Finding the Perfect Wine Pairings for Holiday Ham and Turkey

The holiday table is a delicious medley of flavors from savory proteins to sweet sides and everything in between. With so many competing tastes, it can be tricky to select wines that will complement the entire meal. So what is the right wine to serve with the centerpiece turkey and ham entrees?

This guide examines ideal wine pairings for holiday ham and turkey dinners, with specific varieties that will enhance these meat flavors. We’ll also cover key factors in choosing a versatile wine that flatters the entire holiday spread.

Why Wine Pairing Matters for Holiday Meals

With so much going on during busy holiday gatherings, you may wonder whether the wines even matter that much. Here’s why taking care in your wine selection is worth the effort:

• Enhances flavor profiles – When wine and food are well-matched, the sum is greater than the parts with neither overriding the other.

• Offsets seasoning – Wine balances out salty, sweet or spicy components. Acidity in wine is cleansing with richer dishes.

• Directs flow of meal – Lighter wines first, bolder reds later. Bubbly to start and sweet wine with dessert.

• Suits the mood – Holidays are special occasions that call for wines a cut above the everyday table wines.

What to Look For in a Versatile Holiday Wine

With so many dishes competing for attention on the holiday table, the most food-friendly wines will:

• Bridge sweet and savory – A touch of sweetness helps a wine pair with candied yams or cranberry sauce,

• Balance acidity – Tartness in a wine cuts through richer foods and prevents a flabby feel.

• Moderate alcohol – Lower alcohol lets more subtle flavors shine and prevents wine from overpowering food.

• Smooth tannins – Silky tannins allow a red to complement turkey and gravy as well as ham.

Recommended White Wines for Holiday Meals

When evaluating holiday meal appeal, think beyond just the turkey and consider how whites will pair with vegetable sides and appetizers.

Riesling – Ranging from dry to sweet, Riesling’s bright acidity and often honeyed fruit pairs beautifully with turkey, ham and sweet potato dishes.

Pinot Grigio – Light-bodied dry white that can handle onion, sage and other seasoning thanks to mild acidity and neutral fruit flavors.

Gewürztraminer – Floral and moderately sweet yet full-bodied enough for rich foods. Rosy lychee flavors complement spicy or smoky ham.

Sparkling Wines – Versatile bubblies like Prosecco or Cava refresh the palate and their acidity cuts through saltiness.

Recommended Red Wines for Holiday Meals

Round out your selection with elegant reds that will flatter both white and dark turkey meat.

Pinot Noir – Supple tannins, savory notes and cherry fruit make this red ideal with herbed stuffing and gravy.

Grenache – Soft, fruity style meshes with mild turkey while having weight for ham. Rose petal and strawberry flavors.

Zinfandel – Juicy and spicy Zin holds its own with bold ham glazes but doesn’t trample delicate turkey breast.

Syrah – White pepper and dark fruit aromas suit smoky, cured ham. Blackberry flavors complement dark meat.

Key Considerations by Ham and Turkey Type

Not all holiday hams and turkeys are created equal. Adjust wine pairings to complement flavors:

• Maple glazed ham – Matches well with off-dry Riesling. Maple and Riesling share caramel, brown sugar notes.

• Honey baked ham – Gewürztraminer enhances the honey sweetness. Avoid oaky Chardonnay that clashes with sweetness.

• Herb crusted turkey – Earthy reds like a soft Merlot flatter herbal flavors. Fruity Sauvignon Blanc contrasts dried herbs.

• Cajun fried turkey – The heat calls for a low alcohol red like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais Cru to tame spicy seasoning.

Don’t Forget Dessert and Appetizer Pairings

Complete your holiday wines with sweetie pairing possibilities:

• Pumpkin or pecan pie – Ice wine or late harvest Riesling stands up to pumpkin spice and nutty pie flavors.

• Fruit tart – Bright Moscato has the sweetness and acidity to accent berry and apple fillings.

• Cheese plate – Dry Sherry cuts the richness of aged cheeses. Madeira’s caramelized nuttiness is delightful with nuts and dried fruit.

Key Takeaways for Wine and Holiday Meals

The holidays center around cherished traditions, including time-honored pairings of wine with meal flavors. Keep these guidelines in mind when selecting wines:

• Seek out wines with bright acidity to cope with a myriad of sides.

• Moderate alcohol levels let wines mingle without dominating.

• Pair sweet styles like Riesling and Gewürztraminer with baked ham glazes.

• Choose light reds like Pinot Noir to complement turkey’s delicate flavor.

The right wines for holiday feasts should delight the palate, bringing balance and enhanced enjoyment to every sip and bite.