Grilled steak doesn't need a complicated pairing strategy. It needs tannin to cut through fat, acidity to balance char, and enough body to hold its own against big, smoky flavors. Here are bottles from our shelves that we think work, and why.
At $25, this is an easy bottle to open when there are four people around the grill and no one wants to be precious about it. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a food-friendly red in our opinion, and a good match for grilled meat.
Best with: Flank steak, skirt steak, or anything marinated and cooked hot and fast.
Beaujolais is lighter than the other reds here, so we'd match it to a lighter cut or to the sides rather than a big ribeye. It's also a good bottle for charcuterie, grilled salmon, or a weeknight when you want something easy.
Match the weight and intensity of what's on the plate. A big cut calls for a big wine or a big whiskey. A lighter cut with aggressive seasoning calls for something with acidity and grip. You don't have to spend a lot, but you do have to think about structure.
Stop by Off Premise at 1128 W Armitage Ave in Lincoln Park. Both bottles above were listed in stock as of October 30, 2026.
Stop by Off Premise at 1128 W Armitage Ave in Lincoln Park. All three bottles are in stock now.
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