Searching for what wine to serve with prime rib? Look no further! Whether you’re hosting a get-together, going out for a nice evening, or simply getting creative in the kitchen at home – wine is an essential accompaniment to any occasion.
Celebrate in style and impress your guests simultaneously with our suggestions on picking just the right flavor of wine to serve with prime rib cuts of meat.
Here are some tips and tricks on selecting a delicious variety that will enhance the flavors of your meal and create a delectable culinary experience like no other!
What Is Prime Rib?
Prime rib is a succulent and delicious roast beef that has become one of the most popular dishes for special occasions, especially around the holidays.
It’s cut from the center-most part of the rib section on a cow – the prime rib area – and is typically cooked in an oven with special seasonings to enhance its natural flavor.
The resulting prime rib is tender, juicy and packed with bold flavors that can’t be found in other cuts of roast beef. It is often served with vegetables or side dishes to create a complete holiday meal.
Prime rib is sometimes called “standing rib roast” and may include the bone for additional flavor.
What Wine To Serve With Prime Rib?
So, what wine to serve with prime rib? When serving wine with prime rib, many think of cabernet sauvignon as the classic pairing.
While this is a great choice, other wines can pair well with this dish.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine made from the Black Cabernet grape. It is known for its intense dark fruit flavors and aromas, along with tobacco, leather, and cedar notes.
Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a high level of tannin and acidity, which makes it an ideal choice for pairing with red meat dishes such as prime rib. The tannins and acidity contrast the prime rib’s richness while also softening the fat in the meat.
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Cabernet Sauvignon’s dark fruit flavors will enhance and bring out the flavor of any gravy or sauce that you may serve with the prime rib.
The complexity of Cabernet Sauvignon makes it an ideal choice for food pairings as it can stand up against the bold flavors of meals such as prime rib while still providing a great-tasting accompaniment.
Syrah
Syrah is a perfect wine to serve with prime rib because of its bold, robust flavor profile. It is a full-bodied wine with plenty of dark fruit and spice flavors that perfectly complement the rich flavor of prime rib.
Syrah’s tannins also help cut through the fat in the roast, making it a delightful pairing.
Syrah has enough body and complexity to stand up to the strong flavors of herbs and spices used in marinades or rubs for prime rib, allowing all the dish’s elements to shine.
Finally, Syrah is an excellent choice for larger social gatherings because it offers good value and is widely available. Enjoying a glass of Syrah with your next prime rib roast will surely take the experience to the next level!
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah is a type of wine made from the Durif grape, known for its deep color and intense flavor. Its bold nature makes it an ideal pairing with prime rib, as the full-flavored meat can stand up to Petite Sirah’s robust character.
The tannins in Petite Sirah make it a great choice to cut through the richness of the prime rib, while its dark berry flavors compliment the beef’s seasoning.
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The high alcohol content in Petite Sirah also helps balance out the fat and oil present in the dish.
With its ability to stand up to hearty fare, Petite Sirah can bring out even more flavor from the prime rib, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva is a Spanish red wine aged in oak barrels for at least five years.
This aging process results in a dark, robust, full-bodied flavor with blackberry, leather and cedar notes. It is considered one of the best Spanish wines and can pair perfectly with various dishes.
Rioja Gran Reserva is the perfect accompaniment to prime rib, thanks to its intense flavors and aroma.
The dark fruit notes in the wine will bring out the herbal notes in the beef, while its tannins will help cut through the fat of the rib roast.
Its full-bodied mouthfeel will also stand up to the bold seasoning and help balance out the dish’s richness. Additionally, its oak-aged nature adds complexity and depth that will pair nicely with the robust flavors of a prime rib roast.
All in all, Rioja Gran Reserva is an excellent choice for pairing with prime rib.
Malbec
Malbec is a red wine made from the Malbec grape variety. It has high tannin levels and bold flavors, such as dark fruit and spice, which make it an ideal companion for hearty meats like prime rib.
Malbec’s robustness can stand up to the rich flavor of prime rib, and its sweetness will help to balance the slight bitterness of its fat content.
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Malbec also pairs well with other savory dishes, including grilled steak, lamb chops, and some potatoes.
Serve your guests a bottle of Malbec next time you serve them prime rib; they’ll surely appreciate it!
Barolo
Barolo is an Italian red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape variety. This full-bodied, dry red wine has high tannins and acidity, making it long-lasting and unique in taste.
It is aged for at least three years before being released, and its flavor profile includes notes of cherry, dried figs, licorice, and leather.
Barolo is an excellent pairing for prime rib because its high tannin levels help cut through the roast’s richness.
The acidity in the wine helps to balance out the fat of the meat, while its unique flavors complement those of the herbs and spices used in preparing the prime rib.
With its bold, complex flavors and full body, Barolo also stands up to the strong flavors of sauces and gravies served with prime rib.
This type of wine is elegant enough for a special occasion meal yet sturdy enough to stand up to heartier dishes like prime rib. So if you’re looking for the perfect accompaniment to your prime rib meal, consider serving a glass of Barolo.
It’s sure to make the dinner even more special!
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing Wine To Serve With Prime Rib
Choosing the right wine to pair with your meal can be overwhelming, especially when that meal is prime rib. People make some common mistakes along the way!
Continue reading on as we dive into how to avoid making these common blunders when choosing what wine to serve with prime rib.
- Serving wine with too much tannin: Tannins are naturally occurring compounds in grapes that add structure and body to the wine. Too much tannin can overpower the prime rib, making it difficult for its flavor to shine through.
- Picking a wine without enough acidity: Acidity helps balance out the fat and richness of the prime rib, and it prevents the wine from tasting too flat or dull. Choose a wine with bright acidity to make your meal more enjoyable.
- Serving wine with not enough body: A full-bodied red is best for prime rib because it can stand up to the strong flavors of the beef and seasonings used to prepare it. A lighter-bodied red or white won’t be able to do the same.
- Picking a wine with too much sweetness: Sweet wines will pair well with prime rib, as the sweetness of the wine will clash with the savory flavors of the beef.
- Serving a too-expensive wine: You don’t need to break the bank to find an excellent pairing for prime rib. Plenty of reasonably priced wines will pair nicely with your meal without breaking the bank!
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FAQs
What Beverage Is Ideal To Serve With Prime Rib?
The best beverage to serve with prime rib is a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Can You Serve Pinot Noir With Prime Rib?
Yes, you can serve Pinot Noir with prime rib. However, it is recommended to pair a lighter-bodied wine like Pinot Noir with a leaner cut of meat.
Can White Wine Be Paired With Prime Rib?
Yes, white wine can be paired with prime rib. A Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc would pair nicely with the beefy flavor of prime rib.
Conclusion
Now you should know what wine to serve with prime rib. The best wine to serve with prime rib is a full-bodied red such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Rioja Gran Reserva, Malbec, and Barolo.
These wines have bold flavor profiles that can both stand up to the savory richness of prime rib while complementing its juicy flavors. Experiment with different types of wines to find the perfect match for your dinner table no matter what the occasion is!
