The perfect wines to accompany pheasant

Discover the most beautiful wines to perfectly complement your pheasant dish; be it a simple roast or a rich, complex casserole

Your pheasant dish is…

A simple roast, cooked in its juices or a light gravy, served with mild flavoured sides such as potatoes.

The perfect partners are…

Red wines with crushed fruit aromas and delicate notes of smoke or spice work well with more simple dishes. They will not overwhelm the palette and will allow for the beautiful meat flavours to power through.

Try…

Campo Viejo Gran Reserva Rioja (Sainsburys, £15)

Smooth and ruby red in colour, with strong aromas of blackberry, blueberry and black plum, finished on a smoky wood note with a hint of spice.

Definition Côtes Du Rhône 2014 (Majestic Wine Warehouse, £11.99)

A rich, Autumnal red bursting with complex crushed red fruit flavours and finishing on a peppery note.

Cave de Tain Crozes-Hermitage (Waitrose, £11.49)

This 100% syrah from northern Rhone has a delicate spice and subtle, smoky cedar flavours.

Your pheasant dish is…

A richer dish with stronger flavours, perhaps a bubbling, flavour-filled casserole or braised pheasant served with a concentrated jus or paired with truffles.

The perfect partners are…

Much richer, fragrant and full-bodied reds; the wine will be competing with the deep, powerful flavours of the dish.

Try…

Ripasso di Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Fratelli Recchia (Waitrose, £11.99)

A fab alternative to the famous and rather pricey Amarone – it is made using some of the same dried grapes that lend Amarone its’ prestige. This rich, deeply flavoured wine will only enhance stronger flavours – perfect for those rich pheasant stews that British winter is made for.

Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2014 (Laithwaites Wine, £32)

A little expensive but well worth it. This pinot noir is packed full of intense violet and rose aromas, with rich raspberry and herbs lending weight and power. If you’ve not had much luck with the birds, this one is a treat on its’ own, and you’ll certainly feel a bit cheerier after a glass or two! This would also go perfectly with our roast grouse recipe.Henry Brochard Les Carisannes Pinot Noir Rouge (Gerrard Seel, £8.50)

A more affordable and slightly fresher pinot noir, with lovely hints of cherry and violet aromas. Notes of spice contribute to its’ vibrancy. Drink at room temperature with your meal, or slightly chilled all on its’ own.