What Wine to Pair with Ham?
The best wines to pair with ham are generally lighter-bodied and fruit-forward, with balanced acidity and a touch of sweetness to complement the ham’s savory, smoky, and often salty flavors. Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, off-dry Riesling, and Rosé are excellent choices.
Understanding the Ham Spectrum
Ham, seemingly a simple dish, presents a surprisingly complex canvas for wine pairing. The preparation method, the curing process, the glaze – all these elements contribute to the final flavor profile, influencing which wines will best complement its unique characteristics. Broadly, we can categorize ham based on sweetness, saltiness, and smokiness, allowing us to tailor our wine selections accordingly.
The Influence of Sweetness and Glazes
Many hams, especially those served during holidays, boast a sweet glaze. These glazes, often featuring brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or fruit preserves, significantly impact the pairing process. A wine with residual sugar, like an off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer, can harmonize beautifully with the glaze’s sweetness, preventing the wine from tasting tart or acidic. Think of it as balancing sweet with sweet.
Saltiness and Acidity: A Classic Pairing Principle
The curing process inevitably imparts a certain degree of saltiness to ham. This saltiness necessitates a wine with sufficient acidity to cut through the richness and cleanse the palate. High-acid wines, such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, effectively counteract the salt, creating a more balanced and enjoyable culinary experience.
Smokiness and Red Fruit: A Match Made in Heaven
Smoked ham possesses a deep, savory quality that pairs wonderfully with wines exhibiting red fruit characteristics. Pinot Noir, with its notes of cherry, raspberry, and earth, is a classic choice. The wine’s subtle tannins also prevent it from overpowering the ham’s delicate flavors. Alternatively, a lighter-bodied Gamay (Beaujolais) offers similar fruit-forward notes with a brighter acidity, making it another excellent option.
General Pairing Guidelines: A Quick Reference
Here’s a table summarizing some excellent wine pairings, considering different ham preparations.
| Ham Type | Wine Pairing Suggestions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Honey-Glazed Ham | Off-dry Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Moscato d’Asti | The sweetness of the glaze needs a wine with residual sugar. |
| Smoked Ham | Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, Red Burgundy | Red fruit flavors complement the smoky notes perfectly. |
| Virginia Ham | Dry Rosé, Lambrusco (slightly sweet) | A lighter wine that won’t overpower the ham’s subtle flavors. |
| Baked Ham | Beaujolais, Pinot Noir | Versatile choices for a traditionally baked ham. |
| Country Ham | Amontillado Sherry | This very salty ham requires a nutty, dry wine. |
Considering Rosé: A Surprisingly Versatile Choice
Don’t underestimate the power of Rosé! A dry or slightly off-dry Rosé, particularly one with bright fruit and crisp acidity, can be a surprisingly versatile pairing for ham. Its refreshing nature cuts through the richness of the meat, while its fruit notes complement the savory and smoky flavors.
Wines to Avoid
While many wines pair well with ham, some are best avoided. Highly tannic red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, can clash with the ham’s saltiness, resulting in a bitter or astringent taste. Similarly, overly oaky or buttery Chardonnays can overwhelm the delicate flavors of the ham.
Beyond the Wine: Consider the Sides
The side dishes accompanying the ham also play a role in the overall pairing strategy. If serving mashed potatoes, a wine with a creamy texture, like a white Burgundy, might be a good choice. If serving green bean casserole, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc can provide a refreshing counterpoint. Always consider the entire meal when selecting a wine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will a red wine always be a better choice than a white wine with ham?
Not necessarily! While red wines like Pinot Noir are often recommended, certain white wines, particularly those with residual sugar and balanced acidity, like Riesling or Gewürztraminer, can be excellent pairings, especially with sweeter glazed hams. The key is to match the wine’s sweetness and acidity to the ham’s flavor profile.
What if my ham is heavily seasoned with cloves?
Cloves add a warm, spicy note to the ham. In this case, consider a wine with similar spicy undertones, such as a Gewürztraminer or a Pinot Noir with earthy characteristics. The wine should be aromatic enough to stand up to the cloves without overpowering the ham’s flavor.
I’m serving a spiral-cut ham. Does that affect the wine pairing?
The preparation method itself doesn’t drastically change the wine pairing. However, spiral-cut hams are often glazed, which, as discussed earlier, favors wines with some residual sweetness. Focus on the glaze and choose a wine that complements it.
Can I pair sparkling wine with ham?
Absolutely! Sparkling wine, especially a dry or slightly off-dry variety like Prosecco or Crémant, can be a fantastic pairing with ham. The bubbles provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat, while the wine’s acidity cuts through the saltiness.
What is the best wine to pair with country ham?
Country ham is known for its intense saltiness. A nutty, dry wine like Amontillado Sherry can work well. The wine’s nutty flavors and dry finish help to balance the salt, creating a more palatable experience. This pairing is for seasoned palates!
Is there a big difference between pairing wine with a bone-in ham versus a boneless ham?
The presence or absence of the bone has minimal impact on the flavor profile of the ham itself. The primary factors determining the ideal wine pairing are the curing process, smoking method, and any glazes used.
What about pairing wine with ham salad sandwiches?
Ham salad sandwiches, often mixed with mayonnaise or other creamy ingredients, require a wine with enough acidity to cut through the richness. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Rosé would be excellent choices.
I don’t like sweet wines. What dry wine pairs well with a honey-glazed ham?
If you prefer dry wines, look for a dry Riesling with high acidity and pronounced citrus notes. The acidity will balance the sweetness of the honey glaze, while the citrus flavors will provide a refreshing counterpoint. Look for the “trocken” designation on German Rieslings.
If I’m serving ham with a pineapple glaze, what wine should I choose?
A pineapple glaze adds a tropical fruit element to the ham. A wine with similar tropical fruit notes, such as a Viognier or a dry Chenin Blanc, would be a harmonious pairing.
Does the cut of ham (e.g., shank, butt) matter for wine pairing?
Not significantly. The primary determining factors for wine pairing remain the curing process, smoking method, and any glazes used. The cut of ham primarily affects the texture and fat content, which have a lesser impact on wine selection.
What wine should I serve if I’m having a ham and cheese quiche?
A dry Rosé or a crisp Pinot Grigio would be excellent choices. These wines have enough acidity to cut through the richness of the quiche, while their fruit-forward flavors complement the ham and cheese.
My ham is extremely smoky. What wine is best for that?
For an intensely smoky ham, consider a richer Pinot Noir or a red Burgundy with earthy and smoky notes. The wine’s complexity will complement the ham’s smokiness without being overpowered. You can also try a Syrah if you prefer something bolder, but be mindful of tannins.