Whether for a holiday dinner or a weeknight meal, ham is a staple at many tables – and many great wines pair perfectly with this savoury meat. In this guide, we’ll explore why certain wines, such as Riesling, complement ham dishes so well and suggest some specific wine pairings for some popular ham preparations.
The Best Wine Pairing with Ham
Ham, with its sweet and salty richness, pairs wonderfully with wines that have a hint of sweetness, ample acidity, and bold fruit. Excellent choices for ham include Riesling, Moscato, Chenin Blanc, Rosé, Lambrusco, Grenache, and Zinfandel.
The process of curing ham involves one of three methods: salting (dry-curing), wet-curing, and smoking. As some producers blend these techniques, we’ve categorized ham according to taste, along with a few examples, to help you understand flavour pairing better.
Dry-cured, Aged Ham
Dry-curing ham typically results in a bold flavour and a chewy texture, generally with a higher salt content.
A well-known example of this type of ham is the Italian favourite, Prosciutto. This ham is usually presented in ultra-thin slices, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience as an appetizer.
Some other types of dry-cured, aged ham include:
- Serrano Ham
- Jamón Ibérico
- Speck
Recommended Wines:
The elevated saltiness and dryness of the meat call for sparkling wine. A sparkling Rosé or even a sparkling red will also pair excellently. Other excellent options include still Rosé and crisp, mineral, and herbaceous white wines like Sauvignon Blanc.
Savoury and Smoky Ham
Medium to thick-cut slices of smoked ham boast a medium to bold flavour with little to no sweetness (unless you opt for a glaze for the recipe).
This ham style is usually smoked and varies from whole fresh hams baked in the oven to pre-sliced options available in grocery stores. It includes less sweet varieties, including processed hams like Mortadella and Spam. This ham is juicier and less salty compared to dry-cured types.
These types of ham include:
- Black Forest Ham
- Country-Cured Non-Glazed Ham
- Smoked Ham Hocks for Soup
- Spam
Recommended Wines:
You may want to pair this type of ham with a medium-bodied, fruity red wine that features less sweetness and greater texture, enhanced by moderate acidity. Some popular options are Grenache-based reds (including the GSM blend), Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, deeply coloured Rosé, and Sangiovese.
Sweet and Salty Ham
Sweet and salty hams are usually medium to thick-cut, featuring a chewy texture and a distinctly sweet flavour.
The sweetness of these hams often pairs well with wines that are similarly sweet or have fruity flavours. Some of the suggested wine pairings may surprise you, but they offer exceptional taste.
These types of ham include:
- Honey Baked Ham
- Glazed Baked Hams
- Mortadella
Recommended Wines:
To complement sweet foods, choose a similarly sweet wine. For drier options, opt for Riesling, Chenin Blanc, or White Zinfandel. If you prefer sweeter wines, consider Moscato, Vin Santo, or White Port. You can also go for reds like Australian Shiraz and American Petite Sirah.
Popular Ham Dishes & Complementing Wine Pairings
Here, we explore the best wines to pair with some of the most popular ham preparations.
Honey Glazed Ham
Off-dry Riesling is another excellent match for honey-glazed ham. Its sweetness and acidity work in harmony with the flavours while introducing complexity. The ripe apple and peach flavours amplify the ham's sweetness while the crisp acidity breaks through the richness of the meat.
Syrah can be a bold option. Its rich blueberry and plum flavours complement the ham's sweetness, and the notes of black pepper and chocolate bring depth. A good tartness counteracts richness, ensuring each bite is delightful, with fruit and spice enhancing the dish's sweet and savoury aspects.
Smoked Ham
Smoked ham is complemented by medium-bodied red wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Shiraz. The smoky notes and dark fruit flavours of these wines enhance the flavour of the ham.
Zinfandel is another excellent choice to enjoy with smoked ham. Its bright acidity and berry-spice characteristics contrast beautifully with the ham's smokiness.
For those who prefer white wine, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc are great options. Their high acidity balances the richness of the ham while enhancing its saltiness.
Hawaiian-Style Pizza
Ham and pineapple is often considered a controversial topping combination in the world of pizza. For those who love it, this is a match made in heaven. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the savoury nature of the ham, creating a balanced taste profile that appeals to various palates.
If you're looking for the perfect wine to enjoy with Hawaiian pizza, consider a Riesling. Its crisp acidity serves as a refreshing palate cleanser, enhancing your eating experience. The wine's fruity and aromatic notes complement the sweetness of the pineapple beautifully.
Croque-Monsieur Sandwich
The French originally introduced the fried ham and cheese sandwich, known as a croque-monsieur. This sandwich pairs exceptionally well with a vibrant, off-dry Riesling. Many people also appreciate how the herbal notes in wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Grüner Veltliner, and Verdejo can enhance this dish.
Split Pea & Ham Soup
Pairing wine with split peas can be challenging, as they often make wines taste earthy. However, opting for high-acidity red wines such as Zweigelt or Valpolicella Classico can yield a delightful combination. Another unexpected but excellent choice is a dry-style Sercial Madeira, which pairs surprisingly well.
Want to learn more about pairing wine with your favourite foods? Book a Wine & Charcuterie Tour with Winery Guys Tours for a guided experience through wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Book today to experience the best that Niagara has to offer.