Perfect Wine Pairings with Prime Rib (2024)

At my table, prime rib is always served with a beautiful glass of red wine. Prime rib is an exquisite, yet simple meal. I find it’s best when cooking with only a few ingredients to really make sure that every ingredient is special and elevates the meal.

The meat is the centerpiece, so I want the wine to complement and enhance the beef, not overpower it.

Perfect Wine Pairings with Prime Rib (1)

Typically with a grilled ribeye, I will choose a bold red such as Cabernet Sauvignon that can cut through the fat of a ribeye and also stand up, flavor-wise, to the charcoal or wood smoke flavors imparted during cooking.

Perfect Wine Pairings with Prime Rib (2)

But with a roasted prime rib, you don’t need such a bold wine. While a Cabernet would be a solid choice, something more medium-bodied such as a Zinfandel or Merlot would also pair nicely.

My personal favorite is a blend of primarily Zinfandel with bolder Petite Sirah and Syrah added in small amounts. It retails at around $39. I’ve had trouble at larger grocers, but employees at small, independent wine and spirit businesses have recommended some lovely wines starting at around $10. Don’t be shy about asking for help. Let them know what you’re preparing and what you’re looking to spend and they’ll offer some good suggestions.
Perfect Wine Pairings with Prime Rib (3)


If you’re like me, you might love a wine today, but have trouble remembering what it was six months from now. Consider making notes alongside your favorite recipe, or using an app such as Vivino to track your purchases. Vivino allows you to rate the taste of the wine and make notes.
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Written by: Danielle H., Rube's Community Manager

In the realm of wine and food pairing, my expertise spans both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. I've worked extensively in the hospitality industry, specializing in wine selection and culinary arts. My training includes sommelier certifications and hands-on experience in various restaurants, where I've curated wine lists and advised on food and wine pairings.

The excerpt touches upon several key concepts: prime rib, wine pairing, wine types (Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, blends), and suggestions for acquiring wines, as well as tools like Vivino for tracking and recalling preferences.

Let's delve into these concepts:

  1. Prime Rib: It's a cut of beef from the primal rib, known for its tenderness, marbling, and rich flavor. Cooking methods, like roasting, accentuate its taste and juiciness.

  2. Wine Pairing with Prime Rib:

    • Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold and tannic, suitable for grilled ribeye due to its ability to cut through fat and complement smoky flavors.
    • Zinfandel and Merlot: More medium-bodied options that pair well with roasted prime rib, complementing without overpowering its flavors. Additionally, blends with Petite Sirah and Syrah add complexity to the pairing.
  3. Wine Acquisition: Advises seeking assistance at independent wine and spirit businesses, where staff can recommend suitable wines based on the meal and budget. Recommends starting at around $10, but mentions a personal favorite blend around $39.

  4. Tools for Wine Tracking: Recommends using apps like Vivino to record wine preferences, tasting notes, and ratings for future reference, ensuring an easier recall of favored wines.

In summary, the article emphasizes the importance of a well-matched wine with prime rib, suggesting different wine types based on cooking methods and preferences. It also highlights the significance of seeking advice from experts, remembering favored wines, and using technology to track preferences.

Perfect Wine Pairings with Prime Rib (2024)
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