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Pairing Wine With Prime Rib

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Prime rib is a ribeye roast that is slow cooked and served medium rare to medium. The cut of meat is very tender, juicy, fatty and full of flavor. It can also be served with au jus sauce, creamy horseradish, and sauteed mushrooms & onions. Other ways this dish is prepared is blacked, with an herbed butter sauce, bone marrow, or oscar style. Regardless of your preference of how the cut is served, it is guaranteed to have big delicious flavors that can easily overpower wine if you aren’t careful.

It’s essential to look for a wine that cuts through the fat on the meat, the seasonings and other toppings and sauces the dish is served with. Choose a wine that is high in acidity and tannins to balance out the fat. The fat in the dish will also enhance the fruity notes of your wine (in a good way).

Wine Flavors To Pair With Prime Rib

Flavor Detail
Sweetness Dry
Acidity High
Tannins Medium to High
Body Bold
Notes Dark berries and cherries. Smoke

Best Red Wine To Drink With Prime Rib

It goes without saying that red wine should be served with prime rib. However, with so many red wine varieties, finding the ideal one can be complicated. Choose a bold wine from the table above to complement the rich flavor of the prime rib. High tannin and acidity effectively cut the fatty flavor of the meat, keeping it fresh and allowing you to have a greater dining experience. Furthermore, the cherry tones contribute to the meat’s delicious flavor.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Your first choice for enjoying your steak is a young Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine has a high tannin content that pairs well with a fatty prime rib. When grilling prime rib, an oaked Cabernet Sauvignon is excellent since it enhances the dish’s smokey and herbaceous flavors.

Merlot

Merlot is the go-to wine for meat lovers because it is one of the most versatile red wines in the world. The dark cherry flavors in this red wine elevate the flavor of prime rib when served with it. It gives a smooth feeling in your mouth, making you crave more.

Malbec

For those who want a smooth and chocolaty flavor, a medium tannin red wine can be combined with prime rib. Due to its dry flavor, Malbec goes well with most meat dishes. Malbec is a straightforward red wine with medium acidity and tannin that complements the flavor of prime rib.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel is a sweet wine with a fruity flavor that enhances the juicy flavor of the steak. It gives off a peppery taste that comes from the prime rib seasonings. Zinfandel has a moderate tannin and acidity level, making it ideal for pairing with prime rib.

Syrah or Shiraz

Another fruity red wine is Syrah or Shiraz which complements the salty flavor of a prime rib. Shiraz is perfect for its peppery and smoky notes that pair well with grilled prime rib’s crust. While Syrah has an herbaceous flavor perfect for a roasted prime rib pack with herbs and spices.

Best White Wine To Drink With Prime Rib

When pairing steak with wine, some individuals prefer white wine over red. Finding the right white wine with prime rib can be tricky. Surprisingly, there are white wines with herbs and aromas similar to red wine. Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine with berries and spices that complements the savory flavor of prime rib. It also has a medium acidity, which helps to balance and cut through the fatty flavor. Another classic choice for removing the fatty and salty elements of prime rib is a bottle of champagne. Finally, due to its dry and flowery flavor, German Riesling is an unexpectedly good match for the steak.

Best Wine To Drink With Prime Rib

Prime rib pairs well with a variety of wines, particularly those that are powerful and high in acidity. To keep your palate refreshed between bites, consider wines with a strong tannin content. The fatty flavor of the prime rib won’t make you lose your appetite with high tannin or acidity wines. Another recommendation is to choose a wine from the same region as the steak for a better outcome. On the other hand, everyone has their own tastes and preferences. You can always try a different wine with a prime rib that suits you well. With prime rib, we recommend the best wines.

  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Merlot
  • Malbec
  • Zinfandel
  • Syrah or Shiraz
  • Bordeaux

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