Fried Steak

Red · Full · Dry

The benchmark for full-bodied red — structured, age-worthy, unapologetic. Black currant, graphite, and tobacco lead into firm tannins that demand protein on the plate. Decant young bottles; cellar the serious ones.

Works with Fried Steak · Pan Fried Steak · Chicken Fried Steak +2 more Fried Steak · Pan Fried Steak · Chicken Fried Steak · Country Fried Steak · Pan-fried Chuck Steak

Red · Full · Dry

Argentina's signature grape: deep purple, plummy, and remarkably smooth for its weight. Soft tannins and a touch of cocoa make it the dinner-party Cabernet alternative — and far easier on the wallet.

Works with Fried Steak · Pan Fried Steak · Chicken Fried Steak +2 more Fried Steak · Pan Fried Steak · Chicken Fried Steak · Country Fried Steak · Pan-fried Chuck Steak

Red · Full · Dry

Shiraz's more reserved European cousin — Northern Rhône style, all violets, black olive, and white pepper. Less brawn, more poise; pairs as well with lamb as with peppered duck breast.

Works with Fried Steak · Pan Fried Steak · Chicken Fried Steak +2 more Fried Steak · Pan Fried Steak · Chicken Fried Steak · Country Fried Steak · Pan-fried Chuck Steak

Red · Medium · Dry

California Merlot, when made well — plummy, supple, with a touch of cocoa and earlier drinkability than its Bordeaux cousins. The unfairly maligned dinner-party red.

Works with Crisp Chicken-fried Steak Strip · Pan-fried Steak In Cognac-peppercorn Sauce · Pan-fried Steaks With Shallot-gorgonzola Butter

Red · Light · Dry

Burgundy's most temperamental grape, but the rewards are real — translucent ruby with a perfumed lift of red cherry, forest floor, and clove. Silken tannins and bright acid make it the most versatile red on the table; serve cool, around 58°F.

Works with Chicken Fried Steak · Country-fried Steak With Creamy Salsa Gravy

Red · Full · Dry

California's brawler — jammy blackberry, brambly spice, and 15% alcohol that hides behind the fruit. Built for ribs, brisket, and anything that came off a grill.

Works with Chicken Fried Steak · Pan-fried Chuck Steak

Red · Medium · Dry

The benchmark for full-bodied red — structured, age-worthy, unapologetic. Black currant, graphite, and tobacco lead into firm tannins that demand protein on the plate. Decant young bottles; cellar the serious ones.

Rosé · Light · Dry

Provence's gift to summer — dry, pale, faintly strawberry-and-citrus, with low alcohol and crisp acid. Made to drink cold, with food, in the shade.

Red · Light · Dry

Gamay-based reds from southern Burgundy — light, fruity, food-friendly. The serious Cru bottlings (Morgon, Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent) drink like Pinot Noir at half the price.

Red · Medium · Dry

Italy's most popular under-$15 red — the Montepulciano grape (not the Tuscan town) from Abruzzo, all sour cherry, plum, soft tannins. The pizza-and-pasta wine.

Red · Medium · Dry

A medium-bodied dry red in the European tradition — bright red fruit, soft tannins, and a savory finish. The everyday house wine of much of southern Europe.

Red · Medium · Dry

The blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre that fills every wine list in France for a reason — friendly, peppery, slightly rustic, made to wash down anything from grilled vegetables to lamb stew.