Can white wine really pair with red meat?

Who said white wine is only for fish and poultry? Sure, the classic rule says red wine for red meat, but rules are meant to be broken. A well-chosen white wine can elevate a red meat dish—sometimes even better than a tannic red.

The key? Balancing acidity, fat, and intensity of flavors. Let’s break it down.

1. Why Does It Work?

Pairing white wine with red meat relies on a simple principle:

✔️ Red wines rely on tannins to contrast with the meat’s texture and juices.
✔️ White wines bring freshness and lift the dish rather than weighing it down.
✔️ The fat in the meat softens the wine’s acidity, revealing unexpected aromas.

The result? A flavor explosion that can be far more interesting than a red that overpowers the dish.

2. The Best White Wines for Red Meat

🔸 Grilled Red Meat (Steak, Ribeye, Skirt Steak)
👉 You need a rich, full-bodied white to handle the charred flavors and meat juices.

✅ Try:
✔ Oaked Chardonnay (Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet)
✔ Viognier from Rhône Valley

🔥 Their roundness and richness coat the meat beautifully.

❌ Avoid:
🚫 A light, high-acid white that will get completely overpowered.

🔸 Beef Tartare
👉 The dish is raw and seasoned, so a fresh, high-acid white is needed.

✅ Try:
✔ Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc)
✔ Dry Chenin Blanc (Savennières, Montlouis)

🔥 Their citrusy and mineral notes cut through the richness of the meat.

❌ Avoid:
🚫 A heavily oaked white, which would clash with the freshness of the tartare.

🔸 Red Meat in Sauce (Bœuf Bourguignon, Braised Beef, Daube)
👉 The sauce plays a big role, so the wine needs depth and power.

✅ Try:
✔ Vin Jaune from Jura
✔ Aged Chenin Blanc

🔥 Their oxidative, nutty flavors create a sublime pairing with slow-cooked dishes.

❌ Avoid:
🚫 A light, delicate white that will be completely lost in the sauce.

🔸 Game Meat & Aged Cuts
👉 The bold flavors of game require an aromatic, powerful white.

✅ Try:
✔ Grand Cru Riesling
✔ Savagnin from Jura

🔥 Their complex, smoky, and spicy notes create unexpected but killer pairings.

❌ Avoid:
🚫 A young, simple white that lacks depth and structure.

3. Dare to Surprise

Pairing white wine with red meat isn’t just a hipster sommelier trend—it’s a legit, delicious alternative when done right.

Skeptical? Try a glass of Meursault with a perfectly grilled ribeye. 🔥 You might never go back.