What Wine Goes With Prime Rib? (10 Best Wines)

When it comes to special occasions or holidays, prime rib is often the star of the show.

But what could complete this delicious meal better than a good glass of wine?

If you are wondering what wine goes with prime rib, then you are in the right place.

I’m sharing 10 of the best wines to pair with prime rib.

From reds to whites and even rosés, there is sure to be something on this list that will perfectly complement your prime rib dinner.

So go ahead and choose your favorite from my list of top 10 wines for prime rib!

In a rush? Here is the short answer:

When selecting a wine to pair with prime rib, look for full-bodied reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, or Zinfandel. For an even more indulgent experience, try a bottle of Pinot Noir or Syrah. Fruity and sweet dessert wines also make excellent partners for prime rib.

Why Consider Serving A Wine With Prime Rib?

Are you ready to hear about why you should pair wine with prime rib? Trust me, it’s going to be a match made in culinary heaven!

Here are some reasons why you should consider serving wine with prime rib:

1. Enhance the flavor: Prime rib is a rich and savory dish, and the right wine can take those flavors to the next level! The acidity in wine can cut through the fatty richness of the meat, and the tannins can complement the bold flavors of the seasoning.
2. Balance the richness: Speaking of the richness of prime rib, wine can also provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy dish. The alcohol in wine can cleanse the palate between bites and reset your taste buds for the next delicious mouthful.
3. Elevate the experience: Let’s be real, pairing wine with food just makes everything fancier and more enjoyable. It adds an air of sophistication to your meal and can make your dinner guests feel extra special.
4. Show off your knowledge: If you’re a wine connoisseur (or just really good at pretending), pairing wine with prime rib is a great opportunity to show off your knowledge and impress your friends and family with your sommelier skills.
5. It’s just plain fun: Drinking wine is always a good time, but pairing it with food is even better! It’s a chance to experiment with different flavors and find the perfect match for your taste buds.

5 Tips For Picking A Wine With Prime Rib

Buckle up, foodies, because I’ve got some tips that will make your prime rib and wine pairing dreams come true! Check out these five tips for picking the perfect wine for your prime rib:

1. Consider the cut: Different cuts of prime rib can have different levels of fat and tenderness, so it’s important to choose a wine that can complement or balance those flavors. For example, a more fatty cut might pair well with a full-bodied red wine that has strong tannins, while a leaner cut might be better with a lighter, fruitier red wine.
2. Match the seasoning: Prime rib can be seasoned in a variety of ways, from simple salt and pepper to more complex spice blends. Make sure to choose a wine that can complement or contrast those flavors. For example, a spicy rub might pair well with a wine that has some sweetness to it, while a more herbaceous seasoning might be better with a wine that has more acidity.
3. Think about the sauce: If you’re serving your prime rib with a sauce (such as horseradish, au jus, or gravy), make sure to choose a wine that can handle the added flavor. For example, a rich, buttery sauce might pair well with a wine that has some oakiness to it, while a tangy sauce might be better with a wine that has more acidity.
4. Match the occasion: Are you serving your prime rib at a fancy dinner party or a casual family gathering? The occasion can impact your choice of wine. For example, a more formal event might call for a more expensive or sophisticated wine, while a laid-back occasion might be better with a simpler, more affordable wine.
5. Experiment and have fun: At the end of the day, wine pairing is all about experimenting and finding what works best for your taste buds! Don’t be afraid to try different wines and see what you like best. Who knows, you might discover a new favorite wine pairing that you never would have expected!

What Wine Goes With Prime Rib? 10 Best Wines

Get ready for a list of wines that will have your taste buds doing the tango! I’ve scoured the vineyards and wine shops to find you the top 10 wines to pair with prime rib.

Check out this list:

1. Cabernet Sauvignon: This full-bodied red wine has strong tannins that can stand up to the richness of prime rib. Look for a cab with blackberry, cherry, and vanilla notes.
2. Merlot: This smooth and fruity red wine is a great match for prime rib, with flavors of black cherry, plum, and chocolate.
3. Malbec: This medium-bodied red wine has a nice balance of acidity and tannins, with flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and spice.
4. Zinfandel: This bold and spicy red wine is a great choice if your prime rib has a lot of seasoning or spice. Look for a zin with notes of blackberry, raspberry, and black pepper.
5. Pinot Noir: This lighter red wine can be a good match for leaner cuts of prime rib, with flavors of cherry, cranberry, and earthy notes.
6. Syrah/Shiraz: This full-bodied red wine has bold flavors of blackberry, black pepper, and smoky notes that can pair well with prime rib.
7. Bordeaux: This classic French wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other grapes can be a great match for prime rib, with a balance of tannins, acidity, and fruit flavors.
8. Chianti: This Italian red wine is known for its medium-bodied, fruity flavors of cherry, plum, and spice that can complement prime rib.
9. Barolo: This bold Italian red wine is made from the Nebbiolo grape and has strong tannins and flavors of cherry, leather, and earthy notes that can pair well with prime rib.
10. Chardonnay: If you prefer white wine with your prime rib, try a full-bodied Chardonnay with notes of oak, butter, and tropical fruit flavors.

Other Beverage Pairings to Consider

Don’t worry if you’re not a big wine drinker, because there are plenty of other beverages that can pair well with prime rib! Check out these options:

• Beer: If you’re a beer lover, don’t hesitate to pair your prime rib with a cold brewski! Look for a beer that has a rich, malty flavor that can complement the flavors of the meat. A porter or a stout can be a great match for prime rib.
• Cocktails: If you’re feeling fancy, try pairing your prime rib with a classic cocktail! A Manhattan or an Old Fashioned can be a great match for the bold flavors of prime rib, with a balance of sweetness and bitterness.
• Non-alcoholic drinks: Don’t forget about the non-alcoholic options! If you’re not drinking alcohol, try pairing your prime rib with a sparkling water or a fruity mocktail. The bubbles in the water can help cleanse your palate between bites, while a mocktail can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat.

Serving Temperature and Glassware

We all know that the right temperature and glassware can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying wine with your prime rib.

So let’s dive into some tips on how to serve your wine like a pro!

Temperature

• Red wine: Generally speaking, red wine should be served at room temperature (around 65-68°F). However, if your room is particularly warm, you might want to chill your wine for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator before serving to bring the temperature down slightly.
• White wine: White wine should be served chilled (around 45-50°F). Make sure to give your wine enough time in the refrigerator to chill before serving.
• Sparkling wine: Sparkling wine should be served very cold (around 35-40°F). Chill your bottle of bubbly in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Glassware

• Red wine: Red wine should be served in a large, wide-bowled glass that allows the wine to breathe and the aromas to develop. Make sure to fill the glass no more than halfway to allow room for swirling and sniffing!
• White wine: White wine should be served in a smaller, narrower glass that helps to preserve the temperature and the aromas. Again, don’t fill the glass too full to allow for swirling.
• Sparkling wine: Sparkling wine should be served in a flute or a tulip-shaped glass that helps to preserve the bubbles and the aroma.

Conclusion

Well, folks, we’ve reached the end of our prime rib and wine pairing journey! I hope you’re feeling as jazzed as I am about all the delicious options available to you.

To wrap things up, here’s a quick recap of the 10 best wines to pair with prime rib:

1. Cabernet Sauvignon
2. Merlot
3. Malbec
4. Zinfandel
5. Pinot Noir
6. Syrah/Shiraz
7. Bordeaux
8. Chianti
9. Barolo
10. Chardonnay

Now, keep in mind that these are just suggestions! Wine pairing is all about experimentation and finding what works best for your taste buds. So don’t be afraid to try different wines and find your own perfect match. And don’t forget about the other beverage pairing options, like beer and cocktails!

At the end of the day, pairing wine (or another beverage) with prime rib can take your dining experience to the next level. It’s a chance to elevate your meal, impress your guests, and, of course, have some fun! So go forth, my foodie friends, and pair away! Cheers!