Duck breast is a culinary delight known for its rich, gamey flavor and luxurious texture. When paired with the right wine, such as our ultra-low Syrah, the experience becomes truly unforgettable. Our ultra-low alcohol (3.5% alcohol by volume) Syrah, crafted from single-vineyard grapes on the San Luis Obispo Coast, is the ideal companion for this dish. Its peppery notes, dark fruit flavors, and medium-to-full body beautifully complement the sweet fig glaze and the richness of the duck.

Why Syrah is Perfect for Duck

Syrah is a versatile wine with bold characteristics that make it an excellent match for duck. Here’s why:

  • Rich Flavors: The earthy and spicy notes in Syrah echo the rosemary in the glaze, while its fruity undertones balance the sweetness of the figs and honey.
  • Medium Tannins: Syrah’s tannins are strong enough to cut through the fattiness of duck without overpowering its delicate texture.
  • Acidity Balance: The wine’s moderate acidity complements the richness of the meat and enhances the roasted vegetables’ caramelized flavors.

To enjoy Syrah at its best:

Pair Thoughtfully: Choose dishes with complementary flavors like herbs, spices, or fruit-based sauces to highlight the wine’s depth.

Recipe: Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Fig and Rosemary Glaze

Ingredients

Duck Breast:

  • 4 duck breasts

Fig and Rosemary Glaze:

  • 1 cup fig jam
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Roasted Vegetables:

  • 1 large eggplant, sliced
  • 1 large zucchini, sliced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, mix fig jam, honey, olive oil, rosemary, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
  2. Pan-Sear the Duck: Pat duck breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place duck breasts skin-side down in the skillet and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust cooking time for desired doneness). During the last minute of cooking, brush each breast with the fig and rosemary glaze. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  3. Roast Vegetables: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss eggplant, zucchini, and red bell pepper slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20–25 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
  4. Serve: Slice duck breasts thinly on a diagonal and plate alongside roasted vegetables. Drizzle with any remaining glaze for added flavor.

The Art of Pairing: Why This Dish Works with Syrah

The synergy between this dish and Oceano Wines’ Syrah lies in their shared complexity:

  • The fig glaze mirrors Syrah’s dark fruit notes like blackberry and plum while adding a touch of sweetness that balances its spice.
  • The rosemary enhances Syrah’s earthy undertones, creating a seamless bridge between food and wine.
  • The roasted vegetables bring out subtle smoky elements in the wine while adding depth to each bite.

This pairing showcases how thoughtful combinations can elevate both food and wine to their fullest potential.

Mindful Enjoyment with Oceano Wines

At Oceano Wines, we believe in savoring life’s finer moments mindfully—whether through our ultra-low alcohol options or traditional wines made sustainably from single-vineyard grapes on California’s Central Coast. Pairing our Syrah with dishes like pan-seared duck breast allows you to enjoy bold flavors without compromise.

Celebrate your next dinner with this exquisite pairing that highlights intention, luxury, and sustainability in every sip and bite.