Peking duck is crisp-skinned roast duck with pancakes, hoisin and scallion — rich, savoury and sweet-savoury all at once. The duck's fat, crisp skin and sweet hoisin pair best with fruit-forward reds and aromatic whites. Pinot Noir is the classic, its acidity cutting the fat while its fruit echoes the hoisin, while off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer flatter the sweetness. The wine needs bright acidity to cut the richness and ripe fruit to match the sweet sauce; this is a dish that loves both elegant reds and aromatic whites.
Sommelier quick take
#1 pick — Pinot Noir is #1 for Peking duck; the lacquered skin and pancakes love bright red fruit.
If you only buy one — If you only buy one: a $20 Oregon or Burgundy Pinot. Off-dry Riesling is the white plan B for plum sauce.
Skip these
- Huge Cabernet
- Sweet commercial red blends as the hero pour
- Oaky Chardonnay
Our sommelier's picks
Save to Pinterest#1Elegant red
14–16°C (57–61°F)Pinot Noir · Burgundy, France
Pinot's acidity cuts the duck fat while its red fruit echoes the sweet hoisin — the classic match.
If you only buy one: a $20 Oregon or Burgundy Pinot. Off-dry Riesling is the white plan B for plum sauce.
Aromatic off-dry white
10–12°C (50–54°F)Gewürztraminer · Alsace, France
Its lychee and spice flatter the hoisin and crisp skin beautifully.
Alsace offers consistent quality.
Off-dry aromatic white
8–11°C (46–52°F)Riesling · Germany
Riesling's fruit and acidity tame the richness and echo the sweet sauce.
German Riesling is superb value.
Fruity red
15–17°C (59–63°F)Grenache · Southern Rhône, France
Grenache's ripe red fruit and low tannin suit the sweet-savoury duck.
Côtes du Rhône is great value.
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Questions about pairing Peking Duck
What wine pairs with Peking duck?
Pinot Noir is the classic — its acidity cuts the fat and fruit echoes the hoisin — while off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer flatter the sweet sauce.
Why does duck suit Pinot Noir?
Pinot's bright acidity slices the duck's rich fat while its red fruit complements the sweet-savoury hoisin and crisp skin.
Can I drink white wine with Peking duck?
Yes — aromatic off-dry whites like Gewürztraminer and Riesling flatter the hoisin's sweetness wonderfully.
Plum sauce and pancakes — wine tip?
Sauce sweetness is why Pinot with ripe fruit (or a touch of Riesling residual sugar) beats tannic monsters.