The Best Wines to Pair with Ham

A beautifully glazed baked ham is already a feast on its own But pairing ham with a well-chosen wine can take your meal to new heights of flavor The right wine accentuates the salty, savory flavors of cured ham. It also cuts through any fat while complementing sweet glazes or smoky flavors. With so many types of ham and wine available, how do you choose? Use these guidelines to find perfect wine pairings for your next ham dinner or party.

Light, Crisp White Wines

For versatile wines that work with any ham preparation, opt for light, high-acid whites The brightness of these wines contrasts the rich pork flavors Try

• Dry Riesling – With bracing acidity, Riesling’s hints of stone fruit and citrus are ideal with salty meats like ham. Sweeter styles also pair well with glazed hams.

• Sauvignon Blanc – Dry, grassy Sancerre or tropical New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc both make refreshing partners for baked ham.

• Pinot Grigio – The light lemon-lime notes of Pinot Grigio cut through fat and complement ham’s saltiness.

• Spanish Albariño – Albariño’s apple, peach, and mineral flavors pair nicely with cured meats. Its zesty acidity cleanses the palate.

• Italian Arneis – The medium body and crisp acidity of this floral white handles rich meats well. Stone fruit flavors complement ham glazes.

Aromatic White Wines

The potent spiciness of these exotic wines is equal to strongly flavored hams like those with fruit glazes or black pepper coatings. Consider:

• Gewürztraminer – This full-bodied, fragrant white wine has perfect peach, lychee, and spice notes for glazed hams. Off-dry styles work well.

• Muscat – Whether dry or sweet, Muscat’s pronounced floral aroma and fruit flavors marry beautifully with ham’s richness.

• Torrontés – An Argentinian specialty, Torrontés has intense lychee and rose notes that pair with spicy or fruity ham glazes.

• Viognier – Peach, apricot and orange blossom flavors in this soft white complement baked ham dishes nicely.

Sparkling Wines

The crisp effervescence of bubbly wines cleanses the palate and contrasts salty, fatty ham flavors. Opt for budget-friendly Prosecco or Spanish Cava for parties. Vintage Champagne is divine with luxury ham entrees.

Light-Bodied Red Wines

Lean, low-tannin reds work with ham’s richness. Their chillable natures allow serving ham during warm weather. Consider:

• Pinot Noir – The light cherry and earth notes of Pinot Noir flatter baked ham’s smoky flavors. Choose a young, fruity style.

• Beaujolais – With barely-there tannins, vibrant Beaujolais is perfect with casual ham meals and lunches.

• Chinon – Made from Cabernet Franc, this light Loire red has berry and herb flavors that won’t overpower ham. Youthful styles are best.

• Barbera – Fresh cherry flavors and low tannins let this Italian red complement cured ham without competing.

Fruit-Forward Reds

For bolder reds, stick to fruity young wines that can handle ham’s intensity. Juicy, low-tannin options include:

• Zinfandel – Raspberry and blackberry notes in an easy-drinking Zin intermingle nicely with salty ham flavor.

• Grenache – Whether as a single-varietal or in blends, Grenache’s ripe red fruit tones work with boldly seasoned hams.

• Valpolicella – Made from Corvina grapes, this medium-bodied Italian red offers cherry flavors and mild tannins.

• Baco Noir – This hybrid grape makes juicy, fruit-forward reds perfect for glazed holiday hams.

What to Avoid

Skip weighty Cabernet Sauvignons and Malbecs with dense tannins, which can overpower ham’s delicacy. Oaked Chardonnays are too heavy as well. Very sweet wines clash with ham’s saltiness. Simple, fruity reds and crisp whites are your best bets for great pairings.

Pairing Tips

Beyond the wine style, consider what flavors are in your ham when selecting a pairing:

• Fruit glazes call for wines with matching fruity notes like peach, cherry, or citrus.

• Spice rubs pair well with aromatic whites like Gewürztraminer and Torrontès.

• Smoked ham deserves an oaked wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

• Prosciutto and dry cured hams do nicely with higher-acid whites like Pinot Grigio.

• Sweet hams soaked in maple syrup or honey marry best with off-dry Riesling or Chenin Blanc.

• Pick bubbly for special occasion hams like Christmas spiral-cut.

Trust your taste preferences too. If you like juicy, fruity wines, feel free to pair your ham with a ripe Beaujolais instead of an austere Chablis. The best wine for you is the one you’ll enjoy most with your meal.

Ham makes for wonderful wine pairing possibilities. With so many fantastic wines to try, get creative at your next ham dinner or holiday gathering. Sample a few bottle options to discover your best wine matches. The right wine will elevate your ham and sides into a fabulous feast.