Ham Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Ham

When it comes to serving a succulent ham for a special occasion, finding the perfect wine to pair it with can elevate the entire meal to a new level.

With so many wine options available, selecting the right one can be a daunting task.

Fear not, as we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide on ham wine pairing.

Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé, we’ve rounded up the best wines to complement the sweet and salty richness of ham.

So, what wine goes with ham?

The best wines to pair with ham are Riesling, Moscato, Chenin Blanc, and Rosé. These wines have a light body and bright acidity that complement the smokiness of the ham. For an added layer of flavor, try pairing your dish with sparkling wine or dry white varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

In this article, we’ll also provide some creative serving ideas, share tips on serving temperature and glassware, and more.

So, if you’re wondering which wines to serve with your next ham dish, read on to discover the ultimate ham wine pairing guide.

Why Consider Serving Wine With Ham?

Ham is a beloved classic dish that is often served at special occasions such as Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. While it’s delicious on its own, pairing it with the right wine can take your meal to the next level.

Here are some reasons why you should consider serving wine with ham:

• Enhances Flavors: The sweetness and saltiness of ham can be perfectly balanced with the acidity, sweetness, and bold fruit flavors of wine. The right wine pairing can enhance the flavors of both the ham and the wine, creating a harmonious and delicious taste experience.
• Adds Sophistication: Serving wine with your ham dish adds an element of sophistication and elegance to your meal. It elevates the dining experience and shows your guests that you put thought and care into the meal.
• Complements Sides: Ham is often served with sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. The right wine pairing can complement these sides as well, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
• Variety of Options: There are countless wine options available, making it easy to find the perfect pairing for your ham dish. From light and sweet to bold and spicy, there is a wine to suit every taste preference.

Overall, serving wine with ham is a great way to elevate your meal and impress your guests. With so many options available, it’s easy to find the perfect pairing that will enhance the flavors of both the ham and the wine.

So, whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply enjoying a ham dinner at home, consider adding a bottle of wine to your table for a complete and sophisticated dining experience.

The Best Red Wines For Ham

If you prefer red wine, there are several options that pair well with ham. When selecting a red wine for ham, look for a wine that is light to medium-bodied with low tannins and high acidity.

Here are some of the best red wines to pair with ham:

1. Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir is a popular red wine that pairs well with ham. Its light to medium-bodied style and low tannins make it a great match for the sweet and salty flavors of ham.
2. Zinfandel: Zinfandel is a bold and fruity red wine that pairs well with ham. Its rich flavors of dark fruit, spice, and pepper complement the richness of the ham.
3. Beaujolais: Beaujolais is a light-bodied red wine that is low in tannins and high in acidity. Its fruity flavors and refreshing finish make it a great match for ham.
4. Grenache: Grenache is a medium-bodied red wine that is known for its fruity and spicy flavors. Its low tannins and high acidity make it a great match for ham.
5. Lambrusco: Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine that is slightly sweet and low in alcohol. Its effervescence and fruitiness make it a great match for ham.

When serving red wine with ham, it’s important to chill the wine slightly to enhance its acidity and fruit flavors. Serve it at around 55-65°F (13-18°C) and in a large glass with a wide opening to allow the wine to breathe.

The Best White Wines For Ham

If you prefer white wine, there are several options that pair well with ham. When selecting a white wine for ham, look for a wine that has a hint of sweetness, high acidity, and bold fruit flavors.

Here are some of the best white wines to pair with ham:

1. Riesling: Riesling is a versatile white wine that pairs well with ham. Its sweetness and acidity complement the sweet and salty flavors of ham, while its fruitiness adds a refreshing finish.
2. Chenin Blanc: Chenin Blanc is a medium-bodied white wine that has a hint of sweetness and high acidity. Its flavors of honey and stone fruit make it a great match for ham.
3. Moscato: Moscato is a sweet white wine that has low acidity and fruity flavors. Its sweetness pairs well with the salty richness of ham.
4. Viognier: Viognier is a full-bodied white wine that has a hint of sweetness and bold fruit flavors. Its high acidity and richness make it a great match for ham.
5. Gewürztraminer: Gewürztraminer is a medium-bodied white wine that is slightly sweet and has bold flavors of lychee, rose, and spice. Its sweetness and acidity make it a great match for ham.

When serving white wine with ham, it’s important to serve it chilled. Serve it at around 45-55°F (7-13°C) and in a glass with a smaller opening to concentrate the wine’s aromas.

The Best Rosé Wines For Ham

Rosé wine is a versatile option that can pair well with many different foods, including ham. When selecting a rosé wine for ham, look for a wine that has a hint of sweetness, high acidity, and bold fruit flavors.

Here are some of the best rosé wines to pair with ham:

1. Grenache Rosé: Grenache Rosé is a light-bodied wine with flavors of strawberries, watermelon, and spice. Its high acidity and fruitiness make it a great match for ham.
2. Syrah Rosé: Syrah Rosé is a medium-bodied wine that has flavors of raspberries, cherries, and spice. Its bold flavors and refreshing acidity make it a great match for ham.
3. Pinot Noir Rosé: Pinot Noir Rosé is a light-bodied wine with flavors of strawberries, cherries, and a hint of spice. Its low tannins and high acidity make it a great match for ham.
4. White Zinfandel: White Zinfandel is a slightly sweet rosé wine that has flavors of strawberries and raspberries. Its sweetness and low alcohol content make it a great match for ham.

Other Wines To Pair With Ham

In addition to the red, white, and rosé wines mentioned above, there are several other wine options that can pair well with ham.

Here are some additional wine options to consider:

1. Sparkling Wine: Sparkling wine is a festive and versatile option that pairs well with ham. Its effervescence and acidity complement the sweet and salty flavors of ham.
2. Chardonnay: Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine that can pair well with ham. Look for a chardonnay that is lightly oaked, as the oak flavors can complement the smokiness of the ham.
3. Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that can pair well with ham. Look for a cabernet sauvignon that is lightly oaked, as the oak flavors can complement the smokiness of the ham.
4. Gamay: Gamay is a light-bodied red wine that is low in tannins and high in acidity. Its fruity flavors and refreshing finish make it a great match for ham.
5. Rosé Champagne: Rosé Champagne is a festive and elegant option that can pair well with ham. Its effervescence and acidity complement the sweet and salty flavors of ham, while its fruitiness adds a refreshing finish.

5 Tasty Ham And Wine Serving Ideas

When it comes to serving ham and wine, there are many delicious and creative ways to pair these two elements.

Here are five tasty ham and wine serving ideas to consider:

1. Glazed Ham and Riesling: Pair a sweet and tangy glazed ham with a crisp and fruity Riesling. The sweetness of the ham and the sweetness of the wine will complement each other perfectly.
2. Ham and Chardonnay: Serve a smoky and savory ham with a lightly oaked Chardonnay. The oak flavors in the wine will complement the smokiness of the ham.
3. Rosé and Charcuterie Board: Create a charcuterie board featuring various meats and cheeses, and pair it with a light and fruity rosé. The acidity of the wine will cut through the richness of the meats and cheeses.
4. Ham and Pinot Noir: Serve a honey-glazed ham with a light and fruity Pinot Noir. The fruitiness of the wine will complement the sweetness of the ham.
5. Sparkling Wine and Ham Croquettes: Pair crispy and savory ham croquettes with a dry and effervescent sparkling wine. The effervescence of the wine will cleanse the palate and refresh the taste buds.

Serving Temperature And Glassware

When serving wine with ham, it’s important to consider the serving temperature and glassware for the wine. Here are some tips to ensure that your wine is served at the right temperature and in the right glass:

• Temperature: White and rosé wines should be served chilled, while red wines should be served slightly below room temperature. The ideal serving temperature for white wine is around 45-55°F (7-13°C), while the ideal serving temperature for red wine is around 55-65°F (13-18°C).
• Glassware: Use a large glass with a wide opening for red wine, and a smaller glass with a narrower opening for white and rosé wines. The wide opening of the red wine glass allows the wine to breathe and enhances its aroma, while the narrow opening of the white and rosé wine glass concentrates the wine’s aromas.
• Decanting: If you’re serving an older red wine or a full-bodied red wine, consider decanting it before serving. This allows the wine to aerate and open up, enhancing its flavors and aromas.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your wine is served at the optimal temperature and in the right glass, enhancing its flavors and aromas and creating a sophisticated and enjoyable dining experience.

FAQ

If you’re wondering what type of wine to pair with a specific type of ham, here are some general guidelines to consider:

• Honey Baked Ham: A sweet and tangy honey-baked ham pairs well with a crisp and fruity Riesling. The sweetness of the ham and the sweetness of the wine will complement each other perfectly.
• Smoked Ham: A smoky and savory smoked ham pairs well with a lightly oaked Chardonnay. The oak flavors in the wine will complement the smokiness of the ham.
• Serrano Ham: Serrano ham, a cured Spanish ham, pairs well with a light and fruity rosé or a dry and effervescent sparkling wine. The acidity of the wine will cut through the richness of the ham.
• Roast Ham: A roast ham pairs well with a light and fruity Pinot Noir or a bold and fruity Zinfandel. The fruitiness of the wine will complement the savory flavors of the ham.

Conclusion

In conclusion, serving wine with ham can elevate your meal to a new level, impress your guests, and create a sophisticated dining experience.

From light and sweet to bold and spicy, there are countless wine options available to complement the sweet and salty flavors of ham.

So, what wine pairs well with ham?

The best wines to serve with ham are sweet white wines such as Riesling, Moscato, and Chenin Blanc. Rosé is also a great option for pairing with ham dishes. These wines have the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity that will complement the flavors of the dish.

Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé wine, there are several options that pair well with ham.

Additionally, there are many creative serving ideas and tips on serving temperature and glassware to ensure that your wine is served at the optimal temperature and in the right glass.

With these tips and ideas, you can create a delicious and sophisticated ham and wine pairing that will leave your guests impressed and satisfied.