The Best Red Wine For Cooking Venison

The best red wine for cooking venison is one that’s not too sweet. A dark, smoky Cabernet is a perfect choice. It is also versatile enough to be used in a stew. In addition to being versatile, venison can be served as a main course or as a salad. While the smoked meat is often paired with a lighter red wine, it will complement braised cabbage and vegetables.

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Venison Nutrition Facts

venison nutrition facts

What Is Venison?

Venison, which derives from the Latin venari, which means “to hunt,” usually refers to deer meat, although it can also apply to meat from elk, buffalo, moose, caribou, and antelope, well as wild boar and hares. Deer can be slaughtered into steaks for grilling and roasts for slow cooking, similar to beef. With the rise of commercial ranching, venison, which refers to deer meat in general, gained more broad popularity among American diners.

Pasture-raised venison lacks the “gaminess” traditionally associated with hunted deer, and it has made its way onto restaurant menus across the country, raising gourmet awareness. Deer flesh is robust but tender, with a silky texture thanks to its short, thin muscle fibers.

Best Wine For Cooking Venison

Holland House Cooking Wine, Red

Holland House Cooking Wine, Red

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Features:

  • Made with high-quality ingredients that provide robust and unique flavors to your everyday foods
  • Developed to maintain robust wine flavor even in the high heat of cooking
  • Maintains shelf life for two years
  • Pair with dark meats like beef, lamb, and pork and hearty vegetables
  • Since 1887, we’ve dedicated ourselves to crafting quality cooking wine with only the finest ingredients.

First, venison is a lean cut ideally cooked in a stew or sauce. A slow stew or pot roast will make the sinewy cuts melt in the mouth and accentuate the flavor. For an osso buco style, venison can be substituted for the veal. Use a robust red wine such as Syrah or a Reserva Rioja to match the dish. If you’re cooking venison as the main course, it’s best to stick to a red wine that’s low in alcohol. A lighter wine like a Reserva Rioja is ideal. A Northern Rhone Syrah or a light chardonnay would be a good match for an Italian-style meal. A Northern Rhone Syrah would also work with venison.