When it comes to holiday meals, smoked ham is a classic choice for many homes, especially during Christmas and Easter. The smoky and salty flavors of the ham make it a delicious centerpiece for any festive gathering. However, finding the perfect wine to pair with smoked ham can be a bit tricky. In this article, we will explore different wine options that complement the flavors of smoked ham, helping you create a memorable dining experience.
Sweet/Glazed Hams:
Sweet or glazed hams, with flavors like honey, pineapple, or citrus, are a popular choice for holiday meals. The combination of sweet and salty flavors in these hams calls for wines that can provide a good balance and contrast. Here are some wine options that pair well with sweet/glazed hams:
- Moscato: This sweet white wine has fruity and floral notes that complement the sweetness of the glaze. Its light and refreshing character make it an excellent choice for those who prefer sweeter wines.
- Dry Rieslings: These white wines offer a good balance between sweetness and acidity. Their crisp and citrusy flavors harmonize well with the sweet and salty flavors of the ham.
- Gewurztraminer: Gewurztraminer wines have a slightly spicy and aromatic profile that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze of the ham. Its rich and fruity character adds complexity to the overall dining experience.
- Chenin Blanc: Chenin Blanc wines offer a range of flavors, from crisp and fruity to honeyed and floral. They can provide a good contrast to the sweetness of the glaze while enhancing the savory notes of the ham.
- Pinot Gris: This white wine varietal has a slightly off-dry profile, making it a great choice for sweet/glazed hams. Its flavors of pear, apple, and spice complement the flavors of the ham.
Savory or Smoked Ham:
For those who prefer savory or smoked hams, wines with bold flavors and earthy tones are the perfect match. The smoky and salty flavors of the ham require wines that can effectively complement them. Here are some wine options that pair well with savory/smoked hams:
- Pinot Noir: This red wine varietal offers a delicate balance of fruitiness, acidity, and earthiness. Its flavors of cherry, raspberry, and spice blend harmoniously with the smoky and salty flavors of the ham.
- Syrah: Syrah wines have bold flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, and savory herbs, making them an excellent choice for smoked or baked hams. The wine's complexity and tannins enhance the overall dining experience.
- Rieslings: Semi or sweet Rieslings can provide a delightful contrast to the smoky and salty flavors of the ham. The wine's sweetness complements the savory notes of the meat, creating a harmonious pairing.
- Viognier: This white wine varietal offers a rich and full-bodied character with flavors of peach, apricot, and floral notes. Its sweetness and complexity make it an interesting choice for smoked hams.
- Gewurztraminer: Gewurztraminer wines, with their rich fruit and spicy mouthfeel, can complement the smoky and salty flavors of the ham. The wine's slight peppery finish adds an extra layer of complexity to the pairing.
We Speak Wine - Wine Selections to Pair with Ham
At We Speak Wine, we have curated a selection of wines that are perfect for pairing with ham. Here are some of our top picks:
Moscato Picks for Ham
- La Spinetta Moscato d'Asti Bricco Quaglia: Italy's first single-vineyard Moscato d'Asti with a delightful sweetness and fruity flavors. Try This Wine
- Il Conte Stella Rosa Platinum Semi-Sweet: A luxurious Moscato from the Piedmont region of Northern Italy, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. Try This Wine
Rieslings Picks for Ham
- Glenora Wine Cellars Dry Riesling Finger Lakes: A crisp and fruit-forward Riesling from the Finger Lake Region, offering a delightful balance of acidity and fruit flavors. Try This Wine
- Chateau Ste Michelle-Dr. Loosen Eroica Riesling Columbia Valley: A highly-rated Riesling with floral aromas and a well-balanced profile. Try This Wine
Gewurztraminer Picks for Ham
- Hazlitt 1852 Gewurztraminer Finger Lakes: A Gewurztraminer with rich fruit flavors, spicy notes, and a slight peppery finish. Try This Wine
- Hugel et Fils Gewurztraminer Alsace: A flagship wine from the Hugel family, offering a delightful combination of fruitiness and spice. Try This Wine
Chenin Blanc Picks for Ham
- Barton & Guestier (B&G) Vouvray: A lovely and intense Chenin Blanc with floral notes, peach, and pear flavors. Try This Wine
Pinot Gris Picks for Ham
- A to Z Pinot Gris Oregon: A Pinot Gris with lifted aromas of honeysuckle, lemon zest, and nutmeg. Try This Wine
- Rainstorm Pinot Gris Willamette Valley: A crisp and fruity Pinot Gris with flavors of pear, melon, and honey blossom. Try This Wine
Pinot Noir Picks for Ham
- Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast: A brilliant and rich Pinot Noir with flavors of ripe strawberry, plum, and sweet Bing cherry. Try This Wine
- Mark West Pinot Noir: A medium-bodied and fruity Pinot Noir with scents of spice, dark fruit, and smoky oak. Try This Wine
Syrah Picks for Ham
- Fat Bastard, Vin de Pays d'Oc Syrah: A perfect match for smoked hams, with flavors that complement the smoky and savory notes of the meat. Try This Wine
- Charles Smith Wines Boom Boom! Syrah Columbia Valley: A complex Syrah with flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, and savory herbs. Try This Wine
Semi to Sweet Riesling Picks for Ham
- Leitz Riesling QbA Rudesheimer Drachenstein Dragonstone Rheingau: An amazingly elegant Riesling with a delicately spicy note. Try This Wine
- St. Urbans-Hof Riesling QbA Weingut: A delicious Riesling with fruity flavors, lively acidity, and ripe floral aromas. Try This Wine
Viognier Picks for Ham
- Estate Gerovassiliou Viognier Epanomi: An intense gold Viognier with fragrant peach, pear, and smoky accents. Try This Wine
Gewurztraminer Picks for Ham
- Hazlitt 1852 Gewurztraminer Finger Lakes: A Gewurztraminer with rich fruit flavors, spicy notes, and a slight peppery finish. Try This Wine
These wine selections are carefully chosen to enhance your dining experience with smoked ham. Whether you prefer sweet or savory hams, there is a wine on this list that will perfectly complement your meal. Enjoy the festivities and savor the flavors of a well-paired wine and smoked ham!
Can I pair red wines with sweet/glazed hams?
While traditionally white wines are recommended for sweet/glazed hams, some red wines like Pinot Noir can also be a good choice. The light and fruity character of Pinot Noir can provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the glaze.
Are there any sparkling wine options for pairing with smoked ham?
Yes, sparkling wines like Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava can also be an excellent choice for pairing with smoked ham. The bubbles and acidity of sparkling wines can refresh the palate and complement the rich flavors of the ham.
Can I pair white Zinfandel with smoked ham?
While white Zinfandel is a popular choice for many casual occasions, its sweetness might overpower the flavors of smoked ham. It is better to opt for drier white wines like Riesling or Gewurztraminer that can provide a better balance and contrast.
Pairing the right wine with smoked ham can elevate your holiday dining experience. Whether you prefer sweet or savory hams, there are plenty of wine options to choose from. Moscato, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chenin Blanc, and Pinot Gris are just a few examples of wines that can beautifully complement the flavors of smoked ham. Explore different wine selections, experiment with flavors, and find the perfect pairing for your next festive gathering. Cheers!
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