Summer is the season for fun in the sun and sensational meals that bring together the best that land and sea have to offer. Summer is the season for surf & turf. Whether you’re firing up the grill or hosting a summer soirée, choosing the right wine can elevate your culinary creations to new heights. We’re excited to guide you through the best wine pairings for your favorite surf and turf dishes, featuring some of our favorite seasonal selections.
Who would have thought that delicate fruit de mer would go so well with a robust cut of red meat. A most unexpected match, a surf and turf dish is nonetheless one made in heaven. An exquisite combination of flavors and textures, and a most decadent vehicle for serving melted butter, when crustacean and mammalian meet together above a white tablecloth, sparks fly, and good times are guaranteed.
The next question then becomes how to select a beverage worthy of accompanying such an extraordinary feast.
How to Choose Wine for Seafood and Steak
Surf and turf, when seen on menus, most commonly includes a succulent cut of beefsteak, typically filet mignon, and either shrimp, crab, or lobster – home chefs can feel free to interpret either aspect of the entree any way they like. And while these elements pair amazingly well with one another, they sit opposite each other on the scales of both flavor and texture, which makes wine pairing a little complicated.
Dry, heavy-bodied red wines are the go-to for serving red meat, as their bold flavors and relatively high tannins give them the strength they need to stand up to weightier dishes which center beef.
Seafood, on the other hand, usually wants something lighter, sweeter, and more acidic as its pair: light bodied whites are less likely to overwhelm the delicate and nuanced notes carried by seafaring fare. Finding a middle ground to match either aspect of the dish is no easy feat.
While not all red wines are ideal for red meat, it’s difficult to find one which is just plain incompatible. So, finding a red wine that pairs well with seafood is a good place to start. Pinot Noirs, light-bodied reds that have distinctive but not overwhelming flavors, are a safe bet. Strong whites, too, such as a good Champagne, have the power to chew the fat offered by beef while also uplifting the subtleties of your seafood.
When all else fails, don’t be afraid to have one white and one red at your table for good measure…a bottle of rosé isn’t a bad idea either!
Let’s take a look at some of our seasonal favorites for your surf & turf in summertime…
2023 Caruso e Minini Frappato Organic Rosé ‘Frappo’
For a rosé that sings of summer, look no further than the 2023 Caruso e Minini Frappato Organic Rosé ‘Frappo’. This organic Sicilian gem is bursting with fresh red berries and a hint of floral notes, making it an ideal match for succulent crab legs and grilled shrimp. The crisp acidity cuts through the richness of seafood, offering a beautifully balanced experience.
2022 Moreau-Naudet Chablis
Chablis and seafood are a match made in heaven, and the 2022 Moreau-Naudet Chablis is no exception. Its minerality makes it the perfect companion for grilled scallops and lemon-butter lobster. The wine’s clean and elegant profile enhances the delicate flavors of the sea. There’s no better match for the surf to your turf than Chablis!
2022 Manuel Moldes ‘Afelio’ Albariño
This wine isn’t just another bottle on the shelf—it’s a masterpiece of craftsmanship and can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the world’s most revered white wines. This is a MUST-TRY.
Crunchy and fresh, full of verve and utterly lovely. This Pinot from the Rio Negro in Patagonia is something we are going to be sipping on all summer long.
2022 Sette Barbera d’Asti DOCG Nizza Monferrato
When it comes to pairing a red wine with not only your grilled meats, but something that can also carry well as you’re going back and forth from your turf to your surf, the 2022 Sette Barbera d’Asti DOCG Nizza Monferrato stands out. Its fresh and vibrant for warm summer nights, and its subtle spice notes complement the robust flavors of grilled steak and ribs. Although this wine is soft and low in tannin, it’s a versatile choice that holds its own against smoky, savory dishes.
Looking for something more hearty for your meat? See notes on Wonderland Cabernet below.
Conclusion
This summer, elevate your surf and turf meals with the perfect wine pairings from the sommeliers at Argaux. Whether you’re indulging in grilled lobster, crab legs, or a perfectly seared steak, our curated selection ensures that every bite is complemented by an exquisite sip.
Looking to create memorable corporate events or join a community of wine enthusiasts? Explore our corporate gifting options and join Club Argaux for exclusive access to curated wines and experiences. Cheers to exceptional wine and unforgettable summer moments!
