What Wine Goes with Surf and Turf?

Looking for the best wine for Surf and Turf? Choosing the right wine for this delicious meal can be tricky. The combination of seafood and meat creates a complex flavor profile that demands a wine that can stand up to it. As someone who loves both seafood and steak, I’ve done my fair share of experimenting with different wine pairings.

First and foremost, it’s important to remember that there is no one “right” wine to pair with surf and turf. The best pairing will depend on the specific flavors and preparation of the dish. That being said, I discovered a few general guidelines that can help steer you in the right direction. In general, you’ll want to choose a red wine with bold tannins to complement the richness of the steak, and a white wine with high acidity to cut through the buttery flavors of the seafood.

Best Red Wine Pairings with Surf and Turf

If you’re serving a steak or another type of red meat with your seafood, consider pairing it with a full-bodied red wine like those listed here. These wines have bold flavors and tannins that can stand up to the meat.

1. Cabernet Sauvignon – This full-bodied wine has bold flavors of black currant and oak, which pairs well with the richness of the steak and the brininess of the seafood.
2. Merlot – This medium-bodied wine has a softer tannin structure and is known for its fruit-forward notes of black cherry and plum, making it a great complement to the surf and turf.
3. Pinot Noir – This light to medium-bodied wine has a delicate balance of acidity and fruitiness, which makes it a versatile pairing for a variety of dishes, including surf and turf.
4. Syrah / Shiraz – This full-bodied wine has a bold flavor profile of blackberry, pepper, and smoke, which pairs well with the rich flavors of the steak and the smoky flavor of the seafood.
5. Zinfandel – This medium to full-bodied wine has a bold flavor profile of blackberry, cherry, and spice, which makes it a great pairing for the surf and turf.

For a lighter red wine, try Pinot Noir or Grenache. These wines have fruity notes that can complement the seafood.

Best White Wine Pairings with Surf and Turf

For seafood dishes like shrimp scampi or lobster tail, consider pairing them with a white wine such as those listed here. These wines have a light, crisp flavor that can complement the seafood. For a more full-bodied white wine, try Marsanne, Chenin Blanc, or Viognier.

1. Chardonnay – This full-bodied wine has a buttery texture and flavors of vanilla and oak, which pairs well with the richness of the steak and the buttery flavors of the seafood.
2. Sauvignon Blanc – This light to medium-bodied wine has a crisp acidity and flavors of citrus and green apple, which makes it a great complement to the surf and turf.
3. Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris – This light-bodied wine has a refreshing acidity and flavors of pear and apple, which makes it a great pairing for the surf and turf.
4. Viognier – This medium-bodied wine has a floral aroma and flavors of apricot and peach, which pairs well with the sweetness of the seafood and the richness of the steak.
5. Riesling – This light to medium-bodied wine has a sweet and fruity flavor profile with a crisp acidity, which makes it a great pairing for the surf and turf.

Remember, when pairing wine with surf and turf, it’s important to consider the flavors of both the seafood and the meat. Look for a wine that can balance out the flavors and enhance the overall dish. With the right wine pairing, you can take your surf and turf to the next level.

Wine Pairing for Surf and Turf

With regards to choosing the best wine for steak and lobster, there are a lot of options to choose from. Here are a few of my favorite recipes that pair perfectly with different types of wine.

Grilled Ribeye and Lobster Tail

For a classic surf and turf combination, try grilling a ribeye steak and a lobster tail. The rich flavor of the steak pairs well with a bold red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah. For a white wine option, try a Chardonnay or a Viognier.

Pan-seared scallops and Filet Mignon

If you want to mix things up, try pairing pan-seared scallops with a juicy filet mignon. The delicate flavor of the scallops pairs well with a light-bodied white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. For a red wine option, try Pinot Noir or a Merlot.

Grilled Shrimp and Skirt Steak

For a lighter surf and turf option, try grilling shrimp and skirt steak. The bold flavor of the steak pairs well with a full-bodied red wine, such as a Malbec or a Zinfandel. For a white wine option, try a Riesling or a Gewürztraminer.

No matter what type of surf and turf you choose to make, there is a wine out there that will complement it perfectly. Experiment with different pairings to find the one that works best for you.

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