Pinot Grigio and Parma ham: a match made in heaven

With so many different wines and an even greater number of ingredients and dishes to pair with them, food and wine matching can seem like a daunting task. There are some classic matches, however, that showcase how the right combination can create something tastier than the sum of its parts.

Pinot Grigio and Parma ham is just such a duo. Two classic Italian products famed for their complexity and time-honoured traditions which go together incredibly well. But why do they work so well in conjunction with one another? To find out, we have to take a closer look at the flavour notes found in both the ham and the wine, and what happens when our taste buds experience both at the same time.

Whether you’re completely new to the idea of food and wine matching or simply want to know more about why particular wines and particular foods go together so well, read on for a deep-dive into why Pinot Grigio and Parma ham is one of the most iconic wine pairings around.

While this beloved grape variety is grown all over the world, most of us associate it with Italy. The fruity, citrussy and sometimes floral aromas of the wine become more or less pronounced depending on where they’re grown. In the north of Italy, the grapes are picked earlier than normal, which results in a crisper, lighter flavour with green apple, melon and pear flavours at the fore. It’s a popular wine because it’s easy-drinking, relatively subtle and mild in flavour and refreshing. This light subtlety also makes it versatile when enjoying a glass alongside food.

Parma ham (or Prosciutto di Parma PDO, to give it its full title) is arguably Italy’s most famous salumi (cured meat). Cured on the bone and almost always sliced into wafer-thin strips, it is intensely salty, meaty and bursting with umami flavours. However, it’s the complexity of Parma ham that makes it so popular. Like a good cheese, there’s lots going on, with just as many sweet notes as saltiness. The melt-in-the-mouth texture coats the mouth with a creamy, satisfying flavour, resulting in a long-lasting and seriously moreish aftertaste.