Wines to pair with game - The ideal wines to pair with wild boar, roe deer, and hare

Wild boar, roe deer, hare, red deer, but also pheasant or woodcock: game brings the most intense, primal flavors of traditional cuisine to the table. The meats of these animals stand out for their bold, iron-tinged taste and the typical gamey note, which often calls for long marinades in wine, herbs and spices to mellow it. Faced with such rich, structured preparations—from sauces for pappardelle to grand roasts and salmis—the wine pairing needs to be just as powerful and majestic.

The basic rule for game is to look for red wines with great structure, high alcohol and significant tannins. Ideally, uncork bottles that already have a few years of aging under their belt: the so-called "tertiary" aromas of evolution (leather, tobacco, pepper, truffle and forest floor) will create perfect harmony with the scents of meat and woodland.

Powerful reds and noble French wines for furred game

For hearty dishes based on wild boar or roe deer, we need the crème de la crème of world oenology. Looking to Italy, the austerity of a Barolo, the complex elegance of a mature Brunello di Montalcino, or the tightly knit tannins of an Aglianico del Vulture and a Montefalco Sagrantino provide all the heft needed to tackle the most succulent pan juices.

But the true historic masters of pairing with game (the famous gibier) are the champions across the Alps: the great Bordeaux. Putting your trust in France’s noble communal appellations is a sure path to success. For lovers of austere, deep, Cabernet Sauvignon–driven reds, the choice will fall on Rive Gauche communes such as Pauillac, Margaux or Saint-Julien. If instead you’re after silkier tannins and the opulence of Merlot, the great Châteaux of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion will deliver an unforgettable marriage of richness.

Elegance for feathered game

The rules change dramatically when we talk about feathered game such as pheasant, quail, partridge or duck. Though very flavorful, these meats have a decidedly more delicate texture. In this case, there’s only one supreme pairing: Pinot Noir. Whether you opt for a vibrant glass from Alto Adige or a sumptuous Grand Cru from Burgundy, its innate finesse, combined with earthy aromas and small red fruits, enhances the nobility of the bird without ever overpowering its taste.

Powerful reds and noble French wines for furred game

Elegance for feathered game

Barbaresco DOCG Albesani Riserva Santo Stefano 2018 Castello di Neive

Bolgheri DOC Sassi Sparsi 2024 Rocca delle Macie

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020 Geografico

Barolo DOCG Brunate 2020 Vietti

Barolo DOCG Falletto Vigna Le Rocche 2022 Bruno Giacosa

Südtirol - Alto Adige DOC Schiava 2025 Abbazia di Novacella

Bolgheri Rosso DOC 2024 Michele Satta

Barbaresco DOCG Riserva Rio Sordo 2020 Produttori del Barbaresco

Barolo DOCG Francia 2020 Giacomo Conterno

Barolo Riserva DOCG Monfortino 2019 Giacomo Conterno

Bolgheri DOC Superiore Podere Ritorti 2023 I Luoghi

Bolgheri DOC Rosso 2024 I Luoghi

Fattoria dei Barbi Gift Box with Brunello, Chianti, and Morellino, 3 x 0,75 ℓ bottles, Wooden box

Pauillac AOC 2ème Vin Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rotschild 2019 Château Mouton-Rothschild

Barolo Riserva DOCG 1752 Cannubi 2015 Damilano

Barolo DOCG Prapò 2019 Ceretto

Barbaresco DOCG Bernardot 2020 Ceretto

Saint-Julien AOC 2ème Cru Classé 2019 Château Leoville Las Cases

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