Ham, with its savory-sweet profile and often smoky undertones, is a beloved centerpiece for holiday feasts and everyday meals alike. But finding the perfect wine to complement its complex flavors can elevate the dining experience from good to exceptional. It’s not as simple as “red or white,” but rather a nuanced exploration of how different wine characteristics interact with the unique qualities of ham.
Understanding the Flavor Profile of Ham
Before diving into specific wine recommendations, let’s break down the key flavor elements that define ham. This understanding is crucial for making informed pairing choices.
First, consider the saltiness. Ham is inherently salty, a result of the curing process. This saltiness calls for wines with balancing acidity and a touch of sweetness.
Second, there’s the sweetness. Many ham preparations involve glazes, often featuring honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, or fruit. This sweetness needs to be matched or contrasted effectively by the wine.
Third, the smokiness plays a significant role, especially in smoked ham varieties. Wines with earthy or subtly smoky notes can harmonize beautifully with this characteristic.
Finally, don’t forget the fat content. Ham can be quite fatty, requiring wines with enough acidity to cut through the richness and cleanse the palate.
The Best White Wines to Pair with Ham
While red wine is often the default choice for meat dishes, several white wines offer fantastic pairings with ham, particularly when the ham is served with a sweeter glaze or a lighter preparation.
Riesling: A Sweet and Acidic Symphony
Riesling, particularly off-dry (or Kabinett and Spätlese) styles, is a stellar choice for ham. Its hallmark is its high acidity and aromatic intensity. The slight sweetness complements the glaze beautifully, while the acidity cuts through the fat and salt. Look for Rieslings from Germany, Alsace, or the Finger Lakes region of New York. The stone fruit notes often found in Riesling, such as apricot and peach, also marry well with the inherent fruitiness of many ham preparations.
Gewürztraminer: An Aromatic Adventure
Gewürztraminer, another aromatic white wine, offers a bolder and spicier counterpoint to ham. Its pronounced floral notes, lychee aromas, and subtle spice create an intriguing contrast with the savory and sweet elements of the dish. Gewürztraminer’s richer texture can also stand up well to fattier cuts of ham. This wine shines when paired with ham that has a clove or spice-infused glaze.
Pinot Gris/Grigio: Light and Refreshing
For a lighter and more refreshing option, Pinot Gris (also known as Pinot Grigio) can be a great choice. Opt for a Pinot Gris that’s not overly dry, preferably from Alsace or Oregon, where they tend to have a bit more body and fruit. The subtle fruit flavors and crisp acidity of Pinot Gris can cleanse the palate and provide a counterpoint to the richness of the ham. It’s particularly well-suited for lighter ham preparations or those served with fruit-based accompaniments.
Viognier: Aromatic and Full-Bodied
Viognier is an often overlooked white wine with a lovely aromatic profile. Think floral notes, peach, and apricot. Its fuller body allows it to stand up to the richness of ham, while its aromatic complexity adds another layer of flavor. Look for Viognier from California or the Rhône Valley in France. Viognier pairs especially well with ham dishes that incorporate stone fruits in the glaze or as a side dish.
Red Wine Pairings with Ham
Don’t discount red wine entirely! While bolder, tannic reds might overpower ham, there are several lighter-bodied and fruit-forward reds that can create delightful pairings.
Pinot Noir: The Versatile Choice
Pinot Noir is arguably the most versatile red wine for ham. Its bright acidity, red fruit flavors (cherry, raspberry, cranberry), and earthy undertones make it a harmonious match. The key is to choose a Pinot Noir that isn’t too heavy or oaky. Look for Pinot Noir from Burgundy, Oregon, or New Zealand. These Pinot Noirs complement the savory and smoky elements of ham without overwhelming its delicate flavors. A Pinot Noir with a touch of spice can also enhance the overall experience, particularly with hams that have a spiced glaze.
Beaujolais: Light and Fruity Delight
Beaujolais, made from the Gamay grape, is another excellent red wine option. Its light body, high acidity, and vibrant fruit flavors (cherry, banana, and bubblegum) make it a refreshing and easy-drinking choice. Beaujolais is best served slightly chilled, adding to its refreshing quality. It’s a great option for casual ham dinners and pairs well with lighter ham preparations.
Lambrusco: A Sparkling Surprise
Don’t overlook Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine from Italy. Its slightly sweet and bubbly nature, along with its red fruit flavors, creates a playful and unexpected pairing with ham. Lambrusco’s effervescence also helps cleanse the palate, making it a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the ham. Choose a Lambrusco that’s not too dry and ideally has some residual sugar.
Zinfandel: Bold and Fruity
For a richer, more assertive ham, such as a heavily smoked or honey-glazed variety, a lighter-style Zinfandel can work well. The key here is to avoid the high-alcohol, jammy Zinfandels. Instead, seek out those with bright acidity, red fruit flavors (raspberry, plum), and a touch of spice. The fruit-forward character of Zinfandel complements the sweetness of the glaze, while its acidity cuts through the richness of the ham.
Considerations Beyond the Wine and Ham
The wine pairing isn’t just about the ham itself. It’s also about the entire meal. Side dishes and sauces can significantly influence your wine choice.
If you’re serving a pineapple-glazed ham, a sweeter Riesling or Gewürztraminer would be an excellent choice. The tropical fruit notes in the wine will complement the pineapple beautifully.
For a maple-glazed ham, consider a Pinot Noir or a dry rosé with earthy undertones. The earthy notes will balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.
If you’re serving creamy scalloped potatoes as a side dish, a richer white wine like Viognier or a slightly oaked Chardonnay can provide a complementary richness.
And don’t forget the acidity of any accompanying salads or vegetables. High-acid salads can make a wine taste flat, so adjust your wine choice accordingly.
Rosé: The Versatile Wildcard
Rosé wines, with their diverse range of styles, offer a surprisingly versatile option for pairing with ham. A dry rosé with bright acidity and red fruit flavors can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the ham. A slightly sweeter rosé can complement a honey-glazed ham, while a more savory rosé can stand up to a smoked ham. Look for rosés from Provence, Spain, or California.
Tasting Notes and Examples
To further illustrate these pairings, here are some specific wine examples and their tasting notes:
German Riesling Kabinett (e.g., Dr. Loosen Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett): Offers aromas of green apple, lime, and petrol, with a hint of sweetness and vibrant acidity.
Alsatian Gewürztraminer (e.g., Trimbach Gewürztraminer): Exhibits notes of lychee, rose petals, and spice, with a rich texture and a slightly bitter finish.
Oregon Pinot Noir (e.g., Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir): Showcases aromas of cherry, raspberry, and earth, with bright acidity and silky tannins.
Beaujolais-Villages (e.g., Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages): Presents flavors of red berries and banana, with light body and refreshing acidity.
Lambrusco Grasparossa (e.g., Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro): Offers notes of blackberry, cherry, and violets, with a slight sweetness and lively bubbles.
Final Thoughts: Experiment and Enjoy!
Ultimately, the best wine pairing is the one you enjoy the most. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different wines and ham preparations to discover your own personal favorites. These guidelines are a starting point, but the world of wine is vast and exciting. By understanding the flavor profiles of both the ham and the wine, you can create memorable and delicious dining experiences. Remember to consider the glaze, side dishes, and your own personal preferences when making your final selection. Cheers to finding the perfect pour for your ham dinner!
FAQ 1: What makes pairing wine with ham so challenging?
Pairing wine with ham presents a unique challenge due to ham’s inherent sweetness and salty profile. The curing process often infuses the meat with flavors of smoke and spices, adding complexity to the overall taste. Many hams also have a glaze, ranging from sweet fruit glazes to savory brown sugar glazes, which further complicates the wine pairing process.
These various flavor components demand a wine that can balance sweetness, cut through richness, and complement the salty and smoky notes. A wine that is overly tannic will clash with the ham’s saltiness, while a wine that is too dry might be overpowered by the ham’s sweetness. Finding the perfect balance is key to a harmonious pairing.
FAQ 2: What are some general guidelines for choosing a wine to complement ham?
When selecting a wine for your ham dinner, consider wines with a touch of sweetness, good acidity, and fruity notes. These characteristics will help to balance the ham’s saltiness and richness, while the fruit flavors will complement any glaze or added spices. Look for wines that are medium-bodied and avoid wines that are overly oaky or tannic.
Rosé wines, off-dry Rieslings, Pinot Noirs, and Beaujolais are often excellent choices. These wines typically offer a pleasant balance of fruit, acidity, and subtle sweetness. The key is to choose a wine that enhances the ham’s flavors without overpowering them. Experimentation is encouraged to discover your personal preference.
FAQ 3: What kind of wine pairs best with a honey-glazed ham?
Honey-glazed ham presents an extra layer of sweetness that requires a wine with sufficient acidity to cut through the richness and prevent the pairing from becoming cloying. An off-dry Riesling from Germany or Alsace is a fantastic choice. The Riesling’s high acidity and subtle sweetness will beautifully complement the honey glaze, while its fruity aromas will enhance the overall flavor profile.
Another excellent option is a Gewürztraminer, particularly one with floral aromas and hints of spice. The Gewürztraminer’s aromatic complexity and slightly off-dry character will pair well with the honey and the ham’s smoky notes. Avoid overly dry wines, as they might taste tart against the sweetness of the glaze.
FAQ 4: How do I select a wine for a smoked ham?
Smoked ham offers a more savory and intense flavor profile compared to other preparations. When pairing with smoked ham, consider wines that can stand up to the smoky flavors without being overwhelmed. A Cru Beaujolais, with its bright fruit and earthy undertones, can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the ham’s smokiness.
Another worthy contender is a Pinot Noir from Oregon or Burgundy. The Pinot Noir’s earthy notes and delicate fruit flavors can complement the smoke while its acidity balances the ham’s richness. Avoid wines that are too light-bodied, as they may get lost against the intense smoky flavor.
FAQ 5: Can rosé wine really be a good match for ham?
Absolutely! Rosé wine is a surprisingly versatile pairing option for ham, especially when the ham is served with a lighter glaze or accompanied by fruit-based side dishes. The best rosé wines for ham are those that are dry or slightly off-dry, with vibrant acidity and red fruit flavors. Rosé wines from Provence or Spain often offer these characteristics.
The acidity in rosé helps to cut through the richness of the ham, while the fruit flavors complement any fruit glazes or fruit-based sides. The light to medium body of most rosés also prevents them from overpowering the ham’s delicate flavors. Choose a rosé with a good balance of acidity and fruit to create a refreshing and harmonious pairing.
FAQ 6: What wines should I avoid pairing with ham?
Generally, you should avoid pairing ham with wines that are excessively tannic, overly oaky, or bone dry. High-tannin wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Barolo, can clash with the saltiness of the ham, creating a metallic taste. Heavily oaked wines, like some Chardonnays, can overwhelm the ham’s delicate flavors and create an unbalanced pairing.
Bone-dry wines, especially those with high acidity, may taste tart and austere when paired with the sweetness of the ham or its glaze. Avoid these types of wines to ensure a more enjoyable and balanced dining experience. Opt for wines with fruit-forward flavors, good acidity, and a touch of sweetness to complement the ham’s inherent characteristics.
FAQ 7: What if I’m serving ham with a side dish that also needs to be considered in the wine pairing?
When pairing wine with ham and considering accompanying side dishes, it’s crucial to choose a wine that complements both the ham and the sides. For example, if you’re serving ham with scalloped potatoes, a medium-bodied Chardonnay with moderate acidity can work well, as it will pair nicely with the creamy potatoes and the ham’s savory notes.
If you’re serving ham with a fruit-based side dish like cranberry sauce, an off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer will be a great choice, as it will complement both the ham’s sweetness and the fruit flavors in the sauce. The key is to select a wine that is versatile enough to harmonize with the various flavors on your plate. Consider the dominant flavors of both the ham and the side dishes when making your selection.