What Wine Goes with Duck?

Which Wines go with Duck?

Duck is often deemed as a delicacy. You will mostly find duck dishes at fine-dining restaurants. Some of these dishes seem so complicated that only the highest trained chefs should touch the stuff. However, duck should not be complicated.

Cooking duck at home should be simple and fun. There are so many great duck dishes out there that anyone can make at home. Duck is also a common meat used in Indian cuisine.

Here are some common duck dishes and their wine pairings (and no…it’s not all Pinot Noir).

Roasted Duck

This is probably the most common way to prepare duck. Duck is often roasted alongside something sweet like Birch syrup, figs, or berries.

Serve with potatoes and root vegetables or a mushroom risotto.

Pair with Gamay or Pinot Noir. A light red wine that is acidic, fruity, and earthy will compliment the delicate fat of the duck.

Confit Duck Legs

Duck confit is a French specialty. Basically, you cook the duck in its own fat and then preserve it in the fat. The duck will keep for up to six months. This was a very popular way to cook and store meat before refrigerators were a thing.

Use the leftover fat to cook eggs or bake.

In order to continue with the French traditions, let’s pair the duck confit with a tannic red from South-West France, where confit originated. Pair with a Malbec from Cahors, France. The fat from the duck will help to soften the tannins of the wine. Malbecs are juicy and fruit-forward, making an excellent partner for duck dishes that are topped with figs or preserves.

Braised Duck Tacos

Yes, duck tacos are a thing. Just because it is in taco form does not mean it is any less delicate or delicious. Top with freshly made Pico de Gallo and drizzle with lime.

Pair braised duck tacos with a bold red. Grenache or Tempranillo are excellent choices.

Duck Gumbo

A traditional southern cuisine, gumbo is a very personalized dish. Everyone seems to make their gumbo differently. If you are wanting to try something new, make duck gumbo.

For those who prefer a bit of kick to their gumbo, pair with an off-dry Riesling or Gewurztraminer. Go for one that is aged from Alsace, France or Mosel, Germany. The slight sweetness from the wine will help curb the spice. Learn more about sweet white wines here.

Smoked Duck

This is another very popular way to prepare duck. Get creative and make a smoked duck panini, smoked duck pizza, or serve alongside couscous and beet salad.

Pair with a Barolo or California Cabernet Sauvignon.

Spicy Indian Duck Dishes

Like it hot? A spicy and flavorful duck curry or another Indian dish will really hit the spot. Besides fine-dining restaurants, Indian restaurants are probably the only other place you will see duck served.

Pair with a chilled Moscato or an off-dry Rose of Sangiovese. Note: Most Indian dishes like curry are even better the next day, so make extra!

For those looking for more inspiration, click here for more duck dish recipes. You can also find countless recipes for how to use the extra duck fat and skin for baking.