What Wine Goes With Ham?
By Bordeaux Brian for Pair It & Share It · Published
BOTTOM LINE
Glazed ham is salty and sweet, so pick a wine with fruit, acidity and little tannin. Off-dry Riesling is the top white, and dry rosé works for most guests. Pinot Noir and Beaujolais are the best reds. A smoky ham can take Zinfandel. Avoid heavily tannic reds.
Quick decision
- Honey or brown sugar glazed ham→ Off-dry Riesling
- Easter or holiday ham with sides→ Dry rosé or Pinot Noir
- Smoked ham→ Zinfandel or Beaujolais
- Pineapple or very sweet glaze→ Off-dry Riesling or Chenin Blanc
- Brunch ham→ Dry sparkling wine
Salt and sweet need fruit and acid
Salt makes tannic wines taste bitter, and sweet glazes make dry wines taste sour. Fruity, high-acid wines with gentle or no tannin balance both.
Why Riesling is the classic
Off-dry Riesling has a touch of sweetness to match the glaze and enough acidity to keep it fresh — the same reason it works with pork.
Common questions
- What wine goes with Easter ham?
- Dry rosé, Pinot Noir or off-dry Riesling. Sparkling wine is great if it's a brunch.
Choosing a glass? See the Riesling and aromatic whites wine glasses its makers document, in the free Wine Glass Finder.
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About the author. Bordeaux Brian brings more than 30 years of wine experience and firsthand experience in vineyards and wine regions around the world. His focus is practical: helping people make better wine decisions without the intimidation.