complementing That ham: finding The Perfect Wine Pairings

A beautifully glazed ham is the centerpiece of many holiday and special occasion meals. But what wine should you serve alongside this succulent salty smoky meat? With so many varieties to choose from, it can be tricky to find that perfect pairing that enhances the flavor of the ham rather than overpowering it. Let’s break down the best wine options to complement the taste of your spiral-cut showstopper.

Crisp, Acidic Whites

Leaner ham and those with fruit-based glazes call for bright, acidic whites that cut through the saltiness. The high acidity also cleanses the palate between bites. Good choices include:

• Riesling – This light bodied white has racy acidity that contrasts the ham’s richness. Choose dry Rieslings as sweet ones may become cloying. Riesling’s citrus, peach and mineral notes work nicely.

• Sauvignon Blanc – Its crispness and zesty fruit flavors ranging from grapefruit to melon to tropical fruits make this wine a fine match for salty meats like ham. The acid provides balance.

• Spanish Albariño – Lemony and briny flavors give this Spanish white wine a clean, refreshing taste that pairs well with a spiral sliced ham, especially one with a citrusy or herbal glaze.

• Italian Pinot Grigio – This dry white wine has moderate acidity to cut the fattiness of ham along with fruity aromas of apple lemon and lychee. It’s a safe crowd-pleasing option.

Aromatic Whites

Hams with sweet glazes like those with maple brown sugar or fruit, pair well with aromatic white wines that echo those flavors. Good choices

• German Gewürztraminer – This full-bodied white wine has distinctive aromas of rose petals, lychee and honeysuckle along with a hint of sweetness that complements a glazed ham.

• Rhone Valley Viognier – Apricot, peach and orange blossom notes in this white make it a nice complement to hams with fruity or spiced glazes. It has more body than a Riesling or Pinot Grigio.

• Muscat – This floral, peachy wine often has a touch of sweetness that brings out the sweetness of a maple or honey-glazed ham. It’s less acidic than other whites.

• Rutherford-Appellation Chardonnay – Toasty, caramel flavors along with ripe fruit in these oaky California Chardonnays are delicious with brown sugar glazed hams.

Bubbly and Rosé

Don’t overlook sparkling wines and rosés, which offer more fruit-forward flavors. Good options include:

• Sparkling Wine – The effervescence and acidity of options like Cava, Prosecco, Crémant or Champagne cut through the rich ham flavors. Citrus and green apple flavors work well.

• Dry Rosé – Look for rosés with berry, melon and stone fruit flavors and crispy acidity. They pair nicely with herb crusted or fruit-glazed hams.

• Moscato D’Asti – Slightly bubbly with orange blossom aromas, this sweeter wine complements a glazed ham. The fizz cuts richness.

Light Red Wines

Lighter reds with mild tannins, bright fruit and decent acidity allow the glazed ham flavors to shine. Consider:

• Pinot Noir – The light body, vibrant cherry flavors and silky mouthfeel of Pinot Noir complement ham’s richness without overpowering it. Choose one from cooler regions.

• Gamay-based Beaujolais – With red fruit flavors, low tannins and medium acidity, Beaujolais is an easy-drinking match for ham. Chill it slightly below room temperature.

• Red Zinfandel – The jammy, ripe berry flavors of California zinfandels pair well with sweet glazed hams. Avoid heavily oaked, high alcohol zins.

Best Wine Pairings by Ham Style

To narrow down options, consider what type of ham and glaze you’re serving, then select a complementary wine:

• Smoked or country ham – Gewürztraminer, Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc

• Black Forest ham – Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wine

• Honey baked ham – Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Sparkling Wine

• Maple glazed ham – Gewürztraminer, Viognier, Moscato

• Brown sugar glazed ham – Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Sparkling Wine

• Pineapple glazed ham – Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Moscato

• Cherry or apple glazed ham – Pinot Noir, Rosé, Riesling

Ideal Serving Temperatures

Chill your wines before serving – lighter whites should be around 45-50°F while reds benefit from being slightly cooler than room temperature, in the 60-65°F range. This helps make the wine refreshing and enhances the flavor.

Tips for Success

• Choose wines that are unoaked or mildly oaked so as not to overpower the ham.

• Sweeter glazes call for slightly sweeter wines like Gewürztraminer or Moscato.

• High acid is key – this cuts through the ham’s richness and saltiness.

• Sparkling wines add nice effervescence and should be considered.

• Rosés match well with hams that have fruit-based glazes.

• Sample wines with a slice of ham before serving to taste test.

Finding the perfect wine pairing for your holiday ham involves considering the ham’s glaze or preparation along with the wine’s body, acidity, aromas and flavors. When these elements complement each other, your ham will be the star of the show. With so many wonderful wines to choose from, get creative with your matches and enjoy discovering new favorites!