Poultry
Wine with Duck
Pinot Noir's signature pairing — and worth the bottle every time.
Short answer
Duck and Pinot Noir is one of the most textbook pairings in wine. Duck's richness needs a red with bright acidity — Burgundy Pinot Noir is the gold standard. For duck à l'orange or fruit-glazed preparations, Oregon Pinot Noir works beautifully. For Peking duck, off-dry Riesling cuts the richness while complementing the spice.
Top wine picks
1
Burgundy Pinot Noir
Earth + bright red fruit + acid — duck fat's natural foil.
2
Oregon Pinot Noir
More red-fruited and forward for fruit-glazed duck preparations.
3
Off-dry Riesling
Peking duck and roast duck with hoisin — sweetness handles the spice.
4
Chinon Cabernet Franc
A leaner, peppery alternative when you want red but not Pinot.
5
Beaujolais Cru (Morgon)
A friendlier, lighter Pinot alternative — Gamay is duck's underrated friend.
What to avoid
- Heavy oaky Chardonnay
- Cabernet Sauvignon