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

Barolo Cerequio DOCG 2021 Michele Chiarlo

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020 Poggio di Sotto

Südtirol - Alto Adige DOC Pinot Nero 2024 Alois Lageder

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021 Mastrojanni

Barbaresco DOCG Riserva Camp Gros Martinenga 2017 Marchesi di Gresy

Barolo Cannubi DOCG 2021 Giacomo Fenocchio

Bolgheri Superiore DOC Argentiera 2023 Tenuta Argentiera

Südtirol - Alto Adige Pinot Nero DOC Angra 2024 Nals Margreid

Südtirol - Alto Adige Doc Pinot Nero Barthenau Vigna Herbsthöfl 2022 Hofstätter

Bourgogne AOC Pinot Noir 2024 Ropiteau Frères

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Vigna Vecchia 2020 Le Ragnaie

Bourgogne AOC Rouge Cuvée Les Charmes De Daix 2022 Domaine Thierry Mortet

Südtirol - Alto Adige Riserva DOC Sandbichler Pinot Nero 2022 H. Lun

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Capriolo 2018 Terre Nere

Barolo DOCG Perno Riserva 2019 Elio Sandri

Bolgheri Rosso DOC 2022 Podere Prospero

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC Les Roches de Yon 2020 Château Yon-Figeac

Ceretto box with Arneis Blangè and Barolo, 2 x 0,75 ℓ bottles, Wooden box

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