My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here
My heart's in the Highlands, a-chasing the deer
---------------------------------------------Robert Burns
….or in Idaho’s case, deer, elk, antelope, moose, turkey, chukar…. the list goes on. So what wines do you pick to pair with the wild beasts? We chose four reds perfect for robust fall dinners of stews, ragus, and casseroles.
#4 is the Italian Poliziano, a Sangiovese from Montepulciano. This is what Italians would drink with wild boar bolognese. Substitute ground elk for wild boar and you have yourself a hearty meal! Dark, dense, and delicious, this wine is ideal with food or just by the glass.
#3 is a Brunello. Any well-made Brunello will pair well with game, but our favorite is the 2016 Fanti Brunello di Montalcino. Depth of character for a Sangiovese-based wine, we love the cassis, cedar, and lingering dark cherry pipe tobacco finish on this one. Stews or slow braised game in a hearty sauce is the best flavor match for this heavy hitter.
#2 enter Barolo, the wine of kings and king of wines. Barolo is the finest expression of Nebbiolo in Italy. For the adventuresome Idahoan, pair a Barolo with slow simmered elk ragú with home made pappardelle.
#1 is the rock ‘em, sock ‘em Ripasso. Our favorite is San Rocco Valpolicella Ripasso. This dark, serious wine can be served with red meat, roasted poultry, and hard cheeses. We love it because the slightly raisinated, brooding red fruit complement so many dishes, including spicy ones. Pair this with elk ravioli in a garden-ripened and spicy tomato sauce.
Although our top choices are Italian that was purely by accident, perhaps based on our craving for Italian food! Other excellent wines for wild game are the Spanish Tempranillo, Spanish Priorat, or a California or Washington Cabernet.
For the adventuresome Idahoan, pair a Barolo with slow simmered elk ragú with home made pappardelle.
WINE DETAILS:
+2017 Capitel San Rocco Valpolicella Ripasso
+2016 Vietti Barolo Castiglione
+2016 Fanti Brunello Di Montalcino
+2017 Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano