Are you a fan of ham? Do you enjoy a good glass of wine? Have you ever considered combining the two? Wine with ham might not be the most obvious pairing, but it can be a match made in heaven. With the right wine, you can elevate the flavors of your ham to a whole new level.
Perfect Pairings: Ham Meets Wine
When it comes to pairing wine with ham, there are a few things to consider. The first is the type of ham you’re serving. Is it a salty, cured ham like prosciutto or a sweet ham with a glaze? The second is the wine itself. Do you prefer a red or a white? A light or a full-bodied wine?
The Glaze Craze: Matching Wine with Ham’s Sweet Top
If you’re serving ham with a sweet glaze, you’ll want to choose a wine that can stand up to the sweetness. A full-bodied red like a Zinfandel or a Cabernet Sauvignon can complement the sweetness of the glaze without being overpowered by it. A Chardonnay or a Riesling can also be a good choice if you prefer white wine.
Key Takeaways
- Wine with ham can be a match made in heaven.
- Consider the type of ham you’re serving and the wine itself when pairing.
- A full-bodied red or a Chardonnay can be a good choice for a sweet glazed ham.
Perfect Pairings: Ham Meets Wine
Ham is a versatile meat that can be enjoyed in many ways, from breakfast to dinner. But what wine should you pair with your ham dish? Here are some suggestions to help you find the perfect pairing for your next meal.
White Wines for White Meat
A white wine is the perfect choice if you’re serving ham with a white sauce or glaze. Look for a wine with a touch of sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the ham. Riesling, Moscato, Chenin Blanc, and Pinot Grigio are all great options. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay can also work well, especially if the ham has a smoky flavor.
Reds That Get Along with Ham
Red wine lovers, don’t despair! There are plenty of red wines that pair well with ham. Look for wines with fruity flavors and low tannins to complement the saltiness of the ham. Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah, Beaujolais, Tempranillo, and Sangiovese are all great choices. A GSM blend (Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre) can also work well.
Rosé and Sparkles: A Festive Twist
If you want a festive twist, pair your ham dish with a rosé or sparkling wine. Rosé wines can range from dry to sweet, so look for one that matches the sweetness level of your ham dish. Prosecco, Cava, and Lambrusco are all great sparkling wine options.
The sweetness and fizzy fun of these wines can balance the rich and salty flavors of the ham.
Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wine pairing. Experiment with different wines and see what works best for your taste buds. And most importantly, have fun!
The Glaze Craze: Matching Wine with Ham’s Sweet Top
When it comes to ham, the sweet glaze on top is often the star of the show. But what wine should you pair with this deliciously sweet and savory dish? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
Sweet Glazes: A Honey of a Pairing
If your ham is glazed with honey or brown sugar, you’ll want a wine that can stand up to the sweetness. A sweet wine like Gewurztraminer or Riesling is a great choice. These wines have a natural sweetness that complements the ham’s glaze without overpowering it. Viognier is another great option, with its stone fruit flavors and slightly sweet finish.
Savory & Smoky: Bold Flavors Demand Bold Wines
You’ll want a wine with bold flavors to match smoked ham or baked ham with a savory glaze. Zinfandel is a great choice, with its bold fruit flavors and spicy finish. Shiraz, especially Australian Shiraz, is another great option with its bold blackberry, pepper, and spice flavors. American Petite Sirah is also a great choice, with its bold tannins and dark fruit flavors.
When it comes to glazed baked hams, the key is to find a wine that can balance the glaze’s sweetness with the ham’s savory flavors. A slightly sweet wine like Gewurztraminer or Riesling can do just that, while a bold wine like Zinfandel or Shiraz can stand up to the bold flavors of the ham.
So, whether you’re serving honey-glazed ham or savory smoked ham, there’s a wine out there that can perfectly complement your dish. Cheers!
Frequently Asked Questions
What vino shall I summon for a dance with Sir Honey Baked Ham?
Ah, the age-old question. When it comes to ham, you want a wine that can hold its own against the rich, salty flavors of the meat. A bold red like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah can do the trick, but a fruity Pinot Noir or a light-bodied Zinfandel can also complement the sweetness of the ham. It all depends on your preference!
Is Chardonnay the fairy godmother to every Ham’s Cinderella story?
While Chardonnay can certainly be a great match for ham, it’s not the only option. If you prefer a white wine, consider a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a slightly sweet Riesling to balance out the saltiness of the ham. And let’s be real, sometimes you just want a cold beer with your ham sandwich.
Can Zinfandel strut its stuff at the Christmas ham disco?
Absolutely! Zinfandel’s bold, fruity flavors can hold their own against the strong flavors of ham. Plus, it’s a great choice for holiday meals because it’s versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides.
What libation should I arm myself with when facing a wild grilled ham and cheese?
Grilled ham and cheese is a classic comfort food, and you can’t go wrong with a classic drink to go with it. Try a light beer like a Pilsner or a wheat beer, or go for a refreshing cocktail like a gin and tonic or a margarita.
If my Easter dinner were a movie, which wine would land the leading role?
For a holiday meal like Easter dinner, you want a wine that’s special enough for the occasion. A sparkling wine like Champagne or Prosecco can add some festive flair, or you can go for a full-bodied red like a Merlot or a Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the richness of the meal.
In the great ham banquet, what drink plays the trusty sidekick?
When it comes to ham, there’s nothing quite like a good old-fashioned glass of iced tea. The sweetness of the tea can balance out the saltiness of the ham, and it’s a refreshing choice for any time of year. Of course, a cold beer or a glass of lemonade can also do the trick.