Pairing wine with ham can be a tricky feat
Easter dinner brings to mind images of elegant tables with all the frills.
When a meal occurs as an event, rather than a moment of sustenance,
many of us opt for a better quality bottle of red wine to toast the occasion.
Unfortunately, most red wines clash with ham’s saltiness.
Salty foods exemplify tannins in red wines.
Most cabernet sauvignons, petite sirahs, syrahs, zinfandels
and many Chiantis are much too tannic for the briny likes of ham.
Many Californian style chardonnays and sauvignon blancs are aged in new French oak barrels,
which can create the same overly astringent sensation too.
On the other hand, salty foods can cause acidic wines to taste even more acidic,
sometimes causing a metallic flavor.
White wines, although not nearly as tannic as red wines, can be very acidic.
Refreshing white wines that cut through fatty foods can become bitter and
thin when drank with salty food. Your favorite New Zealand sauvignon blanc or
Italian pinot grigio can taste like rubbing alcohol along side a briny slice of meat.
Opt for softer whites like Riesling, gewürztraminer, viognier, or roussanne and marsanne blends.
Sparkling wines are not only a very tasty option as well,
but elevate the event to celebration status.
Red wines should be chosen with even more scrutiny.
Beaujolais is one of the best options hands down.
Beaujolais is made from gamay, a less tannic grape that is softer in acidity and smacks
of strawberries and roses.
Pinot noir can be another option worth exploring,
but be wary of barrel fermentation and aging and Burgundian styled
wines that boast an acidic structure.
Finally, be open to rosé, which can be outstanding paired with salty foods.
New World rosés tend to be softer in acidity and
therefore will not offend your salt slathered taste buds.
A touch of residual sugar insures the wine has softer acidity while
the explosive flavors of raspberries and strawberries are the perfect backdrop for
that salty-sweet slice of ham.
Case Discounts
Libations Wine & Spirits offers 10% discount on all cases of wine mix or match.
Join us most Wednesdays to sample wine, beer, and spirits in-store, at no charge.
Every Wednesday from 4:30pm to 7:00pm we pour samples for you.
Join us on selected Fridays too.
Upcoming Tasting Events
April 8, 2009
Easter feast recommendations!
Wine to pair with ham, turkey, prime rib, and more.
BR Cohn Carneros Chardonnay, California - $20.99
La Playa Cabernet Sauvignon Rose, Chile - $9.49
Boom Boom Syrah, Washington State - $18.49
Mumm Napa Blanc de Noir Sparkling, California - $19.99
89 point
Wine Enthusiast
SPECIAL PRICING DURING TASTING HOURS
Wednesday tasting hours are 4:30 to 7:00 pm.
Each sample is a one ounce portion to adults 21 and older.
Limit four different samples per person.
Libations Wine and Spirits is a full service liquor store serving
Aurora, Parker, Centennial, and Littleton, Colorado.
Libations has a comprehensive wine inventory, award winning beer selections,
all of your favorite spirits and few unusual items as well.
Whether you are driving from the DTC, (Denver Tech Center), downtown Denver, Parker,
or Eagle Bend, Libations is on your way home.
We are located in Southeast Aurora, near Cherry Creek Reservoir, at Arapahoe Crossings.
Our staff are knowledgeable about wine, beer, liqueurs, and spirits, and are
always eager to serve you.
You must be 21 years or older to shop at Libations Wine & Spirits.
Libations Wine & Spirits
Arapahoe & Parker Roads
Northeast corner at Arapahoe Crossings
6554 South Parker Road, Aurora, Colorado 80016
Monday - Saturday, 10am to 10pm
Sunday from 11am to 6pm
Phone: 303-766-0575
info@libationswines.com
libationswines.com
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