Tart, intense, sometimes slightly wild—game is not for the faint of heart . And that's precisely why we love it so much. Whether venison, deer, wild boar, hare, or pheasant: those who give game dishes a chance will be rewarded with a deep, honest flavor that perfectly calls for a rebellious wine accompaniment. And that's exactly where we come in.
Wine and game is a love story with depth, structure, and plenty of character . After all, anyone who has ever tasted a tender venison fillet with a perfectly paired glass of Pinot Noir knows what true harmony means. Ready to enter the spicy world of wine and game pairings? Then pour yourself a glass and read on.
Wine and game - the best combinations
The variety of game meat makes the wine selection a true playground for connoisseurs . The interplay of flavors changes depending on the animal, meat texture, preparation, and dish. The beauty of this is that no two dishes are alike—and every bite opens up new possibilities for your wine pairing.
The classics in the game menu:
- Venison: Tender, noble, often combined with berry or fruity sauces
- Deer: Dark, powerful, with plenty of depth and warming structure
- Wild boar: Rustic, with a higher fat content - ideal for autumn dishes
- Hare & Rabbit: Fine-fibered, slightly wild, ideal for ragouts, pies or braised dishes
- Pheasant: Noble, light and surprisingly versatile
Every game dish brings its own story. And your bottle of wine should be more than just an accessory—it should be the creative counterpart on the table.
Wine to game: When vines meet forest floor
A wine to accompany game should be robust, aromatic, and not too timid. Red wine is usually the first choice —but as always with CorkRebels: There are no rules, just good ideas and a generous dose of curiosity.
Red wine legends for game dishes
- Pinot Noir (aka Spätburgunder): Filigree, fruity, with fine tannins - ideal with venison, pheasant or rabbit
- Cabernet: Dark, powerful, with present acidity - perfect with venison with wild herbs or roasted aromas
- Syrah: Spicy, peppery, with a smoky undertone - perfect with wild boar with rosemary and garlic
White wine with game? Absolutely!
- Pinot Gris: Creamy, round and with nutty notes – great with rabbit or pheasant with cream sauce
- Riesling (mature!): With elegant acidity and mineral core – exciting with game terrines or fruity sauces
General tips for your wine selection
- The stronger the meat, the more intense the wine can be
- Tannin goes well with fat and roasted aromas
- Fruity sauces can also be reflected in the wine
- Earthy aromas need depth in the glass
Our pairing favorites for your game season
1. Venison saddle with cranberry sauce
- Tender, lean meat meets berry fruit acid
- Accompanying: Pinot Noir, which underlines the dish with its fine structure
2. Venison ragout with juniper and red wine
- Dark meat, slowly braised with herbs and spices
- To go with: A dense Cabernet or Syrah that absorbs and complements the power
3. Wild boar roast with rosemary crust
- Rustic, spicy, with roasted aromas and wild herbs
- Accompany: A full-bodied red wine with structure – Syrah or a Rhône cuvée
4. Rabbit in mustard and wine sauce
- Tender meat, fine creaminess and slight spiciness
- Accompany: Pinot Gris with melting notes or a Riesling with subtle fruit
5. Pheasant with apple and Calvados sauce
- Fruity elegance on the plate
- Accompany: A mature Riesling that combines freshness and depth
6. Hasenpfeffer with chocolate and red wine reduction
- Intense, dark, complex
- Accompany: A mature Cabernet or a Shiraz with dark fruit notes
7. Venison tartar with juniper and mustard
- Raw, pure, spicy
- Accompany with: A fresh Pinot Noir, served slightly chilled
The golden rule for wine and game
So that you never make a mistake, here are some rebelliously clear rules of thumb :
- The darker and more intense the meat, the stronger the wine
- Wine Wild thrives on the interplay of texture, taste and choice of preparation
- Combine like with like: fruity sauce = fruity wine
- Daring contrasts: Wild dish + fine wine = exciting contrast
Be brave. Be curious. And above all: trust your taste – not etiquette.
Still not enough? Check out our other pairings
- Wine & Meat: From everyday heroes to Sunday roasts
- Wine & Steak: Pure Power on the Plate
- Wine & Pork: Acidity, Sweetness, Structure
- Wine & poultry: delicate and aromatic combination
- Wine & Lamb: Wild and Mediterranean at the same time
- Wine & Fish: Clear, light, elegant
- Wine & Sushi: Umami meets vine
CorkRebels: Your shop for everything extraordinary
CorkRebels stands for wines with attitude. Not mainstream, but hand-picked wines for those who want more. Our online shop brings you surprising white wines , characterful red wines , vibrant rosés , and sparkling wines with a festive spirit, straight to your door—all rebelliously selected, of course.
Still undecided? Then check out our bundles – perfect for theme nights, dinners with friends, or your next wild party . We combine bottles to suit every taste and mood.
What makes CorkRebels special:
- Fair prices for exceptional wines without frills
- Fast shipping & easy ordering - even on mobile
- Direct line to the winery of your choice
- Inspiring blog with food pairing guides and grape variety knowledge
- Customer service that understands you - whether you are a beginner or an expert
So: Get the real taste. Become part of the rebellion. Out with the cork, in with the wild – with CorkRebels. Cin Cin!
