With game terrine, choose a spicy red with fine tannins, such as a Languedoc blend. Avoid heavily oaked wines, which make the meat taste tough.
The perfect matchChoose a La Clape red for juniper game terrine
Pepper and juniper give game terrine its edge. To answer them, you need a sunny red that doesn't dry out the meat.
The Classique Rouge 2023 from Château d'Anglès, in Saint-Pierre-la-Mer, comes from La Clape, in the Languedoc. It blends Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Ripe red and black berries, spicy notes, a supple, fruity palate, freshness and tannins that glide effortlessly. The ideal temperature: 16 to 18°C. Great value for the pleasure.
Also greatWith lingonberries, serve a Ticino Merlot
Lingonberries often come with game dishes in Switzerland. Their acidity calls for a straight, clean red rather than a heavy wine.
The Serravalle 2024 from Gialdi Vini, in Mendrisio, in the canton of Ticino, is a Merlot with an intense ruby colour. Expressive red fruit, subtle menthol notes, a direct attack, a fresh, well-structured body and ripe tannins. The finish is harmonious and lingering.
Also greatGo for a Chianti Classico with herb game terrine
An aromatic game terrine is still hearty. It needs a lively red whose acidity cuts the fat and whose fruit matches those flavours.
The Rubiolo 2023 from Gagliole, in Greve in Chianti, is a Chianti Classico from Tuscany, made from Sangiovese. Fresh cherries, small red fruits and Mediterranean herbs on the nose, then the crisp freshness of the grape, fine tannins and a lightly spicy finish.
Also greatA Sardinian Cannonau for wild boar terrine
Wild boar makes a bolder terrine. It can take a more powerful red, as long as it doesn't feel weighty. This wine's sheet even recommends it with pasta and wild boar ragù.
The Cannonau di Sardegna 2024 from Antonella Corda, in Serdiana, is a Sardinian Grenache. Cherry, raspberry, blackberry and a touch of rose petals, a delicate white pepper note, remarkably silky tannins. Its warm character is well balanced by its freshness.
The smart pickRoe deer terrine: a generous Costières de Nîmes
For a homemade roe deer terrine, served in thick slices with bread, a full, fruity red does the job very well, without aiming for a grand bottle.
Les Sentiers de Septembre 2020 from Château de Valcombe, in Générac, is a Costières de Nîmes blending Syrah and Grenache. Concentrated black fruit, Burlat cherry and mineral touches, a broad palate with melted tannins, then a finish of blackcurrant, liquorice and spice. Open it an hour ahead and serve it at 16 to 18°C. At this price, it's practically a gift.
In autumn, game dishes take over the menu in many Swiss restaurants, with spätzli, red cabbage, chestnuts and lingonberries. The terrine often opens the meal as a starter, and it's the one everyone forgets when choosing the wine. A tip: pick a bottle that also works with the rest of the menu, and everyone wins.
For country terrine, duck terrine or pâté en croûte, have a look at our wine with terrine or pâté selection.
And to discover wines chosen by our sommeliers every month, take a look at the Tasters Explorer subscription.
Frequently asked questions
What wine goes with game terrine?
A fruity red with fine tannins that answers the pepper and juniper without toughening the meat. Our first choice is the Classique Rouge 2023 from Château d'Anglès, a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre from La Clape, in the Languedoc.
Red or white wine with game terrine?
Red usually wins: the strong taste of game and the spices call for fruit and some structure. If you prefer white, choose a full, aromatic one rather than a light one, or it will vanish next to the terrine.
What wine goes with wild boar terrine?
A rich but fresh red. The Cannonau di Sardegna 2024 from Antonella Corda, with its cherry and white pepper note, is recommended on its sheet with a wild boar ragù. The Rubiolo 2023, a Chianti Classico, cuts through the fat with its freshness.
Which Swiss wine goes with game terrine?
A Ticino Merlot, like the Serravalle 2024 from Gialdi Vini: intense red fruit, a menthol note and ripe tannins. It's even happier when the terrine comes with lingonberries.
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