Imagine you’ve been invited to a party on a dock in the Louisiana Bayou. A jug band has been promised, along with corn biscuits, dirty rice, and of course a spicy, savory crawfish boil right in the middle of everything. The host asked you to come with a bottle of your favorite beverage to share. What are you bringing?

If your answer was wine, you’re already a step ahead (also definitely in the right place.) It might not be the most intuitive pairing in the world, but an authentic crawfish recipe is complex and deep, like the ecosystem of a southern swamp or a bottle of really good vino. It follows that the two would compliment each other. 

So if you know the answer is “wine,” but you’re not entirely sure which one, welcome. We’ll figure it out together. 

How to pair wine with crawfish

If you are in Louisiana, definitely do your best to find a local wine that will bring you the terroir unique to that humid and bioactive environment. If not, there are some varietals you can reach for that will get the job done – however you boil your fish. 

The broader “seafood boil” leaves a lot of wiggle room for home chefs to adjust ingredients and spices to their liking. But if you’re going for a crawfish dish that a Louisiannan would be proud of, there are a few must-haves to include. 

Attend any of the many crawfish festivals you will find around the state in the months of April, May, and June, and you will be greeted by a hearty dish seasoned with cayenne, hot sauce, lemon, and bay leaf. In the pot will be rounds of corn, new potatoes, whole heads of garlic, onions, shrimp, and the critters themselves. Your boilmaster may also choose to include sausage and mushrooms in the final stew. Once it’s ready, expect to feast off of a picnic table covered with newspapers, or straight out of a traditional bayou fishing boat. 

What this means is that the wine you choose needs to be bold enough to stand up to strong flavors, but soft enough to cool the heat of all that capsaicin you’re going to run into. We’ve got a few ideas. 

Best wine for crawfish

• 2020 Von Winning Sauvignon Blanc II – $24
  Sauvignon Blanc is one wine that experts agree pairs perfectly with a really classic crawfish boil. Crispy and light, the dry but fragrant white is totally refreshing and great at melting away the cayenne heat while still supporting the flavors of the dish more broadly. And this German Gem offers an extra-special experience with fruity, creamy flavors made to both soothe and delight.

• 2019 Anza Diego Magaña Rioja – $31
  The touch of Malvasia in this Tempranillo-heavy red blend is really what you’re after when sipping alongside a pile of crawfish and blackeyed peas. Of course the other grapes included all have something significant to bring to the party, resulting in the winemaker’s “favorite rioja” he’s ever made. Truly a treat for your feast.

• 2018 Fiano di Avellino Rocca Del Principe – $26
  Margaux’s favorite wine of all time just happens to pair perfectly with savory, spicy crustaceans. Experts recommend an Albarino for a great pair to the aromatics of a crawfish boil, but this soft and mineral-forward white gets the job done with an added air of elegance. Expect flavors of green apple, lime skin, pear, and herbs to uplift and smooth out the dish before you.

• 2017 François Mikulski Volnay ‘Santenots du Milieu’ Premier Cru – $130
  Sweet, deep, and dark, the Premier Cru is to be savored and adored as you would any precious thing. It’s endlessly complex, with a palate that shifts and bends like branches of the Mangrove tree as time passes between each sip. Leather, dark plum, cherry, and peony are followed by mocha and tarragon, are followed by strawberry and raspberry, are followed by utter bliss.

• 2019 Graci Etna Rosso – $30
  If you’re allergic to whites but want something sweet to cool your palate after a blast of red pepper, it must be a Pinot Noir. That’s not what this is, but you’ll love it all the same. A Nerello Mascalese blend offers the same citrusy, fruity, herbaceous sweetness that will match the briny body of the crawfish itself while dimming the heat so you can really taste what the cayenne is bringing to the table.

• NV Champagne Delavenne Père & Fils Brut Rosé Grand Cru – $60
  Here’s the Pinot, and the Chardonnay! Pink bubbles are really the star of the show at a Bayou banquet, featuring a flute of sparkles that reflect the glitter of fireflies and clear, southern night sky. Strawberries, whipped cream, and rose petals come through beautifully in this true Champagne, washing elegance and delight over your palate and your party. 

Argaux’s offerings

If the tasting notes we talked about throughout this article aren’t quite so intuitive yet, Argaux has you covered. We offer an array of tasting kits and experiences that will help you learn the world of wine while sipping your way through our collection of small-batch viticultural delights. 

Start with our blind tasting kit and learn to discern varietals, origins, and even brands through visual and visceral aspects of drinking wine.

There are myriad preparation methods for that most iconic of foods which we call “beef.” Different cuts of this definitive red meat must be treated differently as discrete aspects of the animal provide varying ratios of proteins and fats which make them ideal for or adverse to a variety of cooking methods. Even how the animal was pasteurized and fed may shift how the chef should serve a similar cut from disparate animals.

Even among steaks there is huge variation, and how well the final product is received hinges on the maker knowing how to prepare each varietal based sometimes on the minutiae of marbling, thickness, and presence of bone. 

Take, for example, the tomahawk steak. By any other name, this is a rib eye, or an intercostal cut of succulent and tender meat from the rib section of the animal. A tomahawk – so named because it resembles the delicate, long-handled hatchets favored by many Turtle Island tribes – is the same cut of meat, however uniquely maintains a handle of rib bone which expands the possibilities of its preparation. 

These are big, grill-friendly steaks that offer a unique flavor and texture which is in part thanks to the presence of bone marrow during the cooking process. And this one-of-a-kind beefeating experience has one singular wine pairing to go with it.

How to pair wine with your cote du boeuf

If you google “what wine goes with tomahawk steak,” the answer is a resounding CABERNET SAUVIGNON!

Dry, heavy-bodied reds are already an ideal pairing for red meat, as their flavors won’t buckle in the presence of a bold cut of lamb or beef. And Cab Sauvs are a special case in the world of wines as they uniquely strike a balance between big tannin content, a heavy body, and relatively high acidity, making them overqualified to meet the challenge of a really fatty steak – which is exactly what the tomahawk is. 

So let’s look at a few of the choicest Cabernets we have in the Argaux collection. 

Best wine for tomahawk steak

• 2019 Origin Bates Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon – $78
  This wine lets you know what it’s for right away with that beautiful bully label. And by no means is that where this bottle’s magic ends. We’re serious when we say this one is a sipper, as you’re going to want to savor this deep, dark red to the very last drop.
  
  Black velvet in a bottle, spiced with dark fruits, pepper and violets, this smooth, smooth vino is almost as tender as your long-bone steak promises to be. So light up the grill, grab a bottle of this beautiful wine, and get ready to have your mind blown.

• 2019 Wonderland Project No. 9 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – $50
  From the heart of California wine country comes this delectable testament to the genre to delight your senses and uplift any bovine feasts you have laid before you. Deep and jammy, the No. 9 has a sophisticated earthy flavor and a rich texture that feels like lounging in a vintage study while wearing a velvet bathrobe. You know?
  
  An unpretentious bottle, have this wine with your cote du boef, steak tartare, or a medium-well cheeseburger and fries.

• 2017 Anomaly Vineyards Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon – $160
  Strictly for candle-lit dinners with only your absolute favorite humans on the planet. Now or in 20 years, it’s difficult to imagine a scenario in which this zesty, spicy, meaty, fruity Cab doesn’t wow.
  
  Be sure to decant this beautiful bottle at least 1 hour before serving alongside a bone-in ribeye with savory blackcurrant sauce.

• 2019 Land of Saints Happy Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon – $27
  We’re telling you to have this wine with tomahawk steak, but know that if we could turn it into jelly and have it on french toast, we would. That’s not a bad idea, actually.
  
  This wine has a delightfully savory undertone that fronts Cab Sauv’s signature bell pepper palate behind classic violet, chocolate, and strawberry. This is the one to take to your summer grill sessions, and serve next to ribeye, veggie skewers, and a cute charcuterie board.

• 2013 Mirror Oak Knoll District Cabernet Sauvignon MAGNUM – $215
  For your discerning guests who like an extra-heavy pour. The nose on this wine is like an autumnal potpourri with aromas of rose, ripe blackberries, cedar, and currants. The palate follows with an array of black and red fruits, baking spices, and the darkest of chocolate.
  
  Pairs with burgers, ribs, pasta dishes, and of course the mighty tomahawk. 

What Argaux has to offer

We leaned into the Cab Sauv side of things pretty heavily in this article. And we understand that this dry, savory varietal is not a sure match for everyone’s tasting sensibilities. If this is true for you, have no fear. We do in fact have other bottles available within our cellars. 

In addition to our wide selection of small-batch wines, Argaux offers a number of curated kits and collections to tickle all manner of palates and to suit all kinds of gatherings – from golf tournaments, to beach days, to cozy weekends on the couch curled up next to a bag of corn chips. Choose from our blind tasting and food pairing kits, travel packs, wedding boxes, natural packs and more for a surprising and delicious selection. (Keep in mind you can always specify ‘no Cab Sauv’ at checkout.)

Or, if you want a more personalized experience, get in touch with our team of sommeliers for a specific suggestion.

Cheers!

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!

The flavors of Spanish cuisine are distinguished for their boldness, their breadth, and their utter deliciousness. Foods with storied regional histories as well as a habit of integrating sumptuous culinary traditions from neighboring countries combine to bring us such iconic dishes as tapas, paella, and gazpacho. These munchable mains are of course to be preceded by the proverbial charcuterie board of cured meats, cheeses, and fruit and veg dishes produced within the Iberian peninsula. 

Spain has also given the world an array of sweets to follow the savories, with treats like flan, churros, and pantxineta. We’re getting hungry just thinking about it. 

As is true for many countries, Spain’s food and wine cultures go hand-in-hand, and pairing the right bottle with the right comida de España is an artform in and of itself. A properly selected viticultural beverage will bring out the complexity in any Spanish dish, while itself shining through to delight the palate. Let’s talk about how to make this happen at your next fiesta de cena. 

How to pair wine with Spanish food

Traditional Spanish fare is complex and varied, and it can be difficult to pin down one vino that pairs across the board. So the first thing you need to do when choosing your next bottle for the job is to take a look at the main ingredients in your dish or spread and go from there. 

Riojas or other red wines are best matched with dense, heavy dishes that rely on cream, cheese, red meat or pork as they are bold enough to both stand up to stronger flavors, and cut through fats and oils. If you prefer white, look for acidic varietals like Sauvignon Blanc or a drier Riesling to achieve the same effect. These bottles are also an excellent pair for seafood as they won’t overwhelm the more delicate flavors offered by mariscos. If your main dish is very pepper-forward, lean away from acidic or tannin-heavy wines and into something sweeter to help soothe the sting of a spicy meal. 

When all else fails, the bottle to reach for may prove a rosé. Spanish cuisine relies heavily on that most beloved allium garlic, and a pink pairing will always uplift and complement the resulting flavors. 

Best wine to pair with Spanish food

1. 1. 2019 Anza Diego Magaña Rioja – $31
      We’re kicking off this list with probably the best pairing for Spanish food within the Argaux collection – Navarra native Diego Magaña’s signature Rioja blend.
      
      The sumptuous Tempranillo-forward red is a testament to both the varietals of the region – this blend incorporates Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo, Viura and Malvasía Riojana – and the terroirs offered by the Spanish soils in which the 50-year-old vines are grown. Smooth tannins, a distinct chalky texture, and notes of cherry and purple flower beg to be paired with a strong queso, or this chorizo and shrimp paella.

• 2019 François Carillon Bourgogne Chardonnay – $30
  An acidic and citrusy Chard that we would take sailing down the Riviera any day. Finished in oak barrels, the sustainably farmed white wine offers notes of lime, pear and peach that complement a salinity which make the bottle compatible with a range of savory treats.
  
  A decidedly French vino, this wine loves vacationing in Spain, especially if this grilled oregano chicken is on the menu.

• 2020 San Salvatore ‘Vetere’ Paestum Rosé – $30
  A sangria-ready rosé that will surely feature at all of your summer gatherings this year. This wine comes decked out with its own array of fruity flavors that promise to enliven your experience of any green salad, or soothe the fire after downing an especially spicy salsa.
  
  We recommend matching these notes of sensuous pink and red fruits and flowers with a Spanish-style green chili shakshuka or this lighthearted gazpacho.

• NV Conquilla Cava Brut (half-bottle) – $13
  The perfect sparkly sip to accompany your 4 PM tapas.
  
  Cava is a traditional Spanish bubbly that has flown under the radar and at incredibly low prices in the wake of Prosecco’s wild popularity (take our advice: buy Cava now before the general populous gets wise!)
  
  Cava is the beverage for Spanish finger foods, and this one in particular will pair marvelously with tortilla de patatas, grilled squid, or roasted red peppers with vinegar and garlic.

• 2019 Origin Bates Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon MAGNUM – $150
  If it grows together, it goes together, as the saying goes. Much of the country of Spain lines up longitudinally with the west coast states, meaning Spanish food and Californian wines are serendipitously well matched. This beautiful Cab Sauv makes that pairing abundantly clear with the prominent illustration of a majestic Spanish bull right on the label.
  
  Deep flavors of dark fruits, an utterly smooth texture and silky tannins make drinking this wine feel like sipping liquid black velvet. Naturally, it is an intuitive pairing with Galician sirloin steak, and a flamenco soundtrack.
  

What Argaux has to offer

This list of delectable wines from the Argaux collection is by no means an exhaustive one. The choice is yours when it comes to which wines to pair with what foods, and we have a cellar full of selections to suit all tastes and sensibilities. 

If you feel like doing some viticultural explorations from the comfort of your own home, check out our ‘Gaux baskets, which include hand-selected bottles from the Mediterranean coast, Champagne, France, California, and more. 

If your goal is to drink wine and learn while doing it, may we suggest the blind tasting kit? 2 – 4 wrapped bottles, accompanied by a detailed tasting guide, allows you to build your tasting expertise while having fun, on your own or with friends. 

Or, if you’re looking for the perfect bottle to go with a special evening, download our pocket somm app and get professional advice from our on-staff sommeliers. 

Cheers!

Wine drinking is often made to feel like an activity. And it’s an activity that many of us love deeply. It’s like playing a puzzle game – complex viticultural beverages challenge you to stretch your senses and experience and honor all contributing elements that placed such a beautiful array of flavors and textures into your goblet (or flute, or tumbler, or coupe, or snifter…)

The question of food pairing adds an extra layer to the problem, and whole careers in the wine world are based on which white white goes with what pasta dish depending on the minute differences in preparation exercised by various regional culinary traditions. And we love that. 

But sometimes (read: often) we’d like to forget all of this and just enjoy a bottle of wine with a bowl of popcorn and our favorite rom-com, without all the pretense and intellectual tasting practices. And some bottles are better suited to this side of the wine world than others.

What makes for an informal imbibable?

The concept of “casual” means different things to different people. In some offices, Casual Friday is rung in by a flood of cargo shorts, Crocs and hibiscus-print tees. In others, you wear your Italian blazer over a crisp, white shirt that has one less button done up. 

In wine terms, that looks like this: some oenophiles might push their own comfort zones by swirling their 2018 Francophone Merlot clockwise instead of counter before they sniff. Others might choose to drink their 2-Buck Chuck out of a coffee mug with “World’s Best Grandma” printed on the side. 

We’re going to assume a midground for the purposes of this piece. For us, a casual wine will sit at the intersection of deliciousness and affordability, and will pair nicely with our takeout order of cheesy garlic fries and a Downton Abbey binge sesh. It should not break the bank – whatever that means to you – and it should not require a chef-prepared steak tartare to bring out its better side. It should be delicious, and something you know you will continue to enjoy. 

Here are some of our favorites from the Argaux collection. 

Best wine for casual drinking

• 2020 Les Athlètes du Vin Touraine Pinot Noir – $25
  This is the one we like to sip on while preparing an early dinner on weeknights. Energetic, fruity, with a smooth and unchallenging texture, the Les Athletes Pinot Noir pairs perfectly with casual fare like street tacos, frozen pepperoni pizza, and your lazy Wednesday ham-and-cheddar charcuterie board.
  
  Put this one briefly on ice before serving for a cool and utterly drinkable experience.

• 2020 Chateau Barbebelle Aix-en-Provence ‘Héritage’ Rosé
  The shape of this bottle makes you feel like royalty while at the same time allowing you to chill and put your feet up at every sit. Think Kirsten Dunst as Marie Antoinette surrounded by cakes – you know the scene.
  
  This is an incredibly food-friendly wine that can be dressed up or dressed down for any occasion. Pair with squid ink risotto on a first date, and chicken strips with ranch on a fifteenth.

• Topa Topa Level Line Pale Ale 6-Pack – $12
  No white tablecloths, appetizer forks, or decanters to be found when you’re standing waist-deep in the rushing waters of a fish-filled river. No matter your proximity to moving water, this delicious lemongrass-and-tangerine-forward pale ale gives you permission to relax and unwind, whether lakeside, couchside, or at a bestie’s backyard barbecue.

• 2019 Casa Vinicola Triacca ‘Gaux Dopo’ Nebbiolo – $22
  A beautiful, deep wine with a complex fermentation process that is oh-so easy to drink. Light, floral, fruity with a crispness unusual to reds, the Gaux Dopo is fermented in mono-temp steel tanks that maintain the brightness of the grape’s original flavor. What we’re saying is, this one can be drunk like juice. Super casual.

• 2020 Par Fore the Course New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc – $17
  An athletic wine that makes no demands on how, when or where it should be enjoyed. Every sip packs a tropical punch with notes of guava, fresh grass, and pineapple on the tongue. Great for a day on the green with your mates, we recommend pairing with grilled cheese sammies, or croque monsieurs if you can be persuaded to dress up your dockers just a little bit.

• 2018 Poco a Poco Mendocino County Chardonnay – $25
  This wine pays tribute, both through its title and its creation, to the slow but steady process of farming, harvesting, juicing, and fermenting grapes to create beautiful and delectable wines. Even the cheaper wines on the market deserve to be sipped and savored. But as long as you’re enjoying them, you can enjoy them however you like.
  
  Little By Little is a classic Chardonnay that feels like drinking a French bakery from the inside out, with notes of buttery pastry and lemon custard. Enjoy alongside whatever you’d like – you’ve earned it. 

Argaux has what you need

If none of our recommendations quite hit the mark for your chilled-out drinking experience, allow us to make a few more. 

Argaux’s pocket somm app allows you to connect with our team wine experts, who can help you to find a delicious bottle from the collection that meets all of your needs – from tastes, to pricing, to food pairings, to even regional preferences. Simply text or call to get set up, and receive a personalized wine recommendation sure to suit your preferences. 

Ready to level up? Try exploring more of what the world of wine has to offer with an Argaux tasting kit. Learn how to discern varietals with our blind tasting basket. Sail to old-world wine countries with our ‘Gaux To collections. Or have your feminism in a glass with our Women in Wine tasting set. 

Cheers!