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Which wine with the foie gras?
Foie gras and wine are an iconic pairing for festive meals. But to ensure a successful pairing, it is important to choose the right wine according to how the foie gras is cooked and when it is served. Crémant, late harvest wines, red wine... we'll help you see things more clearly!
We offer our suggestions in two stages, to help you discover the perfect pairing with foie gras and wine (sparkling or still). First with white wines and sparkling wines, then, more originally, with red wines: here is our selection of wines to accompany foie gras.
Which white wine goes well with foie gras?
Foie gras as an appetizer: vintage Crémant
Served on toasted bread, brioche, or a slice of gingerbread, foie gras will enhance your aperitif or starter.
To accompany it, nothing beats a glass of Crémant d'Alsace from our "Balade Olfactive" gift set. Its deep golden color and fine bubbles promise an elegant tasting experience. Its extended aging reveals aromas of yellow fruits, enhanced by a subtle toasted and spicy touch. On the palate, its crystalline freshness balances its creaminess and highlights delicate notes of white peach and dried raspberry. A refined pairing that enhances the foie gras with lightness and sophistication.
Foie gras as a dessert: Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives or Pinot Gris
It is customary to serve foie gras at the beginning of a meal, often with a glass of sweet or even syrupy wine such as a Gewurztraminer. However, as any connoisseur will tell you, this pairing as a starter is a mistake. When you taste foie gras at the start of a meal accompanied by a glass of Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives, for example, the high sugar content of this type of wine will immediately saturate your palate, preventing you from fully enjoying the rest of the meal.
We therefore recommend serving your foie gras as an entremets, after the main course but before dessert. This will allow you to fully enjoy our 2018 Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives vintage and impress your guests. Discover all the possible pairings with this exceptional cuvée. Our Pinot Gris Grand Cru Mambourg 2020 or our Pinot Gris Exception 2022 also offer an elegant alternative with their characteristic smoky notes. These bottles will delight foie gras lovers.
If you are unsure which of our different vintages to choose, our guide to choosing the right Gewurztraminer will help you find the one that suits your tastes.
Pan-fried foie gras: dare to try red wine
When servingpan-fried foie gras, red wine is an absolute must! Choose a slightly aged vintage that you have carefully stored in your cellar, waiting for the right moment. The supple, mellow tannins and subtly spicy aromas bring out the flavors of the foie gras. Our Pinot Noir "L'impatient" 2021, after a few years of aging, reveals this silky elegance.
What accompaniments should you serve with your foie gras?
Foie gras deserves accompaniments that are worthy of it. Sweet and savory flavors balance its richness, while crunchy textures provide contrast. Here are our tried and tested suggestions.
Breads:
- Homemade gingerbread: cinnamon, honey, and mild spices that go very well with a Gewurztraminer!
- Brioche bread: ask your baker, you'll discover a gem of a treat
- Toasted bread: simple and effective
- Lightly toasted brioche
Sweet and savory condiments:
- Onion or fig confit: caramelized and fruity sweetness
- Mango chutney: perfect with our Gewurztraminer
- Quince compote
Crunchy accompaniments:
- Crushed roasted hazelnuts
- Slivered almonds
- Dried fruit (figs, apricots)
- Fleur de sel, Timut pepper
Bestheim's tip: Serve mango confit or simply thin slices of mango with your foie gras, accompanied by our 2018 Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives. The exotic notes complement those of the chutney. The pairing enhances both.
In addition, explore all the dishes that complement Bestheim Gewurztraminers, from Asian cuisine to strong cheeses. Much more than just a partner for foie gras, Gewurztraminer reveals its full aromatic richness alongside Alsatian sauerkraut or even during a raclette with friends.
Bestheim answers your questions about wine and foie gras pairings:
What is the difference between Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer?
Pinot Gris offers smoky notes and a round texture with a slight tannic structure. Gewurztraminer has hints of lychee, rose, and sweet spices. It is more aromatic and exotic. On the palate, Pinot Gris is more subtle, while Gewurztraminer is more powerful. Both pair well with foie gras. It's a matter of preference: smoky elegance (Pinot Gris) or floral intensity (Gewurztraminer).
At what temperature should foie gras and wine be served?
Take the foie gras out of the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving. Serve the wine chilled at 8-10°C. Two hours in the refrigerator is sufficient. If it is too cold, you will lose the aromas. If it is too warm, the alcohol will dominate. Use tulip-shaped white wine glasses to allow the nose to express itself.
What dish goes well with Gewurztraminer?
Spicy Asian cuisine, strong cheeses (Munster, Roquefort), foie gras, fruit desserts. Gewurztraminer stands up to powerful flavors. For all our detailed pairings, see our complete guide to pairing Gewurztraminer.
Which Alsace wine goes well with duck?
Duck breast or confit? Our 2021 Pinot Noir "L'impatient" is the perfect accompaniment to roast or pan-fried duck. For duck with figs or orange, our Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives provides the necessary roundness. Riesling Grand Cru also works well with duck confit, its liveliness cutting through the fat.
