Finding the Perfect Wine Pairing for Ham

You’re about to serve the most gorgeous glazed ham for dinner after hours in the kitchen. Lo and behold, you have no idea what wine pairing would best suit your meal.

Pairing wine with ham is tricky, as its salty flavors don’t make it very flexible. Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered for your next ham dinner.

Due to ham’s high salt content, white wines often work best. Reds are often too heavy, clashing with the hearty ham dish. However, there are a few exceptions, as you will see below.

With such high acidity, dry Riesling is a perfect complement to salty ham. It cuts through the fat and balances the salt beautifully. Its light body, off-dry finish, and delicate notes of jasmine, beeswax, and green apple will not overpower the meat either.

Riesling is terrific for creating harmony with your ham, whether cured or sweet, making it an easy choice.

Ranging from grassy to tropical in flavor, Sauvignon Blanc is our next white wine of choice. Like Riesling, its high acidity will cut through the fat and salt of a traditionally prepared ham. Sauvignon Blanc is medium-bodied with fresh, crisp honeydew melon, peach, grapefruit, and honey notes. Undoubtedly, it can hold its own when it comes to a heavier meat dish.

Speaking of honey, Sauvignon Blanc will bring out those sweet, floral flavors of a honey-glazed ham.

If you like your Sauvignon Blanc with a bit more spice and herb, a Blanc from New Zealand is the way to go.

Pinot Grigio is a dry white wine with a little less acidity. It is a little more mellow. This white wine has strong notes of lemon, pear, nectarine, apple, and honeysuckle. It goes well with both salty and sweet cured ham.

Try Pinot Grigio with dishes that include both pineapple and ham. A Canadian bacon pineapple pizza is an adventurous pairing!.

Although it may seem like an obvious choice for a sweet ham wine pair, Moscato goes well with the glaze in brown sugar honey ham. With its lower alcohol level and fresh notes of orange blossom, honey, and lemon, Moscato goes well with a lot of different foods.

Bonus points if you have a spicy appetizer. Moscato pairs well will spice, as its sweetness will help balance the heat.

Gewürztraminer is a well-known sweet German wine that has a lot of residual sugar, which are the natural sugars that are left over after the wine is made. This wine is aromatic with rose petal, floral, and passion fruit notes. Instead of saving Gewürztraminer for dessert, pair it with honey or maple ham for a sweet flavor explosion.

Prosecco or Champagne are two white sparkling wines that go well with sweet, salty, or cured hams like thin Prosciutto. Pick a sparkling white that tastes off-dry to sweet. This will balance out the salt and dryness and make the taste more smooth. You can make a toast and balance your meal all at once!.

Let’s look at our list of red wines now that we’ve talked about the best white wines for ham.

As a long-time wine enthusiast and foodie, I’m always seeking the perfect wine pairings for my favorite meals. And around the holidays ham is a staple on many dinner tables. But pinpointing an ideal wine match for ham can be tricky business. The salty savory flavors of cured ham demand a wine that can stand up to its intensity. At the same time, the wine can’t overpower the star of the show – the ham!

Through research and trial and error, I’ve discovered foolproof wine options for ham that will please any palate Keep reading to unlock the secrets to pairing wines with everyone’s favorite holiday centerpiece

The Challenge of Pairing Wine with Ham

Before jumping into the best wine varietals for ham, it’s important to understand why ham poses a challenge for wine pairing. Here are a few factors to consider:

Salt content – Most hams are cured or smoked, lending a salty, umami flavor. The saltiness can clash with many wines. You need a wine with enough acidity to cut through the salt.
Bold flavor – In addition to salt, ham can offer robust flavors from smoke, spices, or glazes. The wine has to have sufficient weight and intensity.
Fat content – A decent amount of fat is typical for ham. The wine should have enough acidity to slice through the rich fattiness.
Sweet glazes – For glazed hams, the wine requires hints of sweetness to complement the sugary glaze.

As you can see, the wine needs to walk a fine line to achieve balance with cured and smoked ham. Acidity, body, and a touch of sweetness are key.

White Wine Options for Ham

More often than not, white wines pair more readily with ham. The higher acidity in white wines can offset the saltiness, and they are lighter in body than reds. Here are some excellent white wine varietals to try with ham:

Riesling

With its racy acidity, subtle sweetness and notes of fresh citrus, Riesling is one of the best choices for ham. The acid provides balance, while the sweetness complements glazed hams. Dry Rieslings work well with cured ham. For honey baked hams, opt for a sweet Riesling. German Rieslings, such as Spätlese, offer more pronounced sweetness.

Pinot Grigio

Dry, light-bodied Pinot Grigio has plenty of bright citrus flavors along with crisp acidity. It cuts through the rich fattiness of ham. The pear and lemon notes add a refreshing element. Pinot Grigio works nicely with both sweet glazed ham and salty country ham.

Sauvignon Blanc

The signature acidity and grassy, citrus aromas of Sauvignon Blanc are the perfect foil for salty cured ham. Sauvignon Blanc also complements sweet flavors like honey or maple glazes. Choose New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc for more tropical fruit flavors that align with sweet glazes.

Sparkling Wines

For an elegant brunch or appetizer course, bring on the bubbles! Dry sparkling wines like Cava, Prosecco, and Champagne have fine acidity and tiny bubbles to scrub the palate between bites of savory ham. Off-dry options like Moscato d’Asti or Lambrusco have a touch of sweetness for glazed ham.

Gewürztraminer

The heady lychee and rose aromas make Gewürztraminer a crowd-pleaser. Native to Germany and Alsace, Gewürztraminer has low acidity with residual sugar that complements sweet glazed or baked ham. The richness helps Gewürztraminer stand up to the weight of ham.

Chenin Blanc

This versatile grape grown in the Loire Valley makes dry, sweet, and sparkling wines. Dry Chenin Blanc works well with cured ham thanks to racy acidity. Off-dry Vouvray with honeyed apples and citrus is an ideal foil for honey ham. Sparkling Crémant de Loire is perfect for holiday brunch.

Red Wine Options for Ham

While white wines tend to be the default pairing for ham, a few red varietals can also complement the Christmas mainstay. Here are top red wine picks:

Pinot Noir

Earthy, medium-bodied Pinot Noir has gentle tannins and berry flavors that coincide beautifully with glazed ham. The zippy acidity also scrubs the palate. Opt for a cool climate Pinot Noir like those from Oregon or Burgundy. Their elegance and acidity balance salty, rich ham.

Zinfandel

Plush, jammy Zinfandels have enough weight and intensity to stand up to the boldness of smoked or cured ham. Their exuberant fruitiness pairs well with sweet glazes too. Zinfandels from California offer ripe blackberry and plum flavors with a healthy dose of spice.

Grenache

The bright red fruit and baking spice notes of Grenache complement both sweet and savory hams. Grenache-based blends from southern France and Spain offer texture along with vibrance. The softened tannins ensure the wine doesn’t overpower the ham.

Rosé

Dry, fruit-forward rosé wines offer lively acidity and refreshing berry flavors that clear the palate between bites of ham. Choose rosés made from Grenache, Syrah, or Sangiovese. The touch of sweetness also aligns with sweet ham glazes. Deeply colored rosé matches the mauve hues of cured ham.

Lambrusco

This bubbly red from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region has gentle tannins, juicy acidity, and berry flavors. The sweetness and frothy effervescence pair perfectly with the salt and richness of Prosciutto ham. Lambrusco cuts through fat and acts as a great palate cleanser.

Ideal Wine Characteristics for Ham

Based on the prime wine varieties, we can summarize the optimal wine traits for ham:

High acidity – The brightness balances salt and fat. Acidity cuts through richness.
Light to medium body – Big heavy wines overpower ham’s nuanced flavors. Lighter bodied wines let the ham shine.
Minimal tannins – Lower tannin wines offer smoothness to complement ham’s richness.
Fruit forward – The fruity flavors complement sweet glazes and provide balance.
Off-dry to sweet – The touch of sweetness pairs perfectly with salty and sweet ham attributes.
Bright aroma – Vibrant citrus, floral and berry notes keep the pairing refreshing.

Best Wine Pairings for Popular Ham Styles

Now that we’ve covered the wine characteristics that work best with ham, let’s get into specifics based on the most popular ham preparation methods.

Smoked Ham

Smoky, savory smoked ham needs a wine that can handle its intense saltiness and charred flavors. Acidic whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Albariño complement the smoke. Among reds, Pinot Noir, with its earthiness, and Grenache, with its spice, align nicely. Bubbly dry Prosecco cuts through the fattiness.

Honey Baked Ham

For honey baked hams encrusted in sweet glaze, wines with prominent fruity notes or a touch of sweetness make the perfect pairs. Great options include Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Moscato, Lambrusco, and off-dry Chenin Blanc and Rosé.

Spiral Ham

Spiral cut hams injected with brine or other spices demand wines that can handle intense flavors. Dry Rieslings, Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc and unoaked Chardonnay provide palate-cleansing acidity to balance the spices, while still allowing the ham flavors to shine.

Country Ham

Countrified dry cured or smoked hams require wines with racy acidity to cut through the intense saltiness. Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, and Chablis are ideal white pairings. Among reds, Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo, and Chianti Classico work well. Bubbly Prosecco is another excellent option.

Baked Ham

Baked hams can be dry cured, smoked, or injected with flavorings. Crisp, acidic whites like Sauvignon Blanc and dry Rieslings work beautifully. Fruity reds like Grenache and Pinot Noir or dry Lambrusco pair nicely too. Off-dry rosé and Riesling are other excellent bets.

Prosciutto Ham

Paper-thin slices of Italian dry cured Prosciutto require an elegant wine pairing. Dry sparkling wines like Prosecco, Cava or Champagne cut through the saltiness with ease. Fiano, Greco di Tufo or Soave offer racy acidity and a delicate body that doesn’t overwhelm the Prosciutto.

Perfect Wine and Ham Combos

While wine preferences are subjective, through my extensive ham and wine experimentation, I can heartily recommend these killer pairings:

Smoked ham with Oregon Pinot Noir – earthy intensity meets smoky intensity
Honey baked ham with off-dry Riesling – bright citrus flavors complement the honey glaze
Pineapple brown sugar ham with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc – tropical fruit flavors align perfectly
Country ham with Spanish Cava – tiny bubbles scrub the intensely salty palate
Prosciutto with Lambrusco – light fizz and sweetness balance the savory umami

I hope these wine pairing suggestions inspire you to try new varietals and flavors with your holiday ham this year. With such a wide range of wines that complement ham beautifully, you’re sure to find a new favorite match. Share your successful wine and ham pairings in the comments below!

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You’re about to serve the most gorgeous glazed ham for dinner after hours in the kitchen. Lo and behold, you have no idea what wine pairing would best suit your meal.

Has this ever been you?

Pairing wine with ham is tricky, as its salty flavors don’t make it very flexible. Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered for your next ham dinner.

Keep reading for the best wine pairings for ham.

Best White Wines With Ham

Due to ham’s high salt content, white wines often work best. Reds are often too heavy, clashing with the hearty ham dish. However, there are a few exceptions, as you will see below.

For now, let’s look at the best white wines for ham.

For glazed ham, indulge in a sweet Riesling to complement the brown sugar coating.

Riesling is terrific for creating harmony with your ham, whether cured or sweet, making it an easy choice.

Speaking of honey, Sauvignon Blanc will bring out those sweet, floral flavors of a honey-glazed ham.

If you like your Sauvignon Blanc with a bit more spice and herb, a Blanc from New Zealand is the way to go.

For a fun pairing, Sauvignon Blanc tastes perfect with a Monte Cristo sandwich.

Try Pinot Grigio with dishes that include both pineapple and ham. A Canadian bacon pineapple pizza is an adventurous pairing!.

Bonus points if you have a spicy appetizer. Moscato pairs well will spice, as its sweetness will help balance the heat.

Let’s look at our list of red wines now that we’ve talked about the best white wines for ham.

Best Red Wines With Ham

While there aren’t many red wines that pair well with ham, a few stand out as clear contenders.

Here are the best red wines to pair with your ham.

You’ve heard how well Pinot Noir pairs with barbecue. It’s also one of the best complements to smoked ham. The smoke and salt will taste better with a good Pinot Noir. It should have bright acidity, smooth tannins, and herbaceous red fruit notes. With its high acidity, it also cuts through fat effortlessly. A cherry glaze will bring out Pinot Noir’s cherry notes if you want to bolster those fruity flavors.

If you want to go with your black forest ham in a more daring way, you should try a hearty Zinfandel. Like Pinot Noir, this red wine has intense blackberry, plum, and cherry notes. What makes Zinfandel different from Pinot is its higher acidity and alcohol content. It is also more complex in body.

With Zinfandel, there’s no need to add a fruit glaze to your smoked ham. Let its bold flavors do the work.

A good GSM blend (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre) from France is a great fruity red that goes well with smoked ham if you want something even fuller-bodied.

Rosé is full of fruity, citrus, and berry flavors that make you feel good. Its acidity makes it easy to pair with dry and smoked ham. Rosé is perfect if you want something fruitier than white wine.

A crisp, lightly sweet, sparkling red wine is an excellent choice for ham. Try a sparkling Rosé with bright acidity, sweet fruit taste, floral aromas, and smooth mineral finish. If you’re looking for something fizzier and sweeter, Lambrusco tastes great when sipped alongside ham. It’s also low in alcohol, making it an easy sipper.

Break out the glaze and Lambrusco for a salty/sweet rush!

Best Ham and Wine Pairing

FAQ

Do you serve red or white wine with ham?

Ham is tricky with its high salt and fat content, so an acidic, off-dry white wine is always a safe choice. A sweet wine like Moscato is perfect when you have a maple or honey glaze. If you must have red wine, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Rosé, add a burst of fruit, especially when the ham is covered in cherry glaze.

Does cabernet sauvignon go with ham?

The bigger flavor of the meat pairs beautifully with lighter reds like Pinot Noir but if there is still a little fat in your ham, then even bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon are a great choice.

What Italian wine goes with ham?

A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio from Friuli region is the perfect match for Prosciutto di San Daniele, as there is a wonderful combination between the tastiness of ham and the dry aroma of Pinot Grigio. Its bouquet is redolent of acacia blossom, as well as fruity notes of lemon, yellow apple and white peach.