Tri-Tip Wine Pairing

While South American steakhouses have been serving up Tri-Tip for ages, it’s only been in recent years that this delicious cut of meat has only gained popularity in the U.S. Cut from the bottom of the sirloin and named for its triangular shape, Tri-Tip is naturally lean yet rich in flavor. The dense marbling melts into the meat as it cooks, leaving you with an incredibly flavorful steak that is buttery like a Ribeye and beefy like a Sirloin. The only thing better? The perfect wine to elevate your dining experience.

Wine Characteristics to Pair with Tri-Tip

Characteristic	Detail
Acidity	Medium
Tannins	Low-Medium
Fruitiness	Medium
Spiciness	Low-Medium
Body	Medium-Full

Best Red Wine to Pair With Tri-Tip

Malbec

Malbec is an excellent pairing with Tri-Tip. Its moderate acidity and tannins and full body ensure it’s bold enough to stand up to a heavy meal like steak, but won’t overpower the lean tri-tip.

Syrah

Syrah is a great choice with any meaty dish. The smoky, spicy flavor with notes of tobacco make it a perfect match for steak, and it has just enough acidity to cut through any fat.

Barbera

Barbera is a great pairing with steak. The low tannins and high acidity offer a lovely balance to the tri-tip and its juicy profile will keep you coming back for more.

Merlot

Although it is softer in tannins and acid, Merlot is still a great complement to a steak. The lush berry flavor and smooth texture balances the rich, meaty flavor of the Tri-Tip.

Best White Wine to Pair With Tri-Tip

We don’t typically recommend pairing white wine with steak. However, if you must, you could try an oaked chardonnay or champagne. The chardonnay will have enough body to not get overpowered by the steak, and the bubbles in the chardonnay will cut through the fat in the steak.

Best Wine to Pair With Tri-Tip

The best wines to pair with tri-tip are going to be medium to full bodied reds with moderate acidity. This cut of meat is leaner than other steaks so you will want to avoid anything too heavy or robust. Your meal will be elevated by a red wine that is smooth and acidic.