Ham and Riesling a Match Made in Hog Heaven

Years ago in a Wine Spectator article I read something that would change my world. It was an article about holiday food and wine pairings around Easter. The author of the article said a good way to excite grandma's boring ham was to serve it with a Riesling. Now every time I have ham I get a hankering for Riesling. When Noel and I decided to get a ham steak at Russo's, I knew I had to have it with the bottle of Red Newt Circle Riesling that Dave the winemaker left with me.

I didn't want to make the same boring ham steak so I found a Dijon Balsamic Vinegar glaze online. It was easy to make. 1/4 cup brown sugar, two tablespoons of Balsamic Vinegar, one and half tablespoon Dijon Mustard (I like to use the grainy mustard) and a tablespoon of agave nector. I took it and brushed it over the ham steak and started the rice pilaf. When the rice only had ten minutes left I cooked the ham in a skillet over medium heat for five minutes a side. When I flipped the ham steak I started the asparagus sauteing in butter. When they aspargus was done I salted it with a grey sea salt herb blend I have from Beacon Hill Wine and Gourmet in Melrose and when the ham was done I brushed it with the remaining glaze. This meal came out great!!! Even Noel who can be at times a picky eater really liked this meal. So easy to make and tastes like something you may get at your favorite restaurant.

The Riesling I picked to open tonight is from the winery Red Newt Cellars in the Finger Lakes region of New York. I recently had a drive along with the winemaker and owner Dave Whiting. This was my second chance to work with the man behind the brand. He has a real passion for the Finger Lakes and loves Rieslings!! This is Red Newt's 13th vintage and Dave's 23rd vintage as a winemaker. Red Newt is a winery not a vineyard, they source their grapes from local framers in the area so they can focus all their attention to the wine making. They make many different varietals but specialize in Riesling, ranging from dry to sweet, they're Dry Riesling Reserve is the driest Riesling I have ever had. The Circle Riesling is a great everyday style Riesling. It's more of a medium sweet wine with loads of bright, crisp fruit that is balanced by vibrant peach and apricot, and hints of white grapefruit. This is a wine that could age a few years in the bottle, but is still ready to drink NOW!! It went really well with the ham, especially the glaze. If you ever find yourself in the Finger Lakes stop by the winery for a visit, David's wife is the chef for the onsite Bistro. Noel and I are planning a trip this summer!!