Smoked Ham Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Smoked Ham

If you’re looking to give your next dinner party an extra special touch, smoked ham is the way to go.

With its juicy and smoky flavors, it’s sure to impress guests and make your gathering unforgettable.

But what’s a perfectly cooked smoked ham without the right wine pairing?

Read Also: Ham Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Ham

The right wine can elevate any meal, including one with smoked ham as the centerpiece.

The perfect pair will bring out all of its delicious nuances in every bite – from sweet, salty, and smoky notes to subtle hints of sweetness or spice.

Luckily for you, there are plenty of reds and whites that work great with this classic meat: from light-bodied Pinot Noir to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon; from zesty Champagne Brut to crisp white wines like Riesling or Chardonnay;…the list goes on!

But deciding what wines best pair with this iconic dish can be daunting even for seasoned sommeliers – so today I’m here to take some of that stress away by showing you tried-and-true smoked hams and wine combinations.

So, what wine goes with smoked ham?

The best wines to pair with smoked ham are Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Riesling. Pinot Noirs from Oregon or California have acidic notes that balance the smoky flavor of the ham. Syrah is a great choice for those who enjoy bolder flavors, while Riesling provides bright acidity and helps cut through the richness of the dish.

Why Consider Serving Wine With Smoked Ham?

Serving wine with smoked ham is an excellent way to bring out the flavor of the ham and complement the smokiness.

It’s also a great opportunity to experiment and find delicious pairings that will take your meal to the next level, whether it be for a special occasion or just a regular weeknight dinner.

When looking for wines to pair with smoked ham, try to go for ones that are fruity and slightly sweet, as these can add balance and richness of flavor without overpowering the taste of the meat.

Wines like Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc all work well with smoked ham due to their natural sweetness. You could also consider rosé or sparkling wines if you want something different or festive!

The Best Red Wines For Smoked Ham

When it comes to smoked ham, red wines are the ideal pairing. A robust red is perfect for cutting through the smokiness of the meat and providing a balance of flavors.

Look for a full-bodied red with high tannins such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Zinfandel.

If you prefer something fruitier, go for Pinot Noir or Sangiovese. Syrah/Shiraz can also work well but make sure to pick one that has soft tannins and isn’t too oaky.

Other great options include Barbera, Malbec, and Tempranillo.

These bolder wines provide a great contrast to the saltiness of smoked ham while also complementing its sweetness without overpowering it in any way.

For an extra layer of flavor, serve your wine slightly chilled which will bring out its fruity notes even more!

The Best White Wines For Smoked Ham

When it comes to white wines, a few great options come to mind.

The first is Chardonnay. Its creamy texture works well with the flavors of smoked ham and its medium body allows the smokiness of the meat to shine through.

For those looking for something a bit crisper, Sauvignon Blanc can be an ideal choice as its light character and acidity balance out any richness from the ingredients in your dish.

Lastly, Pinot Grigio is another great option thanks to its minerality which pairs nicely with pork-based dishes like smoked ham.

The Best Rosé Wines For Smoked Ham

Rosé wines are always a great choice when pairing with smoked ham. The crisp, fruity notes of the wine help to cut through the smoky flavor of the meat, creating an interesting and well-balanced plate.

Pinot Noir rosés are especially good for pairing with this dish because of their subtle fruitiness and light body. Zinfandel rosés offer a slightly more intense profile due to its spicy qualities which complement the smokiness very nicely. Syrah rosés can also work well but they tend to be on the bolder side so be sure to choose one that is not too heavy or tannic.

For an even lighter option, you could try a sparkling rosé such as Prosecco or Cava which will bring out the natural sweetness in your smoked ham while adding some effervescence and brightness to each bite.

Other Wines To Pair With Smoked Ham

If you are looking for other wines to pair with smoked ham, there are a few great options. Depending on the type of smoked ham you have, certain types of wines may be more suitable than others.

For example, if you have a lightly smoked and sweet honey-glazed ham or one that is salty and savory in flavor, then what kind of wine would go well?

A sparkling wine like Prosecco or Cava could be an excellent choice as it has just enough sweetness to balance out the saltiness from the meat. Additionally, some dry rosé wines can also do a great job at creating harmony between the smokiness and sweetness of your dish; for instance, Pinot Noir Rosé can work well here.

Finally, some oaked whites such as Chardonnay may pair nicely since their buttery texture and mild oak flavors match very well with the smoky flavors in Ham dishes. So if you’re going to enjoy your Smoked Ham with friends this weekend don’t forget to choose one of these tasty yet inexpensive bottles!

5 Tips For Picking A Wine

When you are pairing your smoked ham with wine, it can seem a bit daunting. To make the process easier, here are five tips that will help you pick the perfect wine to serve with your smoked ham:

1. Consider The Occasion – What type of occasion is it? Is this a special dinner or more of an informal gathering? Are there other dishes that will be served too? This can help narrow down what type of wines will work best for the meal.
2. Know Your Taste Preferences – Knowing what kind of flavors and aromas you like in a wine can help you decide which one will pair best with your smoked ham. You may prefer fruit-forward whites or dry reds with bold tannins.
3. Think About How Sweet Or Savory The Smoked Ham Is – If the smoked ham is on the sweeter side, then look for a sweeter wine that has some acidity to balance out those flavors—think rosé or Riesling/Gewurztraminer blend. For savory hams, go for something dryer and more acidic such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend.
4. Don’t Be Afraid To Experiment – Trying new wines is always exciting! So don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for your taste buds when it comes to pairing wines and foods like smoked hams!
5. Ask An Expert – Lastly, if all else fails ask an expert at your local liquor store for advice on picking out a great bottle of vino! They should have plenty of ideas about which wines would pair well with different types of food dishes like smoked hams

Smoked Ham Wine Pairing: 3 Ways To Go About It

When it comes to pairing a wine with smoked ham, there are three main approaches that you can take. The first is to choose a wine that will complement the flavors of the ham. This works well if you are looking for an easy match and don’t want to overthink things.

The second approach is to find a wine that will contrast the flavor of the ham. This works particularly well when you are looking for something bold and intense to balance out the smokiness of the meat.

Finally, you could choose a neutral white or rosé which won’t really affect either flavor in any way – this may be your best bet if serving other dishes alongside your smoked ham as it won’t clash with their flavors either!

Serving Temperature And Glassware

Serving temperature and glassware are important elements in the art of pairing. For example, serving a white wine too cold can suppress its aromas and flavors, while a red that is too warm will lose its minerality and complexity.

When it comes to smoked ham, we recommend serving wines no colder than 55°F (12°C). This ensures that your whites don’t lose all their aroma and flavor, while you don’t have to worry about tannins being over-extracted from your reds. If you want to be extra careful with your wine pairings, keeping them at no warmer than 62°F (17°C) is always an option.

As for glassware, it depends on the style of beer or wine you choose; however, a universal rule is to use glasses with straight sides as opposed to tulip shapes because they provide more surface area for the aromas and flavors of the drink – which makes for better overall drinking experience!

Conclusion

At the end of the day, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to pairing wines with smoked ham. The best thing you can do is to experiment and find what works for you and your guests.

So, what wine pairs well with smoked ham?

The best wines to pair with smoked ham are Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Riesling. Pinot Noir adds a light fruitiness that complements the smokiness of the ham. Syrah has a rich flavor that balances out the salty notes in smoked ham. Finally, Riesling is an excellent choice as it has a sweetness that cuts through the saltiness of the meat.

Try different combinations with red, white, and rosé wines until you find a particular flavor combination that’s perfect for your taste. Make sure to consider things like serving temperature as well as glassware so that you can also enjoy the presentation of your chosen wine pairs.

Have fun experimenting with different types of wines to pair with smoked ham – you may be surprised at how delicious some unexpected pairings turn out!