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IT The Best Companions for the Game Season
From tender saddle of venison to robust wild boar ragout
Game is pure aromatic cinema: the delicate pink of a saddle of venison, the earthy scent of braised deer, the rustic spice of wild boar. Each type of game calls for a different wine character – and we have found the perfect companion for each one.
In brief — which wine goes with game? With delicate venison, choose elegant Pinot Noir and Gamay; with deer, structured reds such as Blaufränkisch; with wild boar, rustic Tuscans or wines from Piedmont. The darker the meat and the more robust the sauce, the more powerful the wine may be.
At lebendigeweine.de we have selected our finest companions from over 180 wines recommended with game. The golden rule: Delicacy to finesse, power to structure.
Tender venison calls for elegant Burgundies and Beaujolais. Robust deer requires wines with backbone, such as Blaufränkisch or Gevrey-Chambertin. And wild boar? This is where rustic Italian wines made from Sangiovese and Barbera truly shine.
Venison – Elegant Pinots & Gamay
Saddle of venison roasted pink, braised haunch of venison, medallions with lingonberries – venison is the most delicate of all game. Its fine, slightly sweet meat must not be overwhelmed by wines that are too powerful.
This is where elegant Pinot Noirs from Burgundy and the delicately fruity Gamay from Beaujolais triumph. A Moulin-à-Vent or a Volnay – the silky texture of these wines caresses the tender venison perfectly.
Moulin-à-Vent “Champ de Cour” 2020
Gamay from granite soils in Moulin-à-Vent, the most powerful Beaujolais cru. Romanesca demonstrates what the grape variety is capable of: silky tannins, cherry, a hint of pepper. Perfect with saddle of venison roasted pink.
Marsannay “Les Longeroies” 2020
Pinot Noir from the gateway to the Côte de Nuits. Charlopin-Tissier crafts vibrant Burgundies with finesse and freshness. The cherry fruit and delicate spice complement venison with cranberries beautifully.
Volnay AOC 2021
Volnay is the “feminine” village of the Côte de Beaune – pure elegance. Jean-Marc & Thomas Bouley showcase this finesse: silky tannins, floral notes, red fruits. The perfect luxurious companion for tender venison.
Venison – Full-Bodied Reds with Structure
Venison goulash, braised haunch, venison medallions in juniper sauce – venison is the most intense of all game meats. The dark, aromatic flesh calls for wines with structure and depth.
This is where Austrian Blaufränkisch and powerful Burgundies from Gevrey-Chambertin truly shine. The tannins provide backbone, while the dark fruit complements the earthy character of the venison.
Gluegglich Rot
A biodynamic red wine from Fred Loimer, conceived for mulled wine – yet equally enjoyable served cold. Fruity, spiced, with gentle tannins. An unpretentious companion to rustic venison goulash.
Moric Reserve 2020
Roland Velich is the undisputed master of Blaufränkisch. The Reserve showcases the variety at its finest: dark-fruited, spiced, with firm tannins and refined acidity. A perfect match for braised haunch of venison.
Gevrey-Chambertin AOC 2022
Gevrey is the most powerful village on the Côte de Nuits. Trapet Père & Fils farm biodynamically and reveal Pinot Noir with remarkable structure and depth. Black cherry, liquorice, fine tannin – a classic pairing with venison.
Wild Boar – Rustic Tuscans & Piedmont
Wild boar ragù with pappardelle, slow-braised haunch, roast with rosemary and juniper – wild boar is the most rustic of all game. The spiced, dark meat calls for characterful Italian wines.
Sangiovese from Tuscany and Barbera from Piedmont are the first choice here. The vibrant acidity cuts through the rich meat, while the earthy notes complement the wild game aromas.
Chianti “Terre di Corzano” DOCG 2023
Chianti from the rolling hills south of Florence. Corzano e Paterno works organically – the wine displays classic Sangiovese character: sour cherry, herbs, and vibrant acidity. Perfect with pappardelle al cinghiale.
Barbera d’Asti “La Crena” DOCG 2021
Barbera from a single vineyard site by Vietti – one of the finest producers in Piedmont. Dark cherry, plum, vibrant acidity, and a velvety texture. The acidity cuts perfectly through the richness of wild boar.
Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2020
The “little brother” of the Brunello from Pian dell’Orino – one of the most highly regarded biodynamic estates in Montalcino. Sangiovese Grosso with depth and elegance. For celebratory wild boar dishes.
Hare & Rabbit – Delicate Braised Dishes
Braised hare leg in red wine sauce, rabbit slow-cooked with olives and thyme, saddle of hare with a mustard crust – hare and rabbit have tender, slightly sweet meat that lends itself beautifully to long braising times.
Medium-bodied red wines are ideal here: Austrian Blaufränkisch with its fine acidity, Tuscan cuvées, or an elegant Barbaresco. Not too heavy, but with enough substance to stand up to the sauce.
Blaufränkisch Kalk & Schiefer 2022
Anita and Hans Nittnaus craft elegant Blaufränkisch on the shores of Lake Neusiedl. Cherry, pepper, fine tannins – the minerality from the limestone lends a wonderful freshness. Perfect with rabbit in white wine sauce.
Olmaia Toscana Rosso IGT 2018
Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany by Col d’Orcia. The 2018 is drinking beautifully now: ripe fruit, a hint of cedar, velvety tannins. A full-bodied companion for braised hare leg with herbs.
Fausoni Barbaresco DOCG 2021
Nebbiolo from a single vineyard site by Sottimano – one of the most exciting producers in Barbaresco. Roses, tar, red fruits, firm tannins. An elegant, luxurious partner for a celebratory hare dish.
Game Birds – Pheasant, Pigeon & Wild Duck
Pheasant with grapes, roasted pigeon, wild duck with orange – game birds combine the elegance of poultry with the character of game. The dark, aromatic meat is more delicate than venison, yet more intense than chicken.
This is where elegant Pinot Noirs from Burgundy shine particularly well, as do rustic Cahors from south-west France. The fruit often complements sweet accompaniments such as grapes or orange sauce.
K-nom AOC 2022
Malbec from Cahors, the home of the grape variety. Clos Troteligotte produces vibrant wines without heavy extraction: dark-fruited, spicy, with grip. A rustic companion for wild duck with cherry sauce.
Marsannay “Le Chapitre” 2023
Pinot Noir from a single vineyard site in Marsannay. “Le Chapitre” lies directly on the border with Fixin. Charlopin-Tissier presents Burgundy here with freshness and elegance. Perfect with pheasant and grapes.
Gevrey-Chambertin “Vieilles Vignes” 2023
Old vines from Gevrey-Chambertin – lending concentration and depth. Charlopin-Tissier presents Pinot Noir with structure: dark cherry, spice, and fine tannins. For celebratory pigeon or pheasant dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which wine pairs best with game?
It depends on the type of game: tender venison pairs well with elegant Pinot Noirs and Gamay from Beaujolais. Robust venison calls for Blaufränkisch or powerful Burgundies. For wild boar, we recommend Tuscan Sangiovese or Barbera from Piedmont.
Why red wine with game?
Game meat has intense, earthy aromas and is often served with robust sauces. Red wine, with its tannins and dark fruit, complements these flavours perfectly. The acidity cuts through the fat, while the tannins provide structure alongside the sauce.
Does white wine work with game?
White wine is rather unusual with game – but not impossible. With tender venison, a well-aged Pinot Blanc can work beautifully. With game birds such as pheasant or pigeon, a full-bodied Chardonnay can sometimes be a fine match. That said, red wine remains the safer choice.
Which wine goes with game goulash?
Game goulash pairs well with rustic, fruit-forward red wines: Austrian Blaufränkisch, Chianti from Tuscany, or Côtes du Rhône. The wine should have good acidity to lift the rich sauce – and a splash can go into the pot as well.
What is a good affordable wine to serve with game?
Our value-for-money recommendations: K-nom from Cahors for rustic game dishes, Chianti Terre di Corzano for wild boar, or Blaufränkisch Kalk & Schiefer for braised dishes. All under €20 and perfect with game.
Discover All Wines to Pair with Game
This selection represents only a portion of our recommendations. In our shop you will find over 180 wines that pair with game – the perfect companion for every type of game and preparation.
All wines for game