Holiday meals are special occasions which usually call for a festive bottle of wine.
Traditional holiday meals often include either ham or turkey, which causes some debate, and confusion, over what wine should be served.
Pairing wines with these two main dishes can be a little tricky. Lets take a look at these holiday meals and see if we can break them down and determine which wines would pair well.
The holidays are a time for gathering with friends and family to celebrate over delicious food and drink. Two centerpiece meats often found on holiday tables are turkey and ham. But what wines pair best with these meats?
In this article, we’ll explore ideal wine options to complement the flavors of both turkey and ham. Read on for tips to choose wines that will be sure to please the palates of your holiday guests!
White Wine Pairings
When it comes to white wines there are several great options for pairing with turkey and ham.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most versatile white wines. Its medium body and moderate acidity allows it to pair well with the subtly flavored white meat of turkey. For ham, Chardonnay’s richness helps cut through the saltiness.
Opt for unoaked styles from cool climate regions like Chablis for citrus and minerality. Full malolactic, oaked Chardonnay from California or Australia also works nicely.
Riesling
Dry Riesling is another flexible choice. Its bright acidity contrasts turkey’s richness. Riesling also balances the heavier qualities of glazed or smoked ham.
For turkey, try a dry Alsatian Riesling with mineral undertones. German Kabinett or Spätlese Rieslings pair deliciously with ham.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer deserves a place on the holiday table. Its signature lychee and floral notes marry beautifully with turkey. The wine’s low acidity helps temper spicy or smoked ham.
Alsace Gewürztraminer has the right weight and fruit intensity to complement both meats.
Sparkling Wine
No holiday celebration is complete without bubbly! Brut champagne or dry sparkling wines like Cava pair splendidly with appetizers and meals.
For turkey, pour a Champagne Blanc de Blancs, which has citrus notes to cut through the richness. With ham, try bolder, oak-aged sparkling wines from California or Italy.
Red Wine Options
Red wines with low tannins, medium body, and ripe fruit make ideal partners for turkey and ham. Here are top picks:
Pinot Noir
With its soft, silky texture, Pinot Noir is perfect with turkey. Red fruit flavors mesh nicely with turkey’s subtle flavor. For ham, Pinot’s acidity cuts through fattiness.
Select cool climate Pinot from Burgundy, Oregon, or New Zealand. Pinot Noir also works well when slightly chilled.
Gamay
For turkey, pop open a Cru Beaujolais, made purely from the Gamay grape. Its light body and cherry flavors complement turkey’s texture. Chill Gamay lightly for serving.
Beaujolais also excels with ham. The wine’s tart acidity and low tannins create balance.
Grenache
Grenache-based wines marry well with poultry and pork. With turkey, the grape’s red berry flavors and softness are ideal. For ham, Grenache mellows smoky, salty flavors.
Spanish Grenache or Southern Rhône Grenache-Syrah blends are great value picks.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel has the ripe fruitiness needed to pair with turkey’s subtlety. Its spiciness makes an exciting match for the salt and sweetness of glazed ham.
Select a restrained Sonoma County or Paso Robles Zinfandel. Serve chilled.
Tips for Pairing Wine with Holiday Meats
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Match the wine’s body to the dish. Light reds and whites suit turkey. Fuller wines complement ham.
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Consider oak and malolactic fermentation. Turkey needs less; ham can handle more.
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Acidity in wine helps cut richness in meats. Sweetness balances salty or spiced flavors.
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Old world styles often have more earthiness and minerality to complement holiday meats.
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Chill reds like Pinot Noir and Gamay slightly to soften tannins.
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Bubbly adds festivity and pairs well with appetizers, mains, and desserts.
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Sample different wines during dinner to appeal to guests’ varied preferences.
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Ask your local wine merchant for food-friendly, holiday-worthy recommendations.
More Pairing Inspiration
Beyond turkey and ham, the holiday table often overflows with delicious sides and appetizers. Keep these wines in mind:
- Roast chicken: white Burgundy, oaked Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc
- Prime rib: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Shiraz
- Vegetarian dishes: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Beaujolais, Chianti
- Green beans, root vegetables: Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Rioja
- Sweet potatoes, squash: Viognier, Gewürztraminer, Moscato
- Cranberry relish, apple pie: Sparkling Rosé, Riesling, Muscat
The holidays are about celebrating with loved ones, delicious food, and fantastic wine. Trust your personal tastes to choose wines that complement your holiday meals and bring joy to the palates of your special guests. Cheers and happy holidays!
Ham – glazed or smoked
Many holiday hams are cooked using a heavy sauce of some sort, glazed to form a crispy crust, which makes them sweet to the taste. There are also hams with more of a smoky flavor, the type that are cured and aged. In general, the heavier flavors of a glazed ham should be paired with a wine that has higher acidity levels, such as a Riesling, or a simple White Zinfandel; Gewurztraminer is also a good choice. Lighter hams, those that have a smoky flavor usually go well with a Pinot Noir or a Vouvray.
The reasons these different flavors go well together is that the meal becomes more balanced. The acidity of the Riesling will help cut through the sweet, sugary flavor of the glazed hams, while the fruity undertones of the Pinot Noir will help taper off the smoky flavor of the cured or smoky ham. Heavier wines will drown out the flavors of the ham by overpowering them with either heat from the alcohol or too much pizzazz from the rich flavors.
Best Ham and Wine Pairing
FAQ
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