Serving
Which wine goes with Ibérico ham?
The best wine with Ibérico ham: fino or manzanilla, cava, a crisp white or a light red. Why these pairings work and what to avoid.
By Ibéricos Anjoreta · Updated on
Ibérico ham is rich, slightly salty and full of fat that melts on your tongue. The wine should cut through that fat and balance the salt without overpowering the ham. Here are five pairings that always work.
1. Fino or manzanilla (the classic)
In Andalusia you drink a dry sherry with jamón: fino from Jerez or manzanilla from Sanlúcar de Barrameda. They are bone dry, fresh and slightly saline. The ham’s saltiness and the sherry’s nutty notes bring out the best in each other. Serve well chilled.
2. Cava or other dry sparkling wine
The bubbles and crisp acidity clean your palate after every slice. Ideal for drinks or a party. Choose a brut or brut nature.
3. Crisp white wine
A crisp, dry white such as albariño or verdejo goes well with cebo and cebo de campo, and with a board of ham, cheese and olives.
4. Light red wine
Prefer red? Choose a young, fruity red with little tannin: a young tempranillo or garnacha, lightly chilled. Heavy reds aged long in oak overpower the ham and make the fat feel astringent.
5. Amontillado with bellota
With a pronounced bellota you can go a step further with an amontillado: a dry sherry with more depth and nutty notes that match the acorn flavour.
What to avoid
- Sweet wines: they clash with the salt.
- Heavy, tannic reds: they make the fat feel astringent.
- Cold ham: always serve the ham at room temperature, or you will taste little. See how to store and serve Ibérico ham.
Without alcohol
Cold sparkling water with lemon, a dry alcohol-free cava or light tea. Something fresh and dry works best.
Complete your board with aged Spanish sheep’s cheese and Andalusian olives, or see our Ibérico ham.
Frequently asked questions
What wine goes best with Ibérico ham?
The classic Spanish pairing is a dry sherry: fino or manzanilla. The saltiness of the ham and the crisp, dry wine bring out the best in each other. Cava and crisp white wine also work well.
Can you drink red wine with Ibérico ham?
Yes, but choose a light, fruity red with little tannin, such as a young tempranillo or garnacha. Heavy, oaked reds overpower the ham.
What to drink with Ibérico ham without alcohol?
Cold sparkling water with a slice of lemon, a dry alcohol-free cava or a cup of light tea. Something fresh and dry that cuts through the fat.