Rabbit meat is once again gaining popularity as a delicacy. As mild and lean meat, it gets most of its flavors depending on how it is prepared, the sauce that it is served with, and so on. Some very good options we recommend to pair with rabbit would include Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Gamay. These are a variety of medium to slightly full-bodied rich reds. For white wine enthusiasts, we’d suggest going for some creamy whites from the Rhone valley.
Wine Characteristics To Pair With Rabbit
| Characteristic | Detail |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Acidity | Light |
| Tannins | Light |
| Body | Light White / Light Red |
| Tasting Notes | Smoked, earthy, ripe berries |
Rabbit meat offers a complex mouthful flavor especially if it is prepared simply or with a mustard sauce to enhance its flavor. Most rabbit is served in restaurants and offers a very sophisticated dining experience making it one of those main course dishes to pair with exotic reds and whites.
Best Red Wine To Drink With Rabbit
Rabbit is a lean and mild-tasting meat so any wine paired with this should not overpower the taste but instead tenderize the meat and bring out its flavors even more. We’d suggest going for Pinot Noir, Syrah, or a Gamay as choices that will range in boldness as you like.
Pinot Noir
One of the best choices to pair with rabbit meat is Pinot Noir given its light tannins but bold notes. The dark fruit aromas and soft tannins complement the mild and lean meat profile.
Syrah
An elegant, lean, and savory wine, syrah is a powerful and dynamic wine with rich smoked, bacon, and dark fruit notes that will enhance the rabbit meat, unlike any other wine.
Gamay
Similar to Pinot Noir, this would be a go-to option if you’re looking for less intense wines that still offer nice cherry, black currant, or raspberry tasting notes. Go for this wine for a rich violet color.
Best White Wine To Drink With Rabbit
The variety of ways in which rabbit meat is cooked, make it a great accompaniment for a host of white wine options including a rare but much recommended white – Viognier.
Viognier
This rare gem of a white is a fantastic option to pair with rabbit dishes. The rich, creamy, and nutty nature of this wine enhances any meat and makes it a great dining experience, overall.
Grüner Veltliner
Another rare but beautiful wine to opt for is Grüner Veltliner wine mostly made in Austria. Exotic meats call for exotic wines and this one does not disappoint with its dry, green pepper and lime-tasting notes. Definitely go for this if you want to serve to impress or simply experiment!
Chardonnay
For those who enjoy their classics, chardonnay is a great wine to go well with a white wine prepared sauces for rabbit dishes, adding oak and creaminess to complete the meal.
Best Wine To Drink With Rabbit
Rabbit is becoming a delicacy across different cuisines today. An exotic meat, it can be prepared in many classic ways but is also one meat that is coming back with a modern twist. You have many regular reds and whites to choose from but we also suggest going for the non-traditional reds and whites to bring out some more elements of different exotic flavors. Our best recommendations for rabbit would be:
- Pinot Noir
- Syrah
- Gamay
- Viognier
- Grüner Veltliner
- Chardonnay
