Duck, Goose & Game Bird Wine Pairing

Duck and game birds have rich, savory flavors with varying levels of fat and gaminess. The ideal wine pairing depends on how the dish is prepared—roasted, smoked, confit, or served with fruit-based sauces

Duck meat tends to be rich, fatty, and flavorful, often served with sweet or fruity sauces (like orange glaze, cherry sauce, or berry compote) or smoky flavors. Because of the richness, medium to full-bodied wines are best to complement the fatty texture.

• Pinot Noir (Burgundy, Oregon, Sonoma): Pinot Noir is one of the classic choices for duck, especially with orange glaze or cherry sauce. Its light tannins and bright fruitiness balance the richness of the meat.

• Merlot (California, Bordeaux): The smoothness and soft tannins of Merlot complement the richness of the duck, especially if served with roasted or grilled duck. It's a great match for duck with berry sauces

Goose is more gamey and fatty than duck, requiring a wine that has good acidity and robust tannins to balance the richness. Goose is often served with fruit sauces or roasted root vegetables, so wines with structure and depth work best.

• Syrah/Shiraz (Northern Rhône, Australia): The peppery, dark fruit profile of Syrah works well with goose, especially if prepared with a spicy rub or smoky glaze. It helps balance the fatty richness while enhancing flavors like rosemary or thyme.

• Nebbiolo (Barolo, Langhe): Nebbiolo has the acidity and tannins needed to cut through the richness of goose, and its earthy, floral notes work harmoniously with the savory and herbaceous elements in goose dishes.

Game birds are typically leaner than duck and goose, but still carry a deeper flavor than chicken or turkey. The wine pairings depend on whether the bird is roasted, grilled, or prepared in a rich sauce.

• Carignan (France, Spain): The high acidity and fruit-forward profile will cut through the lean texture of the meat and balance the smokiness or rich sauces often associated with game bird dishes.

• Sangiovese (Chianti, Italy): Sangiovese’s bright acidity and earthy notes complement the savory flavors of game birds. It’s particularly good with pheasant or quail prepared with tomato-based sauces or wild mushrooms.