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The Best Wines With Prime Rib

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Here’s how to select the best wines with prime rib to compliment the rich, savory flavors of the roast and elevate your holiday feast.

best wines with prime rib

Prime rib is a luxurious cut of beef, known for its exceptional tenderness and rich marbling of fat, which gives it a deep, savory flavor. This cut, also called standing rib roast, is prized for its juiciness and beef-forward taste, making it a favorite for special occasions and holiday feasts, particularly Christmas dinner.

The richness of the dish calls for a wine that can complement and enhance these qualities. To elevate your prime rib experience, pairing it with the right wine is essential. The rich, marbled meat deserves a wine that can stand up to its bold flavors.

Below I’ll break down the best wines to serve with prime rib recipes, offering options for both red and white wine lovers.

PRIME RIB COLLECTION

Make sure to check out my expansive Prime Rib library for recipes, cooking tips, pairings, and more.

Prime Rib Recipes

If you’re looking for a prime rib recipe, these are my most popular standing rib roast recipes:

Cut prime rib roast on a black cutting board.

Tips For Picking The Best Wine For Prime Rib

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when pairing wine with prime rib.

Red over White: Red wine is generally the best match for prime rib. The rich, fatty nature of the meat can overwhelm most white wines, so choosing a red ensures a better balance. When choosing, also consider the weight of the red. A full-bodied red might overwhelm the meat, while a wine that’s too light may not have the structure to complement it. A medium-bodied red offers the perfect balance, allowing the richness of the prime rib to shine without being overpowered.
Tannins: Opt for wines with higher tannins. The tannins help cleanse the palate by cutting through the prime rib’s fat, making each bite more enjoyable. While a young, tannic wine might be too intense to drink on its own, it pairs beautifully with the fatty richness of prime rib, creating a harmonious balance on your palate.
Aged Wines: Wines aged for five years or more often develop smoother tannins and more complex flavors, which can enhance the experience of enjoying prime rib.
Consider the Prime Rib Sauce: If you’re serving prime rib with sauces like horseradish sauce, horseradish aioli, or a rich prime rib gravy, factor the sauce into your wine choice to ensure a harmonious pairing.
Prime Rib Rub: Often seasoned with herbs and spices, prime rib is typically served with prime rib au jus or a horseradish sauce, further elevating its decadent, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Two glasses of mulled wine with garnishes.

Red Wine Pairings for Prime Rib

As mentioned, red wines are the traditional go-to when serving prime rib, as their tannins and full body balance the richness of the beef. Here are my top choices:

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic pairing with prime rib, thanks to its bold flavor profile and high tannin content. The robust structure of the wine holds up well against the richness and fat of the prime rib. Look for a California Cabernet or one from Bordeaux for a perfect match.

Recipe Pairings: Garlic herb prime rib, prime rib with an herb-forward au jus.

Syrah/Shiraz

Syrah, or Shiraz as it’s known in Australia, offers a peppery, bold flavor that complements the meaty, savory qualities of prime rib. It’s slightly less tannic than Cabernet, but its full-bodied nature, with notes of dark fruits, black pepper, and smoky undertones, makes it an excellent choice.

Recipe Pairings: Smoked prime rib, prime rib with rosemary and thyme.

Merlot

Merlot is a versatile, smooth wine that offers a more approachable alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon while still providing enough body to pair well with prime rib. Its velvety texture, along with notes of plum, cherry, and chocolate, create a luxurious pairing experience.

Recipe Pairings: Classic roast prime rib, prime rib with mushroom sauce.

Zinfandel

Red Zinfandel, known for its bold fruit flavors and spicy kick, is another excellent match for prime rib. This wine is full-bodied, with flavors of blackberries, plums, and pepper that pair beautifully with the deep, savory flavors of prime rib.

Recipe Pairings: BBQ prime rib, prime rib with spicy rubs.

Malbec

Malbec is a bold, juicy wine with smooth tannins and flavors of blackberry, plum, and cocoa. It’s velvety texture compliments the juicy, fatty nature of prime rib. This Argentinian favorite has a deep, intense character that pairs wonderfully with the richness of prime rib.

3 champagne glasses for best wines with prime rib article.

White Wine Pairings for Prime Rib

While red wine is traditionally paired with prime rib, there are a few white wines that can hold their own with this flavorful dish. Here are a few wine varietals to consider:

Chardonnay

Chardonnay, especially those that are oaked, has the richness, body and acidity to stand up to the bold flavors of prime rib. A buttery, creamy Chardonnay with notes of vanilla and ripe fruits can complement the savory nature of the beef without overwhelming it.

Popular dishes: Prime rib with béarnaise sauce, herb-crusted prime rib.

Champagne

For a lighter, more festive pairing, consider Champagne or a sparkling wine. The bubbles in Champagne help cleanse the palate between bites, while the wine’s high acidity cuts through the richness of the prime rib.

Popular dishes: Prime rib served with rich sauces or gravy.

Wine Pairing With Prime Rib

When it comes to pairing wine with prime rib, the key is to balance the wine’s tannins, acidity, and flavor intensity with the richness of the meat. Whether you prefer a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or a rich white like Chardonnay, there’s a perfect wine to elevate your prime rib feast.

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Darcey Olson

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