Pizza is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with various toppings and flavors. When it comes to pairing pizza with wine, there are a few things to consider, such as the type of pizza, the sauce used, and the toppings. In this article, we will explore the best wines to pair with pizza and why.
When it comes to pairing wine with food, certain combinations are considered classic, like red wine with steak or white wine with seafood. But what about pizza? It’s a beloved dish that can be enjoyed in many different styles, from classic margherita to meat lovers. So, what wine goes best with pizza? Let’s explore some options and find out.
Best Wine to Pair with Pepperoni Pizza
Pepperoni pizza is a classic pizza that is loved by many. The spicy and salty flavors of the pepperoni can be balanced with a medium-bodied red wine. The acidity in the wine cuts through the fat of the pepperoni and enhances the flavors of the pizza. Some of the best wines to pair with pepperoni pizza are:
Chianti
Chianti is a red wine from Tuscany, Italy. It is made from Sangiovese grapes and has a medium body with high acidity. Chianti has flavors of cherry, plum, and tomato, which pairs well with the tomato sauce in the pizza.
Barbera
Barbera is a red wine from Piedmont, Italy. It has high acidity and low tannins, which makes it a perfect wine to pair with pizza. Barbera has flavors of cherry, blackberry, and plum, which complements the flavors of the pepperoni.
Best Wine to Pair with Margherita Pizza
Margherita pizza is a simple pizza that has tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil. The simplicity of the pizza makes it easy to pair with various wines, but the best wine to pair with Margherita pizza is a light-bodied red wine or a white wine. Some of the best wines to pair with Margherita pizza are:
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine from Burgundy, France. It has low tannins and high acidity, which makes it a perfect wine to pair with Margherita pizza. Pinot Noir has flavors of red berries, cherry, and earthy notes, which complements the tomato sauce and basil in the pizza.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine from the Loire Valley, France. It has high acidity and citrus flavors, which pairs well with the tomato sauce in the pizza. Sauvignon Blanc also has herbal notes, which complements the basil in the pizza.
Best Wine to Pair with Meat Lovers Pizza
Meat lovers pizza is a pizza that has various types of meat, such as pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham. The richness and complexity of the pizza call for a full-bodied red wine. Some of the best wines to pair with meat lovers pizza are:
In summary, the type of wine to pair with pizza depends on the specific toppings, sauce, and flavors included in the dish. For Pepperoni pizza, Chianti or Barbera make good choices due to their medium body and high acidity. With Margherita pizza, a light-bodied Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc works well to complement the simple flavors of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil. Meat Lovers pizza pairs well with a full-bodied Syrah or Zinfandel due to the richness and complexity of the meat toppings. Vegetarian pizza calls for a light-bodied Beaujolais or a white wine like Pinot Grigio due to the variety of vegetables involved. By keeping these pairing suggestions in mind, pizza and wine lovers can enjoy a delicious combination of flavors.
Syrah
Syrah is a full-bodied red wine from the Rhone Valley, France. It has high tannins and flavors of blackberry, black pepper, and smoked meat, which complements the flavors of the pizza. Syrah also has a peppery finish, which cuts through the fat of the meat.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a full-bodied red wine from California, USA. It has high alcohol content and flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and chocolate, which complements the flavors of the pizza. Zinfandel also has a spicy finish, which pairs well with the pepperoni and sausage in the pizza.
Best Wine to Pair with Vegetarian Pizza
Vegetarian pizza is a pizza that has various vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives. The variety of flavors in the pizza call for a light-bodied red wine or a white wine. Some of the best wines to pair with vegetarian pizza are:
Beaujolais
Beaujolais is a light-bodied red wine from Burgundy, France. It is made from Gamay grapes and has low tannins and high acidity. Beaujolais has flavors of red berries, cherry, and earthy notes, which complements the flavors of the vegetables in the pizza.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is a white wine from Italy. It has high acidity and flavors of green apple, lemon, and pear, which pairs well with the vegetables in the pizza. Pinot Grigio also has a crisp finish, which complements the lightness of the pizza.
FAQs: What Wine Goes Good with Pizza
What type of wine pairs well with pizza?
When it comes to pairing wine with pizza, the type of wine you choose depends on the toppings on the pizza. For red pizza, such as a classic Margherita or Pepperoni, a red wine with medium to high acidity, such as Chianti, Barbera, or Zinfandel, pairs well. For white pizza or those with light toppings such as mushroom or spinach, a white wine with bright acidity, such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay, could be a good option.
Can you pair sparkling wine with pizza?
Yes, you can pair sparkling wine with pizza. For light pizzas or those with vegetables, a sparkling wine such as Prosecco can be a great choice. The bubbles and acidity of the wine complement the light, fresh flavors of the pizza. You can also try pairing your bubbly with a classic Margherita or even a spicy, meaty pizza.
Is it possible to pair rosé with pizza?
Rosé is a versatile wine and can be a great pairing with pizza, especially those with tomato-based toppings. The acidity in the rosé matches the acidity in the tomato sauce, and the light, fruity flavors complement the pizza’s toppings. A crisp and dry Rosé would be a good choice for pairing with pizza.
What about pairing dessert wine with pizza?
If you are looking to pair dessert wine with pizza, go for a sweet dessert wine such as Port or Madeira. These wines pair well with sweet and savory pizza toppings, such as apple or caramelized onion. However, they are best saved for after dinner, as they can be too sweet to pair with the main course.
What should you keep in mind while pairing wine with pizza?
When pairing wine with pizza, keep in mind the flavors and acidity of both the wine and pizza. Choose a wine that complements the flavors in your pizza but also balances the acidity in the tomato sauce. Remember that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to pairing wine and pizza, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different wine and pizza combinations.