If you like wine and food as much as we do, you know how interesting it is to pair wines with food. Pairing the right wine with your meal can truly elevate your dining experience to the next level. And when it comes to ham dishes, the right wine pairing can make all the difference.
You can read this article to learn how to pair wine with ham and to find the best wines to go with different kinds of ham and ham dishes. Read on to learn how to pair ham with wine like a pro.
Ham is a beloved main dish for many holiday meals and gatherings. While ham can stand well on its own, pairing it with the right white wine can take the flavor experience to the next level. The array of ham preparations from smoked to glazed to baked allows for a variety of white wine options.
In this article, I will share my top recommendations for white wines that complement the most popular ham dishes wonderfully. I’ll explain the flavor profiles of each wine and why they pair so well. With these suggestions, you can confidently select the perfect white wine to serve alongside your ham this year!
Dry Riesling
My top recommendation for salty, savory hams is a dry Riesling. Riesling is a white grape known for its vibrant acidity. When fermented dry, Riesling takes on notes of lime, green apple, peach, and flint. The high acidity of dry Riesling contrasts beautifully with the saltiness of ham, cutting through the richness. Riesling’s stony minerality also complements the smoky, earthy flavors often found in baked or smoked ham. A dry Riesling from Germany or Alsace would pair wonderfully with any preparation of savory ham.
Sauvignon Blanc
Another excellent option for ham is a zippy Sauvignon Blanc. Hailing from cool climate regions like New Zealand and Loire Valley, France Sauvignon Blanc expresses notes of grapefruit, lemon, lime, green pepper and fresh-cut grass. Its bright, tangy acidity stands up well to salty ham. The citrus and herbal flavors complement and cut through the rich, fatty flavors of the meat. Sauvignon Blanc is a foolproof pairing for any type of hearty baked ham or ham steak.
Pinot Grigio
An Italian Pinot Grigio is often my go-to choice for ham dishes. Pinot Grigio tends to have more body and fuller flavors than some other white wines. Its signature flavors are green apple, lemon, lime, honeysuckle, and in some cases, a slightly nutty note. The vibrant acidity of Pinot Grigio balances beautifully with a salty, savory ham. It has enough richness to complement the meat but retains a refreshing quality. Pinot Grigio is perfect for salty baked hams or ham sandwiches.
Moscato
For sweeter glazed or honey-baked hams, give Moscato a try. Moscato is an Italian white wine made from the Muscat grape, resulting in prominent floral and stone fruit notes like orange blossom, jasmine, peach, and apricot. Moscato often has residual sugar for a sweet profile along with refreshing acidity to balance the sweetness. With its perfumed aromas and fruity sweetness, Moscato pairs wonderfully with the sugary glazes and caramelized flavors of a honey-baked holiday ham.
Gewürztraminer
Another slightly sweet white wine option for ham is Gewürztraminer. This grape flourishes in cooler climates like Alsace, France and Germany. Gewürztraminer wines express prominent lychee, rose, ginger, and stone fruit notes. Though dry styles exist, many Gewürztraminers have a touch of residual sugar that pairs beautifully with a sweet ham glaze. The subtle spices and perfume also complement baked ham with clove studding. I’d recommend Gewürztraminer with any type of glazed or clove-studded ham.
Sparkling Wine
No wine pairing list would be complete without bubbly! I always like to have a few bottles of sparkling wine on hand when serving a big ham dinner. The effervescence and bright acidity of sparkling wines cut through the saltiness and richness of hearty ham dishes. Opt for value-driven options like Cava from Spain, Prosecco from Italy, or Crémant from France. If celebrating, splurge on true Champagne from France, which has a richness to stand up to baked ham’s intensity.
Best Red Wines for Ham
While this article focuses on white wines, I’d be remiss not to mention two red wines that pair wonderfully with ham. The first is Pinot Noir, especially from cool climate regions like Oregon and Burgundy. The medium body, fresh red fruit flavors, earthiness, and subtle tannins of Pinot Noir complement salty, savory hams beautifully. Just as versatile is Beaujolais from France, which has juicy cherry flavors, moderate tannins, and brisk acidity to offset rich ham.
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Wine Pairing Basics: How to Pair Wine with Food
When it comes to pairing wine with food, there are a few basic principles to keep in mind. First, you want to pair wines with similar flavor profiles. For example, a smoky ham pairs well with a wine that has a smoky flavor, like Pinot Noir.
Second, you want to pair wines with similar levels of acidity. High-acid wines pair well with salty dishes, while low-acid wines pair well with sweet dishes.
Finally, you want to pair wines with similar body types. Full-bodied wines pair well with bold flavors, while lighter-bodied wines pair well with more delicate flavors.
Wine Pairings for Salty Ham
Salty ham pairs well with high-acid white wines like Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, or Sauvignon Blanc. With a hint of green apple, these wines are crisp and refreshing, and the saltiness of the ham goes well with them. Chardonnay goes well with salty ham too, because its buttery and oaky notes will go well with the salty ham flavor, and its acidity will help balance out the salt.
If you prefer red wine, light-bodied Beaujolais or Pinot Noir will make a perfect pair with salty ham. These wines have a fruity flavor that complements the salty flavor of the ham.
What Wine Goes With Ham? Thumbs Up Wine Food Pairing
FAQ
What is the best white wine to serve with ham?
Does red or white wine go with Easter ham?
What Italian wine goes with ham?
What to drink with glazed ham?
What wine goes well with ham?
• Our advice expert, Dr. Vinny, suggests Grenache and Pinot Noir as good red wine matches for ham, and Gewürztraminer as another aromatic white alternative to Riesling. Sparkling wine is also a great choice! • For additional pairings similar to Zinfandel and Riesling in body and flavor profile, we have a list of wines by weight here.
What wine goes with Easter ham?
Easter ham is often a baked or glazed ham with sweet and savory flavors. Both red and white wines can be a great choice with Easter dinner. For white wine, try an off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer to balance the ham’s sweetness. If you prefer red wine, go for a fruit-forward Pinot Noir or Shiraz. Does Chardonnay go with ham?
What wine goes with ham & turkey?
Plus, you have to think about what will work with all those tasty sides. Pinor Noir is one of the best wine pairings for ham and turkey. It typically has bright acidity to balance out the fatty dishes. But it won’t overwhelm the lighter flavors of turkey. And its red fruit flavors complement traditional side dishes like cranberry sauce.
What wine goes with a Sammie ham & cheese?
Beaujolais is an excellent choice here. This French wine is made from the Gamay grape. It’s light, fruity, and often has flavors of raspberry, cherry, and cranberry. The high acidity works well with the fattiness in the ham and cheese. The crus of Fleurie or Brouilly make light, perfumed wines that pair well with this style of sammie.