Pairing wine with ham is a relatively straightforward task. Often a fan-favorite served up for holidays like Easter and Christmas, this sweet, salty, cured treat can be prepared in many ways. We have some specific pairing recommendations based on the preparation of the ham, but generally speaking, the wine pairings are going to come down to a few simple guidelines: red or white (or Rosé!), choose a wine that is fruit-forward, highly acidic, and not too sweet. You can also never go wrong with something that sparkles.
Best Red Wine With Ham
A fruity, light to medium-bodied red is going to be your best option when pairing with ham.
- Grenache: floral with strong berry flavor and notes of citrus.
- Pinot Noir: always a popular choice; light on body, high on aromatics.
- Beaujolais: also known as Gamay, light, fruity and low tannins.
- Lambrusco: a slight bubbliness with strong berry notes.
Best White Wine With Ham
Whites, with their natural acidity, make for easy pairings with ham. Choose something off-dry and/or sparkling for a great match.
- Riesling: Light, sweet, crisp, and highly acidic. Known for being food-friendly.
- Gewürztraminer: a rich bouquet of exotic fruits, spices and rose tones.
- Rosé: bright acidity with strong berry flavor.
- Champagne: Bubbly, floral, and fruity with notes of citrus, peach, or cherry.
Pairing Wine With Various Ham Dishes
Prosciutto Wine Pairing
This chewy, salty delicacy needs a wine with acidity. Pinot Grigio or Sangiovese both make excellent pairings.
Smoked Ham Wine Pairing
Smoked ham includes Black Forest Ham and Mortadella. A light red, such as a Grenache or Rosé will complement this style of ham well.
Honey Baked Ham Wine Pairing
Glazed hams, like honey-baked or Canadian bacon, are much sweeter and therefore need a sweeter wine. Pick a Riesling or juicy Pinot Noir.
Bourbon Glazed Ham Wine Pairing
The Bourbon allows for a bolder wine pairing. With this, you can choose a Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir.
Serrano Ham Wine Pairing
Serrano ham is similar to prosciutto but slightly spicy. A bright, crisp Albariño or Chenin Blanc will balance the spice nicely.
Jamon Iberico Wine Pairing
This ham is bold in flavor, salty, and sweet, and it needs a wine that is just as complex. We recommend Sherry, Rosé, or Lambrusco.
Spam Wine Pairing
We know what you are thinking, “Spam…with wine?” Yes! When done well, Spam can be a real treat. There are many varieties of Spam, but for classic Spam, Pinot Grigio or Beaujolais will be your best matches.
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