Pairing Delmonico

Delmonico is one of the fattest and most flavorful cut of steak.

A juicy Delmonico requires a bold wine that can stand up to the bold flavor of the beef. The wine structure, acidity and tannins should counterbalance salt, fat, umami and bitterness.

A red wine is needed, and it should have both tannins and a good acidity to break down the fat.

My suggested wines, listed below, are selected to balance acidity, tannins, and robust flavors, and to enhance the experience of eating richly marbled beef cuts.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its high tannins and acidity. It pairs wonderfully with juicy, fatty cuts of beef. Its bold flavors complement the richness of the steak.

Regions: Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (USA), Coonawarra (Australia), Chile.

Malbec

Malbec has a deep, velvety texture and dark fruit notes (deep plum and blackberry). It works well with beef cuts that have a bit of char from the grill. The smooth tannins enhance the meat’s tenderness, and the wine has enough acidity to cut through the fat of the Delmonico.

Regions: Mendoza (Argentina), Cahors (France).

Syrah/Shiraz

Syrah offers spicy, smoky flavors and a full-bodied profile that pairs well with grilled and heavily seasoned steaks. Look for a Syrah from the Northern Rhône (e.g., Hermitage or Côte-Rôtie) for a peppery, smoky edge that matches well with grilled or seared Delmonico. Alternatively, an Australian Shiraz offers a fruit-forward, spicy profile that pairs nicely with the dish's richness.

Regions: Rhône Valley (France), Barossa Valley (Australia).

Zinfandel

Zinfandel’s ripe fruit flavors and spicy undertones complement the grilled flavors in beef, especially with cuts that have a bit of caramelization or charring.

Regions: California (USA),

Bordeaux Blends

Classic blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc (particularly from the Left Bank of Bordeaux) offer a complex balance of tannins, fruit, and acidity that complement richly marbled steaks.

Bordeaux left bank is classic choice, especially from regions like Pauillac or Saint-Estèphe. These wines are typically Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant, offering robust tannins, dark fruit flavors, and a hint of earthiness that complements the richness of the Delmonico.

Regions: Bordeaux (France), Washington State (USA).

Tempranillo

From Spain, Tempranillo has a rustic charm with red fruit, earth, and spice flavors. It’s a good match for well-seasoned cuts of beef, especially when prepared with herbs or spices.

Regions: Rioja (Spain), Ribera del Duero (Spain).

Petit Verdot

This lesser-known grape has intense flavors, deep color, and strong tannins. It’s an excellent choice if you want a robust wine that can stand up to heavily marbled steaks.

Regions: France, California (USA).

Sangiovese

Italian wines made from Sangiovese, like Chianti Classico or Brunello di Montalcino, bring bright acidity and earthy flavors that work well with beef, particularly when paired with roasted or grilled preparations.

Regions: Tuscany (Italy).

Carmenère

A distinctive wine from Chile, Carmenère combines herbal and earthy notes with dark fruits and smooth tannins, offering a unique pairing for grilled meats.

Regions: Chile.

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The Cut

The Delmonico comes from the Rib area. It is quite similar to:

• Entrecôte
• Rib Eye
• Scotch Fillet
• Club Steak
• Cote du Boeuf
• Delmonico

Go Local if You Can

Let local wines complement the flavors of local food.

Pairing local wine with local food will enhance the dining experience by harmonizing the characteristics of the wine with the ingredients and cooking styles of the region:

Terroir

The environmental factors, soil, climate, and topography, that influence the characteristics of a wine, represent the Wine Terroir of a region. The ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques represent the Cuisine Terroir.

Culture and Tradition

Local wines are deeply intertwined with the culture and traditions of a region. Pairing them with local cuisine creates an authentic culinary experience. For example, if a region is known for its hearty, red meat dishes, a robust and full-bodied red wine from the region will enhance the dining experience.

Ask for Help

Let local chefs and winemakers collaborate to create innovative pairings that showcase the best of the region.

A good rule of thumb is to match the intensity of the wine with the richness of the meat for the best pairing experience.

Examples

Pairing Italian Chianti with traditional Tuscan dishes like Pasta with Ragu or Beef Fiorentina.

Enjoy a Red Burgundy with classic French dishes like coq au vin or boeuf Bourguignon.

Matching Spanish Rioja with Paella or Tempranillo with Tapas.