Greetings VinoVossers! Easter, that Springtime period of celebration, reflection, and indulgence is just around the corner. There is no denying that while the chance to spend quality time with loved ones is a joy, catering for them can be stressful. Let us at Team VinoVoss make it easier by sharing our version of the classic Easter centerpiece, Ham, and the perfect wine pairing for it. We will have you out of the kitchen and around the table in no time, but you will still have to do all the dishes yourself.

Ham is the traditional centerpiece of the Easter table. (Photo by Karo Kujanpaa on Unsplash)

Classic Ham In Raisin Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in ham (about 5-7 lbs / 2.5-3.5 kg)
• 1 cup (240 ml) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup (240 ml) raisins
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Prepare the ham: Place the ham in a roasting pan, fat side up. Score the surface of the ham with a sharp knife in a diamond pattern.
3. Make the glaze: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, water, raisins, ground cloves, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Glaze the ham: Brush half of the glaze over the surface of the ham, making sure to get into the scored lines.
5. Bake the ham: Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), basting occasionally with the remaining glaze.
6. Rest and Serve: Once the ham is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve slices of ham with the raisin sauce spooned over the top.

Not Just One Ham But One Of Many

Ham is a staple part of many different cuisines. Each culture has added their own take on the product based on their local conditions.   In order to create a magical food and wine pairing one must first understand what sort of ham you have.   There are four ways in which ham can be made. It can be dry cured, or salted. It can be wet cured. It can be smoked. Or it can be made using a combination of the previous three methods. The type of ham you have influences how you go about choosing a wine to go with it. The type of ham that we are making is salty and sweet, thickly sliced, with a dense, chewy texture.

The type of ham, dry cured, wet cured, smoked, or multi-cured, will influence how it pairs with wine. (Photo by Thomas Vogel on Unsplash)

Perfect Pairings For Any Preference

The sweet, opulent sensation that our Easter ham provides is its most dominant feature, and the focus of our wine pairing. Any wine that offers bold flavors of ripe fruit is a potential match and using VinoVoss, you can find a match no matter what wine style is the family favorite.

For Those Who Enjoy Bubbles…

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Sparkling red wine may be unfamiliar to many but those who try this example won’t soon forget them. Based on the local Brachetto grape, this wine offers vibrantly youthful red berry fruit flavors, and a generous sweetness that works brilliantly with ham. The refreshing acidity and gently sparkling style bring balance to the wine, whilst the low alcohol style makes it a great choice for a long lunch. Just remember to save a lille to sample with the odd chocolate egg.

For Those Who Worry About Making The White Choice…

[insert:wine:efeste-evergreen-2022}

Hailing from the Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley AVA in Washington state, this perfumed example of Riesling offers notes of juicy green apple, nectarine, and honey alongside a gentle sweetness, which is perfect for the succulence of our ham. Its gentle sweetness is effortlessly balanced by vibrant acidity for a clean finish that leaves you wanting more.

For Those Who Like A Red Instead… 

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With notes of fig jam and black tea, this boldly fruited wine from Stags’ Leap is the perfect choice for those who prefer a full bodied red wine to accompany a large meal. The very ripe fruit expression will match the decadent raisin sauce perfectly.

May Your Easter Be A Happy One

Whatever wine you choose to celebrate with this Easter may it bring you and your family great joy. Best wishes from the VinoVoss team.

Matthew Cocks