A red wine that is great even though it is less expensive than cabernet or merlot is Syrah / Shiraz. (Syrah is form the south of France also grown in the US. Shiraz is how the Aussies spell it. You can find Shiraz from Australia for around $8-$10. I particularly like Rosemount. The US and French versions will cost slightly more. Medium body. Medium fruit. Same flavor notes as cabernet or merlot. Goes great with duck, boar, good venison. The French wine is more expensive a good bottle will be about double the Australian but often worth it. I also love Zinfandel with grilled venison. Look for "old Vine" Seghesio Vineyards and Ravenwood are good labels.

Reds give me a headache so I drink white with every thing. I drink white with venison in africa, hell I am happy who cares.