What Wine Goes With Ribs? (10 Best Wines)

Are you wondering what wine goes with ribs?

Ribs are a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for summer barbecues and family gatherings.

However, picking the right wine to pair with ribs can be tricky.

You want to find a wine that will complement the flavors of the ribs without overpowering them.

So if you are looking for the perfect wine pairing for your next rib dinner, then you are in luck!

I’m sharing 10 of the best wines to serve with ribs so you can enjoy a delicious and well-paired meal.

In a rush? Here is the short answer:

When pairing wine with prime rib, rich and full-bodied red wines are the best option. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Zinfandel all pair exceptionally well with this cut of beef. If you prefer a white wine, opt for something like Chardonnay or Riesling.

Why Consider Serving A Wine With Ribs?

Before we dig in, let’s talk about why serving a wine with ribs is a great idea. Here are some reasons why you should consider pairing your ribs with a nice glass of vino:

1. Enhance the flavor: Wine and ribs go together like BBQ sauce and napkins. A good wine can enhance the flavor of your ribs and bring out their best qualities. Think of it like adding seasoning to your meat – it takes it to the next level!
2. Cut through the richness: Ribs are a rich and fatty meat, and sometimes you need something to cut through all that deliciousness. A good wine can do just that – the acidity in the wine can help balance out the richness of the meat, making it easier to enjoy.
3. Refresh your palate: Drinking wine with your ribs can help refresh your palate and cleanse your mouth between bites. This is especially true if you’re eating a spicy or heavily sauced rib – a sip of wine can help you reset and get ready for the next bite.
4. Set the mood: There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a plate of delicious ribs with a nice glass of wine. It can elevate your dining experience and make the meal feel more special. Plus, it’s a great excuse to break out the good stemware and impress your dinner guests!
5. It’s just plain fun: Let’s be honest, pairing wine with your ribs is just plain fun! It gives you an opportunity to try new wines and experiment with different flavors. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter – who doesn’t love talking about wine and food pairings?

5 Tips For Picking A Wine With Ribs

Alright, folks, it’s time to get serious about wine and ribs! Here are my top five tips for picking the perfect wine to pair with your meaty masterpiece:

1. Consider the type of ribs: The type of ribs you’re serving can have a big impact on the type of wine you should choose. For example, pork ribs tend to pair well with lighter-bodied wines, while beef ribs can handle something more full-bodied. Consider the flavor profile of the ribs as well – are they spicy or sweet? This can also influence your wine choice.
2. Match the intensity: You want your wine to be able to stand up to the strong flavors of the ribs, so make sure you’re choosing a wine with a similar intensity level. For example, a big, bold red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon would pair well with beef ribs, while a lighter Pinot Noir might work better with pork ribs.
3. Look for acidity: Acidity is your friend when it comes to pairing wine with ribs. It can help cut through the richness of the meat and balance out any sweetness or spiciness. Look for wines with a higher acidity level, like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chianti.
4. Consider the sauce: If you’re serving your ribs with a sauce, think about the flavors in the sauce when choosing your wine. For example, a tangy BBQ sauce might pair well with a Zinfandel, while a sweeter sauce might work better with a Riesling.
5. Don’t be afraid to experiment: Wine and food pairing is all about trial and error, so don’t be afraid to try out different combinations until you find the perfect match. And remember, at the end of the day, it’s all about what tastes good to you!

What Wine Goes With Ribs? The 10 Best Wines

Are you ready for the main event? It’s time to talk about the 10 best wines to pair with your succulent, smoky ribs. Get ready to take some notes, folks – here are my top picks:

1. Zinfandel: This big, bold red wine is perfect for pairing with beef ribs or ribs with a spicy BBQ sauce.
2. Cabernet Sauvignon: Another full-bodied red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with beef ribs or pork ribs with a sweet sauce.
3. Malbec: This Argentinian red wine has a great balance of fruitiness and smokiness that makes it a perfect match for ribs.
4. Syrah: With its rich, savory flavors, Syrah is a great choice for pairing with pork ribs.
5. Merlot: If you’re serving ribs with a sweet or tangy sauce, a medium-bodied Merlot can be a great choice.
6. Pinot Noir: This lighter-bodied red wine is a great choice for pork ribs or beef ribs with a lighter sauce.
7. Barbera: This Italian red wine has a nice acidity that can help balance out the richness of ribs, making it a great match.
8. Chardonnay: If you prefer white wine, a full-bodied Chardonnay can be a great choice for pairing with ribs.
9. Riesling: This sweet white wine can pair well with ribs with a sweeter sauce, like honey mustard or teriyaki.
10. Rosé: Don’t forget about rosé! A dry rosé can be a great choice for pairing with ribs, especially if you’re looking for a lighter wine.

Other Beverage Pairings to Consider

Hold on to your hats, folks, because we’re about to get wild and crazy with some non-wine beverage pairings for your ribs! Don’t worry, I haven’t gone totally off the rails – sometimes you just want to switch things up and try something different.

Here are some alternative beverage pairings to consider:

• Beer: Let’s start with the obvious choice – beer and ribs are a match made in heaven! A cold beer can help cut through the richness of the meat and refresh your palate. Look for a beer with a bold flavor that can stand up to the strong flavors of the ribs.
• Cider: If you’re looking for something a little lighter than beer, cider can be a great option. It has a crisp, refreshing flavor that pairs well with the smoky flavors of the ribs.
• Bourbon: Okay, hear me out – bourbon and ribs might sound like a weird pairing, but trust me, it works! The sweetness of the bourbon can complement the sweetness of the ribs, and the smokiness of the meat can bring out the oaky flavors in the bourbon.
• Iced Tea: If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, iced tea can be a great choice for pairing with ribs. It’s refreshing and has a subtle sweetness that can complement the flavors of the meat.
• Lemonade: Another non-alcoholic option, lemonade can be a great choice for pairing with sweeter ribs or ribs with a fruity sauce. It has a tartness that can help balance out the sweetness of the meat.

Serving Temperature and Glassware

Alright, folks, it’s time to get technical with serving temperature and glassware! I know, I know, it sounds boring, but trust me – getting this right can make all the difference in your wine and ribs pairing experience. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Serving Temperature

• Red wine: Red wine should be served at room temperature, right? WRONG! This is a common misconception – in fact, most red wines should be served slightly below room temperature to bring out their best flavors. For example, a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon should be served around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit.
• White wine: White wine should be served cold, right? AGAIN WRONG! While it’s true that white wine should be served chilled, it shouldn’t be too cold – this can mute the flavors of the wine. Aim to serve white wine at around 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Rosé: Rosé should be served at the same temperature as white wine – around 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Glassware

• Red wine: Red wine should be served in a glass with a large bowl and a wide opening. This allows the wine to breathe and brings out its full aromas and flavors. Bonus points if the glass has a stem, which can help keep the wine at the right temperature.
• White wine: White wine should be served in a glass with a smaller bowl and a narrower opening. This helps to concentrate the aromas of the wine and keep it at the right temperature.
• Rosé: Rosé can be served in either a red wine glass or a white wine glass – it’s up to you!

Conclusion

Alright, folks, we’ve covered a lot of ground today! From why you should consider serving a wine with your ribs, to tips for picking the perfect pairing, to alternative beverage options and serving temperature and glassware – we’ve covered it all!

But before we say goodbye, let’s do a quick recap of the 10 best wines to pair with your delicious, smoky ribs:

1. Zinfandel
2. Cabernet Sauvignon
3. Malbec
4. Syrah
5. Merlot
6. Pinot Noir
7. Barbera
8. Chardonnay
9. Riesling
10. Rosé

There you have it, folks – my top 10 picks for wines to pair with ribs. Whether you’re a red wine lover or prefer something a little lighter, there’s a wine on this list for everyone. So go forth, experiment, and find your perfect pairing! Just don’t forget to save a rib (and a glass of wine) for me. Cheers!