Roast Duck Wine Pairing – the Best Wines for Roast Duck

Roast duck is a delicious, traditional dish enjoyed all over the world.

Whether you’re having it for Thanksgiving or an elegant dinner party, a great wine can really enhance the flavors of this classic meal.

But with so many wines to choose from, what do you pair with this savory dish?

Pairing the right wine with roast duck is key if you want to bring out its delicious flavor and make your dinner guests swoon.

To help you figure out which wines work best when served alongside roast duck, we’ve put together some helpful tips and tricks in this blog post!

We’ll walk through different types of wines that go well with roast duck as well as provide some guidance on when to serve them.

In a rush? Here is the short answer:

Gewurztraminer and spicy reds such as Zinfandel, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon are excellent choices for roast duck. The former brings out the sweet taste of the bird while the latter complements its fatty texture. Alternatively, you can go with a dry rosé or a fruity white like Pinot Grigio or Riesling.

Why Consider Serving Wine With Roast Duck?

Roast duck is an incredibly popular dish all over the world, and for good reason. The combination of juicy meat and crispy skin cooked to perfection makes it a favorite for many people. But what could make this meal even better? A delicious glass of wine!

Pairing your roast duck with a complementary wine can bring out flavors you didn’t know were there, enhance existing ones, and create an overall more enjoyable dining experience. Depending on whether you’re having red or white duck, different wines will pair best—which means that it’s important to take some time when deciding which bottle to open up.

The right wine selection can elevate any dinner party or evening in with friends and family. Wines come in all colors, styles, and flavors—so there’s something for everyone! However, not every type of wine works well with roast duck; you must consider factors such as acidity levels and sugar content when making your selection. Fortunately, we’ve done the work for you by providing our list of the best wines for serving alongside your next roasted duck dinner.

The Best Red Wines For Roast Duck

When it comes to finding the best red wines to pair with roast duck, look for wines that have a good balance of fruitiness and acidity. A few great picks include Pinot Noir, Grenache, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Pinot Noir has an earthy character that will bring out the flavors of the duck without overpowering them. Grenache is a great option because it has a hint of sweetness that will complement the natural sweetness in many roasted ducks. Zinfandel is bold but not too acidic and pairs well with already sweet dishes like glazed or honey-roasted duck.

Cabernet Sauvignon also goes nicely with duck as its complexity can stand up to the richness from roasting while still allowing for some subtlety in flavor pairing. Finally, Syrah is one of those grapes where you can get some really amazing bottles at very reasonable prices – which makes it ideal for entertaining!

The Best White Wines For Roast Duck

White wines tend to be a good match for the savory combination of aromas and flavors that comes with roast duck. As a general rule, lighter-bodied white wines are best for pairing with this dish.

For medium-bodied white wines, look to Chardonnay from Burgundy or California as well as Pinot Grigio from Italy. These will bring out the delicate flavors of the duck without overpowering it.

If you want something with a bit more body, consider Riesling from Germany or Austria. These will have just enough sweetness to offset the richness of the duck while still offering plenty of flavor and complexity. Or try Chenin Blanc if you prefer something less sweet but still full-bodied.

Finally, Sauvignon Blanc is an especially versatile wine in this category – it works equally well with roasted poultry dishes like roast duck as well as fish and vegetable dishes!

The Best Rosé Wines For Roast Duck

Rosé wines are an excellent choice when it comes to roast duck. This style of wine is lighter and drier than red wines, but has more body than white wines. Rosés have a nice balance of fruit and acidity, making them ideal for pairing with roasted or grilled poultry dishes like roast duck.

Some great choices for rosé include those made from Grenache, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, and Tempranillo grapes. You can also look for dry rosés from the Loire Valley in France or Spanish regions such as Navarra or Rioja Alavesa.

These rosés tend to be light-bodied with good acidity which makes them perfect matches for the rich flavors of roast duck dishes. They also tend to have bright berry notes that meld perfectly with the cooked bird’s natural sweetness.

Other Wines To Pair With Roast Duck

While red and white wines are the most popular choices when it comes to pairing with roast duck, they are not the only options. Sparkling wines can be a great way to add a bit of lightness and crispness to the meal. Try an Italian Prosecco or French Champagne—they provide just enough bubbles and acidity to complement the richness of the duck.

If you’re looking for something a little less traditional, there’s always beer! A nice Belgian ale or wheat beer will bring out some of the subtle flavors in your meal that usually get missed by heavier reds and whites. If you want something even lighter, go for ales like India Pale Ales (IPAs) or Kolsch beers—these have nice fruity aromas that work well with duck dishes.

5 Tips For Picking A Wine For Roast Duck

Picking a wine for roast duck can seem like a daunting task with so many choices available. Here are some tips to help guide you in the right direction:

1. Consider the other elements of your meal. What type of sauce or glaze is on the duck? Is it served with any sides? A richer, bolder red will pair well with a sweet or fruity glaze while white wines work better for savory sauces.
2. Pay attention to body and weight when selecting your wine. If you’re serving a light dish like duck breast, opt for a lighter-bodied wine such as Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. For heartier dishes, like whole roasted duck, try Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon which have fuller bodies and higher tannins that can stand up to the richness of this particular dish.
3. Balance flavors with acidity and sweetness by choosing wines that complement one another—not overwhelm each other! Sweet wines should be paired with sweeter dishes (like those made with fruit glazes) while tart wines are ideal for savory dishes (like thyme-roasted duck).
4. Don’t forget about sparkling and dessert wines as potential options too! Sparkling wines make fantastic accompaniments to roast duck due to their effervescence which helps cut through fat and richness deliciously whereas dessert wines are perfect for finishing off meals full of flavor after dinner has concluded!
5. Have fun exploring all the different types of grapes available out there—Try new varietals to find something unique yet complementary that pairs perfectly with your favorite roast duck recipes!

Serving Temperature And Glassware

Serving temperature and glassware are two final factors to consider when pairing wines with roast duck. The ideal serving temperature for most red wines is between 58°F and 65°F, while white wines should be served at around 45°F.

Additionally, the type of glassware you serve your wine in can also affect its flavor profile. For example, a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon would taste best if served in a larger bowl-shaped glass that allows oxygen to interact with the wine.

On the other hand, it’s best to serve lighter-bodied whites such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay in a smaller tulip-shaped glass which helps concentrate their aromas. With these tips in mind, you’ll easily be able to find just the right wine for your next roast duck dinner!

Conclusion

Roast duck is a fantastic meal to serve and the right wine pairing can make it even better. With a little bit of knowledge, you can find the perfect wines for roast duck.

So, what wine goes with roast duck?

Reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir are great with roast duck as they bring out its natural flavors. White wines like Chardonnay or Riesling pair well with the gamey taste of roasted duck. Then there’s rosé, which is great for an all-around flavor that complements this dish.

Lastly, don’t forget to keep in mind some helpful tips such as considering your side dishes when picking a wine, watching out for acidity levels and tannins, thinking about sweetness levels versus savory notes, and always ensuring that you serve your wine at optimal temperature!