – its dark fruit, smoked meat, and black pepper notes – is a go-to wine for lamb.
Wine Recommendation: Cellar Beast Syrah from Yakima Valley, WA. Blackberry, smoked bacon, and spicy spice complement the lamb’s terroir and pierce through the fleshiness.
- Why It Works: The Smoky, peppery characteristics of the wine bring meatiness to lamb dishes, and the acidity counters the fatness of the meat.
- Pro Tip: Rub lamb with rosemary and garlic for an herbaceous palate profile in the wine.
5. Duck Breast with Cellar Beast Pinot Noir
For the intense, succulent meat and crispy skin on duck breast, you need a wine that complements without overwhelming. Pinot Noir's light body, acidity, and red fruit flavors are ideal for duck accompaniment.
Wine Recommendation: Cellar Beast Pinot Noir - Bright cherry, raspberry, and earthiness that balances the meaty game notes of the duck for a clean, elegant pairing.
- Why It Works: Acidity breaks the duck fat up, and a fruity, earthy wine lends character to the dish.
- Pro Tip: Serve the duck with a cherry or plum sauce to bring out the dominant flavor of red fruit in the wine, creating an easy match.
6. Pork Tenderloin with Cellar Beast Cabernet Franc Rosé
Pork tenderloin is a meaty, thin cut that will pair well with a little acidic and fruity wine. A rosé with a bit of body will complement the meat’s tastes while adding a touch of nuance.
Wine Recommendation: Cellar Beast’s strawberry, raspberry, and floral-tasting Cabernet Franc Rosé is a perfect pairing with pork tenderloin and fruit-based sauce.
- Why It Works: The acidity of the wine slices through the fat in the pork, and the fruitiness accents the meat’s light sweetness.
- Pro Tip: Pair the pork with a balsamic glaze or apple compote to bring out the fruity flavors in the rosé.
7. Veal Piccata with Cellar Beast Blanc de Noir
A Blanc de Noir goes great with something light and succulent, such as Veal Piccata—tender veal cutlets with a sweet lemon and caper sauce. The sparkling wine's fruitiness and delicate bubbles pair well with the dish's citrus notes. Meanwhile, it has a touch of red fruit flavor, which balances perfectly with the creamy richness of the sauce.
- Why It Works: Blanc de Noir’s crisp acidity cuts through the buttery sauce and cools the palate, and the strawberry and raspberry bring out the dish's savory elements.
- Pro Tip: Sprinkle fresh parsley on the veal and some more lemon zest to intensify the wine’s citrus and fruit notes for a harmonious pairing.
Conclusion
The wine pairing game with meat balances the dish's spice and tannins. From deep reds like Dark Angel and Syrah to lighter wines like Sauvignon Blanc and rosés, our wine collection at Cellar Beast Winehouse is just the thing for food pairings with any meat entree. If you are familiar with the acids, tannins, and pairing of flavors with salty foods and sweet foods, you can spice up your meals and create complementary pairings to make each meal special—Shop Cellar Beast Winehouse for these bottles and more pairing ideas with a variety of foods. Cheers!
This guide incorporates advice from reputable wine and culinary sources, such as the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and Wine Folly, to provide accurate and trustworthy pairing recommendations. Although Cellar Beast wines are highlighted, the pairing guidance is designed to benefit all wine enthusiasts.
Explore Our Collection: Discover Cellar Beast wines here. For personalized recommendations or to learn more about our offerings, feel free to contact us.
This guide is crafted by Kim McCullough, co-founder and Level One Sommelier at Cellar Beast Winehouse. With a deep passion for winemaking and over a decade of experience in the wine industry, Kim specializes in pairing wines with various cuisines to elevate dining experiences. Her expertise ensures this guide offers practical, trustworthy insights for wine enthusiasts of all levels.
