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Pairing Wine With Elk

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Elk is a great meaty steak to pair with a variety of wines. The meat can be slow-cooked and served with gravy or paired with a side salad, rye bread, or grilled vegetables. The best part is that you have a large variety of wines to select from when you pick this dish.

You can go for fuller-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah or you could go for a bold Bordeaux. If you’re looking for lighter reds and going for a creamy sauce preparation we’d also suggest a Chianti or whites from Burgundy.

Wine Characteristics To Pair With Elk

Characteristic Detail
Sweetness Dry
Acidity Medium
Tannins Tannic
Body Bold red / Medium whites
Tasting Notes Earthy, Smoked, Oaked

Elk steak even served with polenta or mashed potatoes is a classic main course, both filling and very easily paired with some wines. 

Best Red Wine To Drink With Elk

When selecting a red wine for Elk it’s best to go with some of the classics. We suggest starting with fuller-bodied options such as Cabernet Sauvignon or other red blends including Cabernet Franc or if you’d prefer lighter body options, you can try an Italian Chianti.

Cabernet Sauvignon

A Cabernet Sauvignon offers a mouthful, and earthy flavor to balance the meatiness of Elk. Enjoy this classic old-world wine with its intense and bold characteristics.

Cabernet Franc

A classic blend of cabernet franc with Merlot would be another red that we would suggest for a great Elk main course. The wine will not overpower the dish, yet offer a complex finish.

Chianti

An easy-to-drink, light accompaniment for Elk would be a Chianti. Native to Italy, this grape variety offers light tannins with soft and dark fruity flavors of berries. 

Best White Wine To Drink With Elk

Elk served with garlic creamy mashed potatoes would go well with white wine and balance out this meal by offering a more light, crispy, and softer wine instead of going for heavy reds. 

Chenin Blanc

The medium tropical and floral notes of a Chenin Blanc make it another great wine to pair well with Elk. Its slight sweetness and strong aromas will be a delight to enjoy with this meal.

Riesling

The slightly acidic and flavorful nature of this slightly more sweet offering makes it an excellent option so that it does not overpower the meatiness of Elk or the herbed garlic vegetables. 

Best Wine To Drink With Elk 

Elk is an exotic steak and it can be paired well with any wines that you’d have available. You can go for some all-time classics or try new ones. Our best recommendations for meatballs would be:

  • Chianti
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Cabernet Franc blend
  • Riesling
  • Chenin Blanc