What wine to drink with Peking duck?

Pairing Wine with Peking Duck

What Wine to Drink with Peking Duck?

While French cuisine delights in dishes like duck à l'orange, duck confit, and duck breast, Peking duck has also made a significant mark! Indeed, as Asian cuisine has significantly expanded in Europe over the past two decades, Peking duck is now one of the most consumed duck dishes in France. To fully enjoy this flavorful dish, nothing beats pairing it with a good bottle of wine. But what should you choose, white wine or red wine? Follow our guide and discover which types of wines and which appellations to choose for the best food and wine pairings with Peking duck.

When thinking of Chinese cuisine, Peking duck is a dish that naturally comes to mind. This iconic dish, dating back to the 14th century, was once reserved for emperors. Peking duck is believed to have first appeared in Nanjing at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, where it was roasted in a traditional closed oven. Gradually improved, the recipe for Peking duck became popular throughout China and eventually worldwide. With its crispy skin, tender meat, and subtly sweet and savory sauce, Peking duck is a dish that pairs well with both white and red wines depending on your preference. However, a few basic rules should be followed. For white wine, opt for those with a slight sweetness and exotic fruit aromas that highlight the sauce’s flavors. Look to regions like Alsace or the South-West for these wines. Alternatively, choose round and warm red wines, preferably dominated by Grenache, such as those from the Rhône Valley or Languedoc. Also, Pinot Noir is a grape variety that offers an interesting food-wine pairing, provided you select a fine bottle from Burgundy.

The Best Food and Wine Pairings with Peking Duck

If you prefer white wine, consider a fruity and off-dry white from an AOC Alsace Gewurztraminer or AOC Jurançon estate. These appellations offer white wines that are dry, off-dry, and sweet with aromas of exotic fruits (lychee, pineapple), citrus, and gentle spices, which will enhance the sweet and savory flavors of the dish. If you prefer to pair Peking duck with red wine, opt for a round and full-bodied red from an AOC Côtes-du-Rhône, AOC Vinsobres or AOC Cairanne estate. Red wines from the Rhône Valley develop aromas of red fruits, black fruits, and spices, enveloped in a warm mouthfeel and smooth tannins. A perfect match! Finally, if you wish to enjoy an exceptional wine with homemade Peking duck, consider a top Burgundy red from an AOC Pommard or AOC Givry 1er cru estate. With its characteristic cherry notes and finesse, Pinot Noir is one of the best matches for the flavors of Peking duck. These refined and complex red wines will excel with this quintessential Asian dish. Did this article make you crave a serving of Peking duck from your favorite Chinese restaurant? Don’t forget to grab a bottle of wine too!

At Avenue des Vins, we offer a wide selection of wines direct from the château or estate of your choice. Enjoy our cuvées at the best value, delivered right to your home. Whether you're looking for red, white, rosé wines, or champagne, we have the wine you need to accompany your Peking duck or any other recipe of your choice !

FAQ - Wine with Peking duck

Should you serve red or white wine with Peking duck?

Both work, depending on your taste. An off-dry white with exotic-fruit aromas echoes the sweet-and-savoury sauce, while a round, warming red answers the tender meat. It comes down to the balance you want on the table.

Which white wine goes best with Peking duck?

Choose a fruity, slightly sweet white such as an Alsace Gewurztraminer or a Jurançon. Their lychee, pineapple, citrus and gentle-spice notes lift the sweet-and-savoury flavour of the sauce.

Which red wine pairs well with Peking duck?

Go for a round, full-bodied red led by Grenache, typically a Côtes-du-Rhône, a Vinsobres or a Cairanne. Their red- and black-fruit aromas and smooth tannins wrap around the duck.

Does Pinot Noir work with Peking duck?

Yes, provided you pick a fine Burgundy such as an AOC Pommard or Givry 1er cru. Its cherry notes and finesse match the dish for an elegant pairing.

Why choose a slightly sweet wine with Peking duck?

Peking duck sauce plays on a sweet-and-savoury balance. A wine with a touch of sweetness extends that roundness rather than clashing with it, which is why off-dry and sweet whites shine here.