Peking Duck Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Peking Duck

The perfect Peking Duck is like a thing of beauty.

From the crisp skin to the juicy succulent meat and all accompanied with the right side dishes, there’s nothing better than a plate of delicious Peking duck.

But what makes it even better?

Finding that perfect wine pairing!

Whether you’re serving up this iconic Chinese specialty for an anniversary dinner or just as part of your weekly family meal, finding that ideal match between dish and drink can take your meal from good to great.

But if you’ve never tried pairing wines with Peking duck before, you could be wondering where to start – it can be so difficult to know what goes well together!

• Which wines bring out the best in those sweet hoisin sauce flavors?
• What tannins do when contrasting against crispy skin?
• Are there any classic pairings I should try first?

Fear not – we’re here to help!

In this blog post we’ll share our top tips on how to choose the best wine for Peking duck – so let’s get started!

So, what wine goes with Peking duck?

Fruity red wines such as Shiraz, Zinfandel, and Grenache are great choices to pair with Peking duck. Pinot Noir is another excellent option that has bold red fruit flavors and a light body which works well with the rich flavor of the duck.

Why Consider Serving Wine With Peking Duck?

Peking duck is the ultimate Chinese delicacy. It’s sweet, savory, and juicy all at the same time, making it a delicious and indulgent treat. But what would make this dish even more tantalizing?

Serving it with an amazing bottle of wine. Wine can bring out the best flavors in your meal, enhancing every bite you take. With its bold flavor profile and unique texture, pairing Peking Duck with the right kind of wine can truly take your meal to another level!

Wine also has a calming effect on the palate that helps balance out spicy dishes like Peking Duck. Not to mention that having something to sip while enjoying your food makes for a truly enjoyable experience. So if you’re looking to elevate your next dinner party or special occasion meal, adding wine into the mix is definitely worth considering!

The Best Red Wines For Peking Duck

When it comes to pairing Peking duck with red wine, there are a few different options. Some of the best red wines for Peking duck include full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah/Shiraz.

These hearty wines will pair well with the rich flavors of the duck and won’t distract from its flavor too much.

The tannins in these full-bodied wines also help cut through some of the fattiness of the duck skin, making them perfect for this dish.

For something a bit lighter but still packed with flavor, Pinot Noir is another great option that pairs nicely with Peking Duck as well as other poultry dishes like roasted chicken or smoked turkey.

When choosing your bottle, look for one that has notes of blackberry, cherry, or currant – all flavors which go great when paired with Peking Duck!

The Best White Wines For Peking Duck

When it comes to pairing a white wine with Peking duck, there are two main options that you’ll want to consider.

1. The first is a crisp, aromatic white such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines have the acidity and fruitiness to help balance out the richness of the duck.
2. The second option is a Chardonnay which has oaky notes that can bring out some of the earthier flavors in the dish. For something lighter but still flavorful, try a Pinot Grigio or an unoaked Chardonnay for more subtle, delicate aromas and flavors.
3. Another great choice for this classic Chinese dish would be Gewürztraminer which has both sweetness and spiciness that pairs well with Peking Duck’s savory sauces and seasonings.
4. Finally, if you’re looking for something truly unique and special for your dinner party guests, try one of Taiwan’s signature grape varieties like Chenin Blanc or Viognier!

Other Wines To Pair With Peking Duck

While red and white wines are typically the top picks for a Peking duck pairing, there are some other options that can be considered.

1. For example, sparkling wines can provide a delicious contrast to the savory richness of Peking duck. Look for dry styles such as Champagne, Cava, or Italian Metodo Classico sparklers.
2. Sweet sparkling wines like Moscato d’Asti and Asti spumante can also make delightful pairings with Peking duck.
3. Other sweet wines such as late harvest Riesling or dessert wine styles like Sauternes work well when served alongside dishes made with glazed or spicy sauces on the side of the duck.
4. Aromatic whites such as Gewürztraminer offer an exotic note in comparison to more classic white grape varietals.
5. Finally, ports and sherries have been traditional accompaniments to roast ducks since time immemorial – make sure you choose something not too sweet so it doesn’t overpower the flavor of your dish!

The Best Rosé Wines For Peking Duck

Rosé is a great option if you’re looking for something that bridges the gap between white and red wines. The light berry fruit flavors of rosé complement the sweetness in Peking duck without overpowering it.

Rosés from France, such as those from Provence, are especially good for pairing with Peking duck dishes. A nice blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre makes an amazing match for the sweet and savory aspects of the dish.

Pinot Noir-based rosés are also quite delightful when paired with Peking duck due to its bright cherry notes which pair nicely with the dish’s rich flavors.

5 Tips For Picking A Wine For Peking Duck

When choosing the perfect wine to pair with Peking Duck, there are some key factors to consider. Here are five tips for picking the perfect wine for your Peking Duck meal:

1. Consider the sauce – If you’re serving a sweet and savory sauce, choose a sweeter white or rosé. For something tangier like hoisin or plum sauce, pick a dry wine to balance out the flavors.
2. Balance of flavors – Matching acidity in your food and wine will help create a balanced flavor profile. Be sure to match acidity levels in both components for an enjoyable experience.
3. Body of the Wine – Choose a lighter-bodied red if you prefer something milder and more subtle, while fuller-bodied wines will stand up well against robust dishes such as crispy duck skin sandwiches with pickled vegetables and slaw on top!
4. Richness level – To counterbalance rich sauces and fatty duck meat, opt for light-bodied wines that have good acidity and lower alcohol levels like Pinot Noir or Gamay Beaujolais Style Wines which offer bright berry notes that cut through the fat but don’t overpower other components of the dish!
5. Serve it chilled – Serving temperature is important too; chillier whites can bring out fresh fruitiness in salads, while slightly warmer reds can be better complements to heavier dishes like crispy duck pancakes served with Chinese crepes or hoisin mayo!

3 Ways To Serve Wine And Peking Duck

Peking duck and wine can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference and the occasion. Here are some ideas for how to serve them together:

• Pairing the duck with a red or white wine is an easy way to get started. You can opt for a light Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, which are great accompaniments to the rich flavors of the dish.
• Create a flight of wines that complement different aspects of the meal – pairing each course with its own type of wine will make your meal feel more special and allows you to explore new flavor combinations.
• Consider serving different types of wines throughout the meal – start off with a sparkling rosé before transitioning into heavier reds as you move onto mains. This technique helps emphasize both sweet and savory elements of Peking Duck while providing an interesting contrast between courses.

Serving Temperature And Glassware

Serving temperatures and glassware are important considerations when pairing wine with Peking duck. Red wines should be served at room temperature or slightly warmer, while white and rosé wines should be enjoyed chilled.

When it comes to glassware, you have some options depending on your preferences. A basic red wine glass is a popular choice for many types of red wine, while a champagne flute is ideal for sparkling wines or Champagne.

For whites and rosés, white wine glasses are the norm though there are some specific styles such as Riesling glasses or Sauvignon Blanc glasses that may work better with certain varieties of these grapes.

If you’re looking to add an extra special touch to your meal, try serving your Peking duck in fine porcelain dishes which will help keep the dish warm during service and make for a more elegant presentation overall. The same goes for the type of glassware; opt for something sophisticated like stemless crystal glasses if you want to add an extra level of luxury to your meal!

Conclusion

Serving wine with Peking duck is a great way to enjoy this classic Chinese dish. There are many varieties of wines that pair well with the spicy, flavorful meats, sauces, and sides that accompany it.

And there’s no need to break the bank in order to enjoy the perfect pairing – some of the best wines for Peking duck can be picked up from your local store or ordered online at an affordable price.

So, what wine should you pair with Peking duck?

Fruity red wines like Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Zinfandel pair perfectly with Peking duck. These full-bodied wines will complement the savory flavors of the dish while their sweetness balances out the richness of the duck.

Before deciding on a wine, make sure you consider all aspects of the food and flavor profile you’re dealing with. Try different combinations until you find something that works for your palate and budget. After all, enjoying good food and wine should never be expensive!