The Do's
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01
Reach for aged structured reds
Game pairs best with reds that have softened their tannin: 10 to 20 year old Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, Sagrantino di Montefalco.
Italian Wine Pairings for Game and Wildfowl
Game's lean meat and earthy character pulls toward red wines with savoury fruit and gentle structure. Aged Nebbiolo, Sagrantino di Montefalco and Aglianico match the depth without overwhelming.
Game wants reds that earn their tannin. Read more
Quick Facts
Grape colour mix
100%
red
Rules of Engagement
The Do's
-
01
Reach for aged structured reds
Game pairs best with reds that have softened their tannin: 10 to 20 year old Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, Sagrantino di Montefalco.
The Don'ts
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01
Don't open a young Sagrantino with quail
Quail's restraint gets crushed by young, high-tannin Sagrantino. Reach for Etna Rosso or Pinot Nero from Alto Adige instead.
Pairings at a Glance
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Duck breast
Duck breast develops crisp skin and stays pink and rich inside. The fat asks for tannin; the gamey character asks for aged fruit. Aged Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino and Aglianico del Vulture are the canonical matches. For duck with cherry or fruit sauces, a young Refosco or Schioppettino works.
Perfect grape varieties
Also worth trying
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Appellations to explore
BasilicataIGT
Aglianico del TaburnoDOCG
Aglianico del VultureDOC
Aglianico del Vulture SuperioreDOCG
BarbarescoDOCG
Why These Pairings Work
<p>Game wants reds that earn their tannin. Aged Barolo or Barbaresco for duck breast and squab; Sagrantino di Montefalco or Aglianico del Vulture for venison and wild boar; Etna Rosso for quail and pheasant. The connecting thread: savoury, dark-fruited reds with bottle age that have softened their grip.</p>
Food Pairing Questions
Aged Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino and Aglianico del Vulture are the canonical matches for duck breast. For duck with cherry or fruit sauces, young Refosco or Schioppettino works.
Light reds with delicate aromatics. Etna Rosso, young Pinot Nero from Alto Adige and refined Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo all match the bird's restraint. Heavy reds overpower.
Venison is covered in our British cuisine page (where venison stew and roasts are tracked). For generic non-British game wine pairings, Sagrantino di Montefalco and Aglianico del Vulture cover venison's depth.
Yes. Game's earthy, savoury character matches wines that have softened their tannin and developed tertiary aromas. A 10 to 20 year old Barolo or Brunello is a textbook game pairing.
