Deciding on the optimum wine to accompany duck is a nuanced course of, dependent upon the particular preparation and accompanying flavors of the dish. A profitable pairing enhances each the meals and the beverage, making a harmonious culinary expertise. The choice course of considers parts such because the richness of the duck, the sauce (if any), and facet dishes.
The importance of pairing wine successfully with duck lies in reaching stability. The inherent richness of duck, as a result of its fats content material, necessitates wines with enough acidity and tannins to chop via the fats and cleanse the palate. Moreover, the flavour profile of duck, usually described as gamey and savory, requires wines with complementary earthy or fruity notes. Traditionally, regional pairings have been frequent, reflecting the native wines that finest complemented regional duck preparations.
This exploration will delve into the elements that contribute to profitable wine pairings with duck. It can study particular wine varietals and kinds which are ceaselessly really helpful, think about the impression of various cooking strategies and sauces on wine choice, and supply steering on tips on how to confidently navigate the complexities of pairing wine with this versatile poultry.
1. Acidity
Acidity in wine serves as a vital counterpoint to the richness inherent in duck. The excessive fats content material attribute of duck necessitates wines with a pronounced acidity to cleanse the palate and stop the feeling of heaviness. With out satisfactory acidity, the wine could also be overwhelmed by the dish, leading to a uninteresting and unbalanced gustatory expertise. This stability is prime to an excellent duck and wine pairing. A wine’s acidity cuts via the fats, stimulating the style buds and enhancing the general taste of each the wine and the duck.
Wines with increased acidity, resembling Pinot Noir from cooler climates like Burgundy or the Willamette Valley, usually show to be notably efficient pairings with duck. The colourful acidity of those wines enhances the savory and infrequently barely gamey taste profile of duck. Take into account a roasted duck breast served with a cherry sauce; the brilliant acidity of the Pinot Noir mirrors the fruit notes of the sauce whereas concurrently mitigating the richness of the duck. In distinction, a low-acid wine, resembling a closely oaked Chardonnay, might turn out to be misplaced amidst the richness, resulting in a much less satisfying pairing. Equally, with Peking duck, a wine with vibrant acidity cuts via the richness of the pores and skin and the fattiness of the meat, harmonizing with the candy and savory parts of the dish.
Understanding the function of acidity is paramount in choosing a wine for duck. The interaction between the wine’s acidity and the duck’s richness determines the success of the pairing. By prioritizing wines with enough acidity, one ensures a balanced and pleasurable eating expertise. Challenges in choosing wines usually come up when the dish incorporates candy parts, requiring a good increased stage of acidity within the wine to keep up equilibrium. In the end, specializing in acidity inside the wine choice course of is vital to unlocking one of the best potential of each the dish and the beverage.
2. Tannins
Tannins, naturally occurring compounds present in grape skins, seeds, and stems, play a vital function within the structure of pink wines and considerably impression their compatibility with duck. The presence and depth of tannins contribute to a wine’s construction, offering a textural ingredient usually described as astringency or bitterness. Within the context of pairing wine with duck, tannins work together with the protein and fats content material of the dish, influencing the general sensory expertise. A wine with well-integrated tannins can reduce via the richness of duck, cleaning the palate and stopping the dish from feeling overly heavy. Conversely, a wine with aggressive or unripe tannins might conflict with the flavors of the duck, leading to a harsh or unbalanced pairing. For instance, a younger Cabernet Sauvignon, recognized for its excessive tannin content material, would possibly overwhelm the fragile flavors of a roasted duck breast, whereas a Pinot Noir with softer, extra refined tannins would supply a extra harmonious stability.
The diploma of tannic construction required in a wine pairing relies upon closely on the preparation methodology of the duck and any accompanying sauces. Duck confit, a way involving sluggish cooking in fats, ends in an intensely wealthy dish. On this occasion, a wine with reasonably excessive tannins, resembling a mature Bordeaux mix or a Northern Rhne Syrah, can present the required construction to stability the richness. The tannins bind with the fat, making a extra palatable and cohesive pairing. Nevertheless, if the duck is ready in a lighter trend, resembling grilled or pan-seared, a wine with softer tannins, like Beaujolais or a lighter-bodied Pinot Noir, could also be extra applicable. Moreover, sauces with candy or acidic parts can affect the notion of tannins. A duck dish with a cherry discount, for instance, might profit from a wine with barely increased tannins to forestall the sweetness from overwhelming the palate.
In abstract, the efficient utilization of tannins in wine choice with duck includes cautious consideration of the dish’s richness, cooking methodology, and accompanying flavors. An understanding of tannin’s interplay with meals is paramount to realize a balanced and pleasing culinary expertise. Overlooking the tannin element may end up in a pairing that’s both underwhelming or clashes considerably with the dish’s general taste profile. Selecting wines with applicable tannic construction can elevate the enjoyment of each the wine and the duck, highlighting their particular person traits whereas making a synergistic and satisfying mixture.
3. Fruit Depth
Fruit depth in wine, outlined because the focus and expression of fruit flavors, considerably influences its suitability for pairing with duck. The diploma of fruit depth acts as a counterpoint or complement to the inherent richness and infrequently gamey nature of duck. A wine missing enough fruit depth could also be overwhelmed by the savory and fatty traits of the dish, leading to a muted and unbalanced pairing. Conversely, an excessively fruit-forward wine can conflict with the extra refined and complicated nuances of the duck, making a taste profile that’s discordant. Attaining optimum fruit depth is due to this fact a essential element of choosing the optimum wine to accompany duck, making certain the wine harmonizes with, somewhat than overpowers, the meals.
The impression of fruit depth is additional modulated by the preparation model and accompanying sauces. As an illustration, a roasted duck with a cherry discount sauce necessitates a wine with a corresponding stage of fruit depth to reflect the sauce’s sweetness and complement the duck’s savory notes. A Pinot Noir from a hotter area, exhibiting ripe pink fruit flavors, may present the required stability. In distinction, a Peking duck, usually served with a candy and savory hoisin sauce, might require a wine with much less pronounced fruit to keep away from overwhelming the dish’s current sweetness; a dry Riesling with refined citrus notes and excessive acidity may show simpler. The interaction between the wine’s fruit profile and the dish’s general taste composition highlights the significance of contemplating the particular parts of every pairing.
In conclusion, the fruit depth of a wine is a crucial consideration when choosing an acceptable accompaniment for duck. Matching the wine’s fruit profile to the dish’s traits, together with the preparation methodology and sauce, is paramount to reaching a balanced and harmonious culinary expertise. Overlooking this issue may end up in a pairing that’s both bland or clashes unpleasantly. By rigorously evaluating the fruit depth of potential wine picks, people can improve their enjoyment of each the wine and the duck, making a extra nuanced and satisfying meal. The choice might encounter complexity, requiring an astute understanding to contemplate wine to the actual flavors current in each the wine and the dish.
4. Earthy Notes
The presence of earthy notes in wine gives a compelling dimension when pairing with duck, complementing the dish’s inherent gaminess and richness. Earthy aromas and flavors, derived from terroir and winemaking strategies, introduce complexity and depth to the pairing, making a harmonious stability between the wine and the meals.
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Definition and Origin
Earthy notes in wine embody a spectrum of aromas and flavors harking back to forest flooring, mushrooms, truffles, moist leaves, and soil. These traits originate from varied sources, together with the soil composition of the winery, the presence of particular yeasts throughout fermentation, and ageing processes that promote reductive situations. A wine exhibiting pronounced earthy notes suggests a connection to its origin, reflecting the distinctive terroir of its area. Burgundy, with its limestone-rich soils, usually yields Pinot Noir wines displaying distinctive earthy qualities.
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Complementing Duck’s Gaminess
Duck, notably wild duck, possesses a attribute gaminess that may be successfully complemented by the earthy notes in sure wines. The earthy nuances within the wine mirror and improve the same qualities within the duck, making a cohesive taste profile. As an illustration, a roasted duck served with wild mushrooms finds a pure accomplice in a Pinot Noir from Burgundy, the place the wine’s earthy undertones echo the mushroom flavors, elevating the general eating expertise.
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Balancing Richness
The richness inherent in duck, stemming from its excessive fats content material, might be successfully balanced by the refined astringency usually related to earthy notes in wine. The earthy traits present a counterpoint to the richness, stopping the palate from turning into overwhelmed and selling a extra refreshing sensation. A reasonably tannic Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Italy, with its earthy and savory profile, can reduce via the fats of a duck confit, making a extra harmonious and pleasing pairing. This balancing act is essential for a satisfying pairing.
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Sauce Concerns
The selection of sauce accompanying duck considerably influences the effectiveness of earthy notes in a wine pairing. Earthy wines usually pair properly with sauces that includes mushrooms, truffles, or different earthy substances. Nevertheless, they could conflict with overtly candy or acidic sauces. A duck breast served with a black truffle sauce could be superbly complemented by a wine exhibiting earthy notes, resembling a mature Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley. Conversely, a duck dish with a brilliant citrus glaze would possibly profit from a wine with extra pronounced fruit and acidity.
In abstract, the inclusion of earthy notes in wine provides a helpful dimension to the pairing of duck. By contemplating the origins of those notes, their skill to enhance gaminess, stability richness, and harmonize with sauces, people can considerably improve their culinary expertise. Deciding on wines with applicable earthy traits contributes to a extra nuanced and fulfilling enjoyment of each the wine and the duck.
5. Physique
The physique of a wine, referring to its perceived weight and fullness within the mouth, considerably impacts its suitability for pairing with duck. This attribute, largely influenced by alcohol content material, glycerin ranges, and tannin construction, dictates how the wine interacts with the richness and texture of the dish. A wine with inadequate physique could also be overwhelmed by the duck, leaving a skinny or watery sensation on the palate, whereas a wine with extreme physique can conflict with the dish’s delicate flavors, creating an unbalanced expertise. Due to this fact, choosing a wine with applicable physique is essential for reaching a harmonious and complementary pairing with duck. For instance, a light-bodied Beaujolais may be an excellent accompaniment for a pan-seared duck breast salad, whereas a richer, fattier duck confit necessitates a full-bodied wine like a Syrah or Merlot.
The preparation methodology and accompanying sauces additional affect the optimum physique of the wine. Roasted duck, usually served with fruit-based sauces, advantages from a medium-bodied wine with a stability of fruit and acidity, resembling a Pinot Noir or a dry Ros. These wines possess enough construction to chop via the duck’s richness with out overshadowing its refined flavors. Conversely, dishes like Peking duck, with its candy and savory glaze, demand wines with increased acidity and a medium to full physique to stability the dish’s depth. Gewrztraminer or off-dry Riesling wines, recognized for his or her fragrant complexity and balanced sweetness, present a refreshing distinction to the Peking geese richness. The choice course of requires cautious evaluation of the duck’s preparation and sauce pairing to make sure the wine’s physique enhances the general expertise.
Understanding the interaction between a wine’s physique and the traits of a duck dish is important for profitable pairing. The challenges come up in navigating the varied preparation kinds and regional variations of duck delicacies. By rigorously contemplating the burden, texture, and taste depth of each the wine and the dish, one can obtain a balanced and memorable culinary expertise. The physique of the wine thus stands as a essential element in enhancing the enjoyment of duck, contributing to a symphony of flavors that elevates the eating expertise past the sum of its components.
6. Preparation Fashion
The tactic of getting ready duck profoundly influences the optimum wine pairing. The preparation model alters the feel, fats content material, and taste profile of the dish, straight dictating the traits a wine should possess to realize stability and complement the meal. Roasting, grilling, confit, and pan-searing every lead to distinct culinary experiences, necessitating tailor-made wine picks. Ignoring the impression of preparation model can result in a disjointed pairing the place both the wine or the duck is overshadowed, failing to create the specified concord. The precise interaction between the preparation and the wine is a essential determinant of success. For instance, the extraordinary richness of duck confit requires wines with excessive acidity and vital construction to chop via the fats, whereas a merely grilled duck breast may be higher suited to a lighter-bodied, fruit-forward wine.
Take into account particular examples as an instance this essential connection. A traditional Peking duck, with its crispy pores and skin and savory-sweet glaze, calls for a wine that may each cleanse the palate and complement the sweetness of the sauce. A dry Riesling or a Gewrztraminer usually offers the required acidity and fragrant complexity. Conversely, a roasted duck with a cherry discount sauce pairs exceptionally properly with a Pinot Noir, the place the wine’s pink fruit notes echo the cherry, and its earthy undertones complement the duck’s gaminess. Duck confit, as a result of its richness, usually finds an acceptable accomplice in a Cahors Malbec or a Ctes du Rhne, the place the wines’ tannins and earthy notes can successfully reduce via the fats. These examples underscore that wine choice isn’t a common train however relies upon closely on how the duck is ready and offered.
In abstract, the preparation model of duck is a non-negotiable issue within the pursuit of the optimum wine pairing. Understanding the cause-and-effect relationship between preparation strategies and ensuing flavors is important for reaching a harmonious culinary expertise. Failure to account for preparation model can result in pairings which are both underwhelming or, worse, detract from the general enjoyment of the meal. The problem lies in discerning the nuances of every preparation model and choosing wines that particularly handle these traits, in the end enhancing the eating expertise and permitting each the wine and the duck to shine.
7. Sauce Pairing
The choice of a wine to accompany duck is inextricably linked to the sauce served with the dish. The sauce considerably alters the flavour profile of the duck, thereby dictating the traits required in a complementary wine. A wine that pairs successfully with plain roasted duck might show unsuitable when the identical duck is served with a cherry sauce or a spicy glaze. Understanding this interdependence between sauce and wine is due to this fact paramount in reaching an optimum culinary expertise. Neglecting this facet ends in unbalanced pairings the place both the sauce or the wine dominates, failing to create the specified concord. The function of the sauce in shaping the general style profile of the duck is essential and calls for considerate consideration throughout wine choice.
Take into account particular examples as an instance this relationship. A duck breast served with a wealthy, fruity port wine discount necessitates a wine with enough acidity and fruit depth to stability the sweetness and richness of the sauce. A Pinot Noir from a hotter local weather, exhibiting ripe pink fruit flavors and earthy undertones, would possible present a complementary pairing. Conversely, if the duck is accompanied by a spicy Sichuan peppercorn sauce, a wine with fragrant qualities and a contact of sweetness, resembling a Gewrztraminer or a Riesling, might help to chill the palate and improve the advanced flavors of the dish. A inexperienced peppercorn sauce, with its herbaceous and barely spicy notes, pairs properly with a dry ros or a lighter-bodied pink wine with a peppery character, resembling a Cabernet Franc. These examples underscore that the sauce isn’t merely an adjunct to the duck however somewhat an integral element that determines the wine’s suitability.
In abstract, efficient sauce pairing is indispensable for choosing an acceptable wine to accompany duck. The interaction between the sauce’s flavors and the wine’s traits straight impacts the general concord of the meal. A failure to contemplate the sauce can result in pairings which are both underwhelming or conflict with the dish’s taste profile. The sensible significance of this understanding lies in its skill to remodel a probably mediocre meal into a very distinctive culinary expertise. The problem lies in precisely figuring out the dominant flavors within the sauce and choosing a wine that both enhances or contrasts them in a deliberate and balanced method, enhancing the enjoyment of each the wine and the duck.
8. Regional Wines
The choice of wine to pair with duck usually finds its most compelling solutions inside the context of regional culinary traditions. Geographic proximity ceaselessly results in the event of wines that naturally complement regionally ready dishes, reflecting a historic and cultural alignment between meals and beverage.
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Burgundy and Duck Confit
Burgundy, France, famend for its Pinot Noir, gives a first-rate instance. The area’s gentle to medium-bodied pink wines, characterised by earthy undertones and brilliant acidity, present a superb counterpoint to the richness of duck confit, a regional specialty. The wine’s acidity cuts via the fats, whereas its earthy notes harmonize with the dish’s savory qualities. This pairing displays a time-honored custom, demonstrating the synergy between native wine and meals.
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Alsace and Duck with Fruit Sauces
Alsace, one other French area, produces fragrant white wines resembling Gewrztraminer and Riesling, which pair exceptionally properly with duck dishes that includes fruit-based sauces. The wines’ floral aromas and refined sweetness complement the sweetness of the sauce, whereas their acidity balances the richness of the duck. The regional inclination in the direction of fruit-forward sauces thus aligns naturally with the native wine manufacturing.
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Loire Valley and Duck Rillettes
The Loire Valley, recognized for its Cabernet Franc wines, gives an acceptable pairing for duck rillettes, a kind of pate. The Cabernet Franc’s herbaceous notes and average tannins reduce via the richness of the rillettes, whereas its earthy undertones improve the dish’s savory flavors. This pairing showcases how regional wines can complement particular preparations of duck, reflecting a nuanced understanding of taste profiles.
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Bordeaux and Roasted Duck
Bordeaux, whereas usually related to beef, may present appropriate pairings for roasted duck, notably if the duck is ready with a wealthy, darkish sauce. The area’s Merlot-dominant blends, with their tender tannins and darkish fruit flavors, supply a complement to the duck’s richness and the sauce’s complexity. A reasonably aged Bordeaux can exhibit earthy notes that additional improve the pairing.
These regional examples spotlight the significance of contemplating geographic origins when choosing a wine to accompany duck. Whereas wines from different areas can also present appropriate pairings, exploring native traditions usually yields essentially the most harmonious and genuine culinary experiences, reflecting the longstanding relationship between regional wines and regional delicacies.
9. Classic Consideration
The classic of a wine exerts a big affect on its suitability as a pairing for duck. Climate patterns in the course of the rising season straight impression grape ripening, acidity ranges, tannin construction, and general taste improvement. These variations, in flip, have an effect on the wine’s skill to enhance the particular traits of a duck dish. A wine from a cooler classic might exhibit increased acidity and fewer ripe fruit, making it a greater match for leaner preparations of duck or these with acidic sauces. Conversely, a hotter classic may yield a wine with richer fruit and softer tannins, higher suited to fattier preparations like duck confit or dishes with candy glazes. Failure to account for classic variation may end up in a pairing that’s both underwhelming or clashes with the flavors of the meals. The essential consideration lies in understanding how classic situations form the wine’s profile and aligning these attributes with the particular necessities of the duck preparation.
Take into account Pinot Noir from Burgundy for instance. A hotter classic would possibly produce a Pinot Noir with extra concentrated fruit and softer tannins, splendid for pairing with roasted duck breast served with a cherry discount. The wine’s ripe fruit enhances the sweetness of the sauce, whereas its softened tannins stop it from overpowering the duck. Nevertheless, in a cooler classic, the Pinot Noir would possibly exhibit increased acidity and earthier notes, making it a extra applicable alternative for a leaner duck preparation or one served with mushroom-based sauces. Equally, with Bordeaux wines, a hotter classic might yield wines with increased alcohol and softer tannins, pairing properly with richer duck dishes, whereas a cooler classic would possibly produce wines with firmer tannins that require longer ageing and are higher fitted to easier duck preparations. The sensible software of this understanding includes researching the particular traits of various vintages earlier than choosing a wine to pair with duck. Wine assessment web sites and classic charts can present helpful data on the anticipated profile of wines from totally different years.
In abstract, classic consideration is a vital element within the course of of choosing the optimum wine for duck. Recognizing the impression of climate patterns on grape improvement and understanding how these variations manifest within the wine’s last profile is important for reaching a harmonious pairing. By researching and accounting for classic variations, people can considerably improve their culinary expertise, making a stability between the wine and the duck that elevates the flavors of each. The problem lies within the variability of classic situations throughout totally different areas and grape varietals, requiring ongoing studying and adaptation in wine choice methods. This understanding contributes considerably to reaching the specified culinary end result and one of the best enjoyment of the wine and the duck.
Steadily Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to wine pairing with duck, offering readability and steering for knowledgeable decision-making.
Query 1: What’s the main issue figuring out a profitable wine pairing with duck?
The first issue is stability. The wine ought to complement the richness and taste profile of the duck with out overpowering or being overpowered by the dish. Concerns embody acidity, tannins, fruit depth, and earthiness.
Query 2: Does the cooking methodology of duck affect wine choice?
Affirmatively. Completely different cooking strategies (roasting, grilling, confit, and so forth.) alter the fats content material and taste profile, requiring wines with various traits. Duck confit, for example, necessitates wines with increased acidity to chop via the richness.
Query 3: How essential is the sauce served with duck within the wine pairing course of?
The sauce is critically essential. The sauce basically alters the flavour profile of the dish, necessitating a wine that enhances these flavors. A wine that pairs properly with plain roasted duck might not pair properly with a duck dish that includes a fruit-based sauce.
Query 4: Are pink wines all the time the only option for pairing with duck?
Not essentially. Whereas pink wines are sometimes really helpful, sure white wines, resembling Riesling and Gewrztraminer, can present glorious pairings, notably with duck dishes that includes candy or spicy sauces. The choice needs to be guided by acidity, sweetness, and fragrant complexity.
Query 5: Does the age of the wine matter when pairing with duck?
The age of the wine could be a vital issue. Older wines might possess softer tannins and extra developed tertiary flavors, making them appropriate for extra delicate duck preparations. Youthful wines, with their bolder fruit and firmer tannins, could also be higher fitted to richer dishes.
Query 6: Is it important to contemplate the classic of the wine when pairing with duck?
Sure, classic variation is essential. Climate patterns in the course of the rising season affect grape ripening, acidity ranges, and tannin construction, in the end impacting the wine’s suitability for a specific duck dish. Researching classic traits is advisable.
Efficient wine pairing includes balancing the wine’s traits with the advanced and assorted parts of the dish. Consideration of things is important for a harmonious culinary expertise.
Suggestions for Optimizing Wine Pairings
Efficient pairing includes understanding the interaction of flavors and textures between the beverage and the dish. The following pointers supply steering to refine the choice course of.
Tip 1: Prioritize Acidity. Wines with enough acidity are important for chopping via the richness of duck. Go for wines like Pinot Noir from cooler climates or dry Ros to cleanse the palate.
Tip 2: Take into account Tannin Construction. The tannin stage ought to complement the fats content material. For duck confit, choose wines with average to excessive tannins, whereas leaner preparations profit from softer tannins.
Tip 3: Consider Fruit Depth. Match the fruit depth of the wine to the complexity of the dish. Dishes with fruit-based sauces necessitate wines with pronounced fruit flavors.
Tip 4: Analyze Earthy Notes. Wines with earthy undertones can improve the gaminess of duck. Search for wines from Burgundy or these with a forest flooring aroma.
Tip 5: Assess Wine Physique. The physique of the wine ought to align with the burden of the dish. Full-bodied wines pair properly with richer preparations, whereas lighter-bodied wines go well with leaner preparations.
Tip 6: Mirror on Preparation Fashion. Preparation methodology dictates the wine’s required traits. Roasted duck requires totally different wines than grilled or confit duck.
Tip 7: Account for Sauces. Sauces considerably alter the dish’s taste profile. Choose wines that complement the dominant flavors of the sauce, whether or not candy, spicy, or savory.
Tip 8: Discover Regional Pairings. Regional pairings usually mirror time-honored traditions, providing perception into harmonious taste mixtures. Take into account wines from areas recognized for duck preparations.
By adhering to those tips, one can elevate the culinary expertise and obtain a balanced pairing between wine and duck. The objective is to reinforce the enjoyment of each the meals and the beverage via knowledgeable choice.
The understanding of key elements permits a extra knowledgeable strategy to optimizing the expertise. Sensible software of those insights contributes to a extra nuanced and satisfying eating event.
Concluding Remarks on Optimum Wine Choice for Duck
This exploration has traversed the complexities inherent in figuring out the finest wine with duck. The evaluation has highlighted the criticality of things resembling acidity, tannin construction, fruit depth, and the profound affect of preparation strategies and accompanying sauces. Regional traditions and the often-overlooked significance of classic variations have additionally been underscored as important concerns for knowledgeable decision-making.
The pursuit of a harmonious pairing constitutes a steady refinement of sensory appreciation. People are inspired to use the rules outlined herein, fostering a deeper understanding of taste interactions. The knowledgeable choice course of is important to raise culinary experiences and to actually admire the nuanced artwork of matching wine with duck.
