WHAT TO SERVE

Chapoutier Les Grands Merisiers Châteauneuf-du-Pape

LCBO 421073 $35.85

This big red, from the sunny south of France, brings a little warmth to the feast. It combines spicy black pepper and ripe black cherry flavours along with a balanced tannic structure that makes it the perfect foil to the peppercorn, figs and rich, gamey venison.

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel

VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 678698 $17.95

A full-flavoured dish such as this venison roast demands a big red like this Zinfandel from California. It’s a lush, fruit-driven red that fits the bill with its rich structure and wild berry and peppery fruit flavours, easily standing up to the dominant flavours on the plate.