Christmas ham

Finnish Christmas ham (Joulukinkku) is a cherished holiday tradition, slow-roasted to perfection and glazed with mustard and breadcrumbs for a golden, flavorful crust. To achieve tenderness, it is often baked overnight.

Christmas ham holds a special place in both Finnish and Swedish holiday celebrations. While the Finnish version is typically oven-baked, Sweden’s Julskinka is often boiled before baking, resulting in a juicier texture.

Some Finnish households prefer lightly smoked ham, which adds depth and richness to the flavor. Others opt for a sweeter variation, coating the ham with honey before baking.

Joulukinkku is traditionally served alongside classic casseroles made from potatoes, carrots, or rutabaga, as well as rosolli, a beetroot-based salad.

Families gather for the feast on Christmas Eve, enjoying glögi (mulled wine) and an array of festive desserts, sharing warm moments and holiday cheer.

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Wine pairings

Merlot pairs wonderfully with Christmas ham, particularly when the ham has a savory or smoky glaze. Its soft tannins, ripe fruit flavors, and smooth texture complement the ham’s mild, slightly salty richness without overpowering it.

The glaze significantly influences the pairing—traditional mustard and breadcrumbs crust harmonize with Merlot’s plum and spice notes, while honey-glazed hams are best suited to unoaked Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, or Sémillon.

Merlot-producing regions worldwide offer excellent options:

Bordeaux Right Bank – Elegant and structured, with flavors of plum and earthy spice.

California & Washington – Lush and fruit-forward, featuring blackberry, vanilla, and mocha.

Chile & Australia – Smooth and juicy, with red berries, chocolate, and subtle oak spice.

For a versatile pairing, Brut Champagne or Crémant provides bright acidity and effervescence, complementing the savory ham, casseroles, and rosolli salad beautifully.

Food friendly pairings

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Saint-Émilion Merlot

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