Pizza and Wine: The Ultimate Pairing for Foodies

Pizza and wine are a match made in heaven. They are both beloved and versatile, offering a wide range of styles and flavors that can complement and enhance each other. Whether you prefer classic Margherita, meat-lovers, vegetarian, supreme, white sauce, or cheese pizza, there is a wine pairing that can elevate the flavors of your pizza and make your meal even more enjoyable. In this article, we’ll explore the best wine pairings for different types of pizza and explain in detail how each wine interacts with the pizza and why it pairs well.

Pairing Wine with Classic Margherita Pizza

Margherita pizza is a classic Italian pizza that features tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. This simple and flavorful pizza pairs well with light-bodied red wines or crisp white wines.

Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and spice. It pairs well with the acidity of the tomato sauce and the freshness of the basil. The bright fruit flavors of Pinot Noir complement the tomato sauce and the spices in the pizza. The low tannin content of Pinot Noir allows the flavors of the pizza to shine through without overpowering them.

Chianti is a medium-bodied red wine from the Tuscany region of Italy. It has flavors of cherry, plum, and earthy notes that complement the tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The tannins and acidity in Chianti cut through the richness of the cheese and the fat in the pizza toppings, cleansing your palate with each sip. The acidity in Chianti also helps to balance the acidity in the tomato sauce.

Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp white wine with flavors of citrus, green apple, and herbaceous notes. It pairs well with the fresh basil and acidity of the tomato sauce. The bright acidity of Sauvignon Blanc balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and the creaminess of the cheese. The herbaceous notes in Sauvignon Blanc complement the freshness of the basil.

Pairing Wine with Meat-Lovers Pizza

Meat-lovers pizza is a hearty and satisfying pizza that features a variety of meats, such as pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham. This bold and flavorful pizza pairs well with full-bodied red wines that can stand up to the rich and savory flavors.

Zinfandel is a full-bodied red wine with flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and spice. It pairs well with the spicy pepperoni and sausage flavors. The bold fruit flavors of Zinfandel complement the richness and spice of the pizza toppings. The high alcohol content in Zinfandel also helps to cut through the fat in the pizza toppings.

Syrah/Shiraz is a full-bodied red wine with flavors of blackberry, plum, and pepper. It pairs well with the smoky bacon and ham flavors. The bold fruit flavors and earthy notes of Syrah/Shiraz complement the smokiness of the bacon and ham. The high tannin content in Syrah/Shiraz helps to cleanse your palate and balance the richness of the pizza toppings.

Malbec is a full-bodied red wine with flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. It pairs well with the richness of the tomato sauce and cheese and the savory meat flavors. The bold fruit flavors and tannins of Malbec complement the richness and complexity of the pizza toppings. The high acidity in Malbec also helps to balance the acidity in the tomato sauce.

Pairing Wine with Vegetarian Pizza

Vegetarian pizza is a healthy and flavorful pizza that features a variety of vegetables, such as mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives. This light and fresh pizza pairs well with light-bodied red wines or crisp white wines.

Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and spice. It pairs well with the earthy mushroom and onion flavors. The bright fruit flavors and acidity of Pinot Noir complement the earthiness and umami flavors in the pizza toppings. The low tannin content of Pinot Noir allows the flavors of the pizza to shine through without overpowering them.

Pinot Grigio is a crisp white wine with flavors of citrus, green apple, and pear. It pairs well with the fresh and vibrant vegetable flavors. The bright acidity of Pinot Grigio balances the flavors of the vegetables and the creaminess of the cheese. The light and refreshing nature of Pinot Grigio also helps to cleanse your palate between bites.

Rosé is a light-bodied pink wine with flavors of strawberry, watermelon, and herbs. It pairs well with the variety of vegetable flavors and the lightness of the pizza. The fruit flavors and acidity in Rosé complement the fresh and light flavors of the pizza toppings. The herbal notes in Rosé also complement the herbaceous flavors in the pizza toppings.

Pairing Wine with Supreme Pizza

Supreme pizza is a popular pizza that features both meat and vegetables, such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives. This pizza pairs well with medium-bodied red wines thatcan balance the flavors of the meat and vegetables.

Merlot is a medium-bodied red wine with flavors of black cherry, plum, and chocolate. It pairs well with the richness and complexity of the pizza toppings. The soft tannins and fruit flavors of Merlot complement the richness and complexity of the pizza toppings. The low acidity in Merlot also helps to balance the acidity in the tomato sauce.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine with flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry, and vanilla. It pairs well with the richness and intensity of the pizza toppings. The bold tannins and fruit flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon complement the richness and intensity of the pizza toppings. The high acidity in Cabernet Sauvignon also helps to balance the acidity in the tomato sauce.

Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine with flavors of butter, oak, and vanilla. It pairs well with the richness of the pizza toppings and the creaminess of the cheese. The buttery and oaky notes in Chardonnay complement the richness of the white sauce and the chicken or mushroom toppings. The low acidity in Chardonnay also helps to balance the acidity in the tomato sauce.

Pairing Wine with White Sauce Pizza

White sauce pizza is a pizza that features a creamy white sauce instead of tomato sauce, and can include toppings such as chicken, mushrooms, and spinach. This pizza pairs well with white wines that can complement the creaminess of the sauce.

Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine with flavors of butter, oak, and vanilla. It pairs well with the richness and creaminess of the white sauce and the chicken or mushroom toppings. The buttery and oaky notes in Chardonnay complement the richness of the white sauce and the chicken or mushroom toppings. The low acidity in Chardonnay also helps to balance the richness of the white sauce.

Pinot Grigio is a crisp white wine with flavors of citrus, green apple, and pear. It pairs well with the richness of the white sauce and the freshness of the vegetable toppings. The bright acidity of Pinot Grigio balances the richness of the white sauce and enhances the flavors of the pizza toppings.

Pairing Wine with Cheese Pizza

Cheese pizza is a simple and classic pizza that features tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. This pizza pairs well with light-bodied red wines or crisp white wines.

Chianti is a medium-bodied red wine from the Tuscany region of Italy. It has flavors of cherry, plum, and earthy notes that complement the tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The tannins and acidity in Chianti cut through the richness of the cheese and the fat in the pizza toppings, cleansing your palate with each sip. The acidity in Chianti also helps to balance the acidity in the tomato sauce.

Pinot Grigio is a crisp white wine with flavors of citrus, green apple, and pear. It pairs well with the creaminess of the mozzarella cheese and the freshness of the tomato sauce. The bright acidity of Pinot Grigio complements the creaminess of the cheese and enhances the flavors of the pizza toppings.

Prosecco is a sparkling white wine with flavors of apple, pear, and citrus. It pairs well with the richness of the cheese and adds a celebratory and festive element to your pizza experience. The crisp and refreshing bubbles in Prosecco complement the richness of the cheese and cleanse your palate between bites.

Conclusion

Wine pairing with pizza can be a fun and enjoyable way to enhance your pizza-eating experience. Matching the right wine to the flavors and intensity of your pizza can balance the acidity, richness, and complexity of the pizza toppings. From light-bodied red wines to full-bodied white wines to sparkling wines, there is a wine pairing for every type of pizza. So next time you order a pizza, try one of these wine pairing suggestions for a truly satisfying meal.

If you REALLY want to maximize your pizza and wine pairing experience, make sure you are using the right glass for your wine of choice.