Wagyu and Malbec

Wagyu beef is the most tender and most tasty meat in the world. If you’re lucky enough to be at a gourmet steakhouse or fine dining restaurant that serves Wagyu, then their sommelier can likely provide you with recommendations based on the type of dish you are ordering. However, many people are curious about cooking this meat at home, and often order kobe steaks online and prepare them in their own kitchen. If that’s the case, they often wondering about what wine pairing should accompany this amazing meal of Wagyu beef. The thing to remember about wagyu steaks or any other type of Wagyu cut is that the meat pretty much speaks for itself. Not a lot of fussy sauce, seasoning or marinade is needed to make it taste good. As a stand-alone, Wagyu will simply melt in your mouth, leaving a smooth aftertaste that is relatable to how a fine wine lingers on the palate. Because of this natural goodness, you have to be careful to pair Wagyu with wines that will not overwhelm. Steer clear of bold wines (i.e. full bodied Cabernets with heavy tannins) that take the focus off of the meat.

Malbec is an Argentinean wine that is balanced with fruitiness, juicy bold undertones and smooth (yet not overwhelming tannins). Malbec makes the perfect complement to Wagyu and is a true palate pleaser. There are different variations of Malbec that originate from Australia, France, and California, as well as Argentina. All the varietals use the same type of grape, but have slight taste differences. You can enjoy a glass of Malbec with your Wagyu, or if you’re really feeling creative, the Malbec can be used in a sauce or as a jus.

From a foodie standpoint, a great idea for a fun couple’s activity or girl’s night out is to get some Wagyu at home and try different preparation and Malbec pairings. You can buy steaks online, and then serve them up as appetizers will various brands of Malbec. For example, a Japanese favorite is sashimi style Wagyu beef with a light soy marinade. Another small bite option is seared Wagyu on top of crispy flatbread, while Kobe style sliders are always a hit. Offer your guests other flavor options that complement both the meat and the wine, such as cheese, chocolate and fruit. Give guests scorecards so they can track of their favorite, and provide a bottle of Malbec to the guest that gives the best professional food and wine review.

Though the palate is subjective and some prefer to pair Wagyu with bold full bodied wines, a good piece of Wagyu does not need any masking – the flavor should speak for itself. When paired with Malbec, Wagyu really shines.