Elk Appetizer Flavors

• While strong, spicy red wines such as Syrah and Shiraz pair well with elk, it's important to take into consideration the other flavors you're using in the elk appetizer. For example, a Cabernet Sauvignon -- which has fruitier notes of cherry -- pairs better with mini Elk tacos than with a charcuterie plate of homemade elk sausage with cheese. The richness of the sausage and cheese doesn't need as full-bodied a wine as a leaner elk preparation and would work well with a drier choice such as a Chianti. When pairing wine with elk, take into consideration all the spices or sauces you're using in the appetizer.

Wine-Pairing Principles

• In general, when pairing wine with elk, look for rich red wines with a hint of spice. However, there are a few other characteristics to consider when shopping for a wine to pair with your elk appetizer. Elk has a lower fat content, so avoid picking a wine that is too dry or high in tannins as these elements should be counterbalanced with fat. A wet or full-bodied wine with spiciness such as the Syrah, Shiraz or Grenache will help to smooth out the experience of eating wild game.

Reds that Fit the Bill

• Grenache is a full-bodied red wine with a powerful mouth feel and hints of berry. It goes very well with red meat and offers a bit of spiciness. Pinot Noirs are made with a varietal that produces a fruity, earthy wine that often has a backbone of spiciness -- a combination of flavors that also complements elk. Syrah and Shiraz wines -- both made from the Syrah grape -- are also full-bodied, powerful wines with a hint of spice that will enhance the lean, earthy flavor of elk.

Keep the Main Course in Mind

• You may want to adjust your wine choice depending on what you're planning to serve after the elk appetizer. If you're only serving appetizers, you don't need to adjust anything. However, if you're planning to follow elk appetizers with poultry, seafood or something besides red meat, you may want to opt for a lighter red that can pair with the other courses so that your guests don't start off with red wine and have to switch to white. For example, the Grenache is slightly milder than the Syrah and would make a better choice for a meal of that nature. If more elk is on the way, choose one or several of the strong reds to pair with the entire meal.