Wines for Game – Powerful Reds and; Wild Pairings

Which wines should you choose to accompany game?

Intense meats, powerful textures, complex aromas: game deserves characterful, structured, and well-balanced wines. Whether you're preparing a hare stew, a venison fillet, or a wild boar terrine, pairing game with wine demands wines capable of standing up to the richness of these dishes. Les Vins de Carole has selected powerful, aged red wines for you, as well as a few white and sweet wines for more original pairings.

Characterful red wines: natural allies for game.

For red-fleshed game such as roe deer, red deer, or wild boar, choose tannic and complex red wines . A Châteauneuf-du-Pape , a Cornas , or a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru offers a perfect structure to accompany stews, marinated dishes, or dishes with wine sauce.

Madiran , Cahors , and Minervois offer full-bodied wines with ripe tannins that perfectly balance the intensity of game. Grape varieties such as Syrah , Cabernet Sauvignon , Malbec , and Mourvèdre are prominent in these wines.

Subtle pairings: white and sweet wines with game birds

For game birds (pheasant, pigeon, quail), you can opt for finer reds such as a Pinot Noir from Burgundy or a Chinon . These elegant wines, with supple tannins and aromas of small red fruits, enhance without overpowering the flavors of the dish.

A more daring pairing involves combining a sweet Jurançon or a late-harvest Gewurztraminer with a terrine or game liver. These wines bring a sweetness that contrasts pleasantly with the texture and intensity of the meat.

Service tips

Serve robust reds between 16 and 18°C, after aeration or decanting. More delicate reds are best enjoyed at 14–16°C. Sweet wines should be served around 10–12°C. For dishes with sauces, choose wines with good length and tannins softened by age.

Match the intensity of the wine to the dish: a red wine sauce calls for a robust vintage, while roasted or grilled game can be paired with a more elegant red. Remember to open your bottles an hour before the meal to allow the wine to fully express itself.

Our selection for authentic pairings

The "Game" collection from Vins de Carole brings together age-worthy wines, prestigious appellations, and distinctive vintages. Whether you're preparing a rustic dish or a gourmet recipe, you'll find the perfect wine here to complement the richness of game. Give your autumn and winter tables a wine pairing worthy of your culinary creations.