Surf n' turf is an upscale meal that deserves the perfect wine pairing. But what is surf n' turf, and how do you know what drink best complements your meal? Traditional surf n' turf comprises red meat like steak or filet mignon and seafood like lobster. Knowing what wine goes with surf n' turf will help you savor every bite's flavor.
The Best Wines to Pair with Surf n' Turf
The secret to choosing the best wine with steak and seafood is that there is no perfect match. Pick your wine based on these three factors:
- The red meat you order
- The type of seafood and how it's prepared
- Your personal preferences
Although wine pairing comes down to personal choice, some flavor profiles complement surf n' turf better than others.
Red Meat
The best wine with steak is a red wine with bold flavors. For most red meat, you can never go wrong with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon. Generally, fattier meats pair well with full-bodied red wines like Syrah, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Leaner cuts of meat like filet mignon pair better with lighter red wines like Pinot Noir. Here are some of the best wine options for surf n' turf according to the meat you order:
- Filet mignon: dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot
- New York strip steak: Merlot or a blend from Bordeaux, Shiraz, or Syrah
- Prime Rib: Ruffino or Cabernet Sauvignon
- Ribeye: Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, or Zinfandel with high acidity
- T-bone: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Rioja wine
- Top sirloin: Cabernet Sauvignon
Steak and Lobster
Steak and lobster have very different flavor profiles, which call for very different wine pairings. This can make it difficult to pick the best wine for surf n' turf. Lobster alone typically calls for a crisp, white wine, while steak's rich flavor is usually paired with a glass of red tannic wine. Finding the right balance is the secret to choosing the perfect wine for your meal.
If you prefer white wine, pick a bottle that offers a fresh, crisp flavor with higher acidity. This will complement the delicate texture and freshly squeezed lemon on your lobster and balance out the savory flavor of your steak. Great white wine options include:
- Chardonnay
- Marsanne
- Albariño
If you're a red wine fan, pick something full-bodied with lower tannin levels to complement your meat and seafood. Great red options include:
- Pinot Noir
- Chianti
- Rosé
What About Champagne?
Surf n' turf is a delicacy that calls for a celebration. What better drink for the occasion than champagne? Brut champagne is best when served with steaks that have a higher content. Its acidity balances out the rich flavors and cleanses the palate nicely. Dry champagne has a light, crisp flavor that perfectly complements the fresh flavor profile of lobster. Some champagne options that pair well with surf n' turf include:
- Prosecco
- Cava
- Rosé Champagne
Try Surf n' Turf at Billy's Stone Crab Hollywood
Pairing wine with your surf n' turf meal isn't an exact science, but there are some general rules. Ultimately, the best wine with steak is up to your personal preferences. Stop by Billy's Stone Crab Hollywood to order the freshest surf n' turf in South Florida, and we'll be happy to serve it with your favorite wine.
Check out our dinner menu online and make a reservation today. Contact us anytime with questions about our menu options, and our staff will be happy to discuss the right drinks to pair with your meal. We look forward to serving you at Billy's Stone Crab Hollywood.