What Wine to Serve with Ham? The Perfect Pairing Guide
Finding the perfect wine to complement ham can elevate your dining experience. Ultimately, the best wine pairing for ham depends on how the ham is prepared. However, as a general rule, light-bodied, slightly off-dry white wines and fruit-forward, low-tannin red wines are excellent choices, as they balance ham’s saltiness and subtle sweetness.
Understanding Ham’s Flavor Profile
Ham, a cured meat derived from the leg of a pig, boasts a complex flavor profile heavily influenced by the curing process, smoking (if applicable), and any glazes applied. It’s important to consider these nuances when choosing a wine.
- Saltiness: Ham is inherently salty due to the curing process. Wine pairings should either contrast or complement this salinity without amplifying it.
- Sweetness: Some hams, especially those with honey or brown sugar glazes, have a pronounced sweetness. Wine pairings need to account for this, often benefiting from a touch of residual sugar.
- Smokiness: Smoked hams have a smoky flavor that adds depth and complexity. Wines with earthy or smoky notes can harmonize well with this characteristic.
- Spice Level: Glazes often incorporate spices like cloves, cinnamon, or mustard. Wine pairings should complement or contrast these spices, adding to the overall experience.
Key Wine Characteristics for Ham Pairings
When seeking a suitable wine pairing for ham, consider these essential characteristics:
- Acidity: Wines with good acidity cut through the richness of ham and cleanse the palate.
- Fruitiness: Fruity wines, both red and white, offer a delightful contrast to ham’s savory profile.
- Body: Lighter-bodied wines generally pair better with ham than full-bodied ones, preventing the wine from overpowering the meat.
- Tannins: High-tannin red wines can clash with ham’s saltiness, creating a bitter taste. Opt for low-tannin reds or whites.
- Sweetness (Residual Sugar): A touch of sweetness in the wine can beautifully complement a sweet ham glaze or balance the saltiness.
White Wine Pairings: A Fresh Approach
White wines often shine when paired with ham, offering refreshing acidity and complementary fruit flavors.
- Riesling (Off-Dry): This aromatic white wine’s residual sugar and high acidity make it an excellent choice, particularly with sweeter hams. The fruit notes of apricot and peach are particularly appealing.
- Gewürztraminer: This aromatic white is known for its lychee and rose petal aromas. Its slightly spicy notes complement spiced ham glazes beautifully.
- Pinot Blanc: A dry, crisp white wine with subtle apple and citrus flavors. Its high acidity helps cut through the richness of the ham without being overpowering.
- Vouvray (Sec or Demi-Sec): Made from Chenin Blanc grapes, Vouvray offers a range of sweetness levels. The slightly sweet (demi-sec) versions are ideal for glazed hams.
- Dry Rosé: Especially rosé from Provence, France, with its crisp acidity and red fruit flavors, offers a refreshing and versatile pairing, suitable for many ham preparations.
Red Wine Pairings: A Delicate Balance
Red wines can also pair well with ham, but it’s crucial to choose carefully to avoid tannin clashes.
- Beaujolais: Made from Gamay grapes, Beaujolais is a light-bodied red with bright fruit flavors and low tannins. It’s a versatile and food-friendly option.
- Pinot Noir: A light to medium-bodied red with red fruit aromas and earthy notes. Choose Pinot Noir from cooler climates, as they tend to have higher acidity and lower tannins.
- Lambrusco: A slightly sparkling red wine from Italy. Its fruity flavors and effervescence make it a fun and festive pairing, especially with prosciutto-style ham.
Sparkling Wine Pairings: Celebration in a Glass
Sparkling wines are a celebratory option that can also enhance your ham dinner.
- Prosecco: A light-bodied sparkling wine from Italy with fruity aromas and refreshing acidity. It’s a versatile option for various ham preparations.
- Cava: A Spanish sparkling wine that is often drier than Prosecco, making it a good choice for saltier hams.
- Crémant: A French sparkling wine made outside of the Champagne region. It often offers excellent value and complex flavors.
Pairing Ham with Specific Glazes
The glaze applied to ham significantly impacts the best wine pairing.
| Glaze Type | Recommended Wine Pairing | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Honey Glaze | Off-Dry Riesling, Vouvray (Demi-Sec) | The sweetness of the glaze requires a wine with residual sugar to balance it. |
| Brown Sugar Glaze | Gewürztraminer, Off-Dry Rosé | The spicy and aromatic notes of Gewürztraminer complement the brown sugar, while the Rosé offers a refreshing contrast. |
| Maple Glaze | Beaujolais, Pinot Noir | The lighter-bodied reds provide fruit and acidity without overpowering the subtle maple flavor. |
| Mustard Glaze | Pinot Blanc, Dry Rosé | The crisp acidity of these wines cuts through the richness of the ham and complements the mustard. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing high-tannin red wines: These can make ham taste metallic and bitter.
- Selecting overly oaked wines: Oak can clash with the smoky flavors of some hams.
- Ignoring the glaze: The glaze is a crucial factor in determining the best wine pairing.
- Serving the wine too warm: White and sparkling wines should be well-chilled for optimal enjoyment. Red wines should be served slightly below room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the type of ham (e.g., city ham, country ham) affect the wine pairing?
Yes, absolutely. City ham, which is wet-cured and often milder, pairs well with the wines discussed above. Country ham, which is dry-cured and saltier, may require a wine with more pronounced sweetness and acidity to balance the intense flavors. A slightly sweeter Riesling or a demi-sec Vouvray would be excellent choices for Country ham.
What wine do you recommend for a honey-baked ham?
For a honey-baked ham, which is notably sweet, an off-dry Riesling is a classic and reliable choice. The residual sugar in the Riesling complements the honey glaze without being cloying, and its high acidity cuts through the richness of the ham.
Can I pair a Cabernet Sauvignon with ham?
While generally not recommended, a very light-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with soft tannins might work, particularly if the ham has a savory glaze that tempers the saltiness. However, it’s generally safer to stick to lower-tannin reds.
What if I only drink red wine? What’s my best bet?
If you prefer red wine exclusively, Beaujolais is an excellent and versatile option. Its light body, bright fruit flavors, and low tannins make it a safe and enjoyable pairing with most ham preparations. Another option is a light-bodied Pinot Noir from a cooler climate.
Is it okay to pair white Zinfandel with ham?
While not a traditional pairing, a slightly sweet White Zinfandel can work reasonably well, especially with a sweetly glazed ham. Its fruit-forward character and residual sugar can balance the saltiness and sweetness of the ham.
What about pairing sparkling rosé with ham?
Sparkling rosé is an excellent choice! Its crisp acidity, red fruit flavors, and effervescence make it a refreshing and festive pairing that works well with many ham preparations, particularly those with a fruit-based glaze.
I’m serving ham at Easter. What wine says “Springtime?”
For an Easter ham, consider a dry Rosé from Provence or a light and aromatic Gewürztraminer. Both wines evoke a sense of springtime with their fresh fruit flavors and floral aromas, making them a delightful complement to the occasion.
How does smoking the ham affect the wine pairing?
Smoked ham adds a layer of complexity that often calls for wines with earthy or smoky notes. A Pinot Noir with earthy undertones or a slightly oaky Chardonnay can pair nicely with the smoky flavor.
What about pairing ham with a sweet potato casserole?
When serving ham with sweet potato casserole, consider the sweetness of both dishes. An off-dry Riesling or a Gewürztraminer will complement the sweetness of both while providing enough acidity to prevent the meal from being overly cloying.
My ham has a pineapple glaze. What wine should I choose?
A Gewürztraminer or an off-dry Riesling would be perfect. These wines have aromatic qualities that complement the pineapple, and enough acidity to prevent the pairing from being too sweet.
Is there a general rule of thumb for matching wine sweetness to ham sweetness?
Yes. As a general guideline, the sweeter the ham, the sweeter the wine. This helps maintain balance and prevents either the wine or the ham from overpowering the other.
Does serving temperature affect the pairing?
Absolutely! Serving wine at the correct temperature is crucial. White and sparkling wines should be well-chilled (45-55°F), while red wines should be served slightly below room temperature (60-65°F). This ensures that the wine’s flavors are at their best and that it complements the ham effectively.