Best Wine for Pizza: A Guide to Pairing Perfectly

Pizza and wine are two of the most beloved culinary indulgences worldwide, and for good reason. Pizza is versatile, delicious, and a perfect meal for any occasion, while wine is an elegant and sophisticated drink that can elevate any dining experience. However, choosing the right wine to pair with pizza can be a daunting task, as there are countless options to consider.

Fortunately, experts have weighed in on the best wine for pizza, and there are a few key guidelines to follow. Generally, red wines are the best choice for pizza, as they complement the rich and savory flavors of the sauce and toppings. Medium-bodied wines such as Chianti, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon are excellent options, as they have enough tannins to cut through the cheese and meat while still being smooth enough to drink on their own.

Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, and some white wines can also be a great match for certain types of pizza. For example, a crisp and refreshing Pinot Grigio can pair well with a light and fresh Margherita pizza, while a rich and buttery Chardonnay can complement a white pizza with creamy cheese and vegetables. Ultimately, the best wine for pizza depends on personal taste and the specific flavors of the pizza in question, but with a little experimentation and guidance, anyone can find the perfect pairing.

Understanding Pizza and Wine

Pizza and wine are two beloved culinary staples that are often enjoyed together. However, finding the perfect wine to pair with your pizza can be a daunting task. In this section, we will discuss the different types of pizza and wine and provide some guidelines for pairing them.

Pizza

Pizza is a savory dish that originated in Italy. It typically consists of a dough base topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings. Some popular toppings include pepperoni, mozzarella, garlic, basil, ricotta, pesto, and more. There are many different types of pizza, including Hawaiian pizza, cheese pizza, veggie pizza, sausage pizza, Napoletana, and New York slice.

Wine

When it comes to pairing wine with pizza, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it's important to consider the flavors of the pizza. A pizza with a strong tomato sauce may pair well with a wine that has a high acidity, while a pizza with a lot of cheese may pair well with a wine that has a high tannin level. It's also important to consider the toppings on the pizza, as they can greatly affect the flavor profile.

Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is a key component of many pizzas. It is made from tomatoes, garlic, and various spices. When pairing wine with tomato sauce, it's important to consider the acidity level of the sauce. A wine with high acidity, such as a Chianti, may pair well with tomato sauce.

Cheese

Cheese is another important component of many pizzas. Mozzarella is a popular choice, but other cheeses such as ricotta and parmesan can also be used. When pairing wine with cheese, it's important to consider the richness of the cheese. A wine with a high tannin level, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, may pair well with a cheesy pizza.

Toppings

The toppings on a pizza can greatly affect the flavor profile. Pepperoni, sausage, and other meats may pair well with a bold red wine, while veggie pizzas may pair well with a lighter white wine. It's important to consider the flavors of the toppings when selecting a wine to pair with your pizza.

In summary, when pairing wine with pizza, it's important to consider the flavors of the pizza, the acidity level of the tomato sauce, the richness of the cheese, and the flavors of the toppings. By following these guidelines, you can find the perfect wine to pair with your favorite pizza.

Classic Wine and Pizza Pairings

Pizza is one of the most beloved foods in the world, and it pairs well with a wide variety of wines. Here are some classic wine and pizza pairings to try:

• Chianti Classico: A classic pizza calls for a classic pairing. Chianti Classico, made from predominantly Sangiovese, offers vibrant sour cherry notes and elevated acidity to both cut through the richness of il formaggio and parallel the fruity salsa di pomodoro.
• Pinot Noir: A light-bodied red wine with high acidity, Pinot Noir is a great match for white pizza or pizza with lighter toppings. Its bright fruit flavors and subtle earthy notes complement the delicate flavors of the pizza.
• Syrah: A full-bodied red wine with bold flavors of blackberry, black pepper, and smoke, Syrah pairs well with pizza topped with spicy sausage or pepperoni. The wine's tannins help cut through the richness of the meat and the tomato sauce.
• Sparkling Wine: Pizza and sparkling wine may seem like an odd pairing, but the crisp acidity and effervescence of the wine make it a great match for pizza with salty toppings like anchovies or olives. Try a dry sparkling rosé or a brut Champagne.
• Zinfandel: A medium to full-bodied red wine with bold flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and spice, Zinfandel pairs well with pizza topped with barbeque sauce or grilled vegetables. The wine's fruit-forward flavors and moderate tannins complement the smoky, savory flavors of the pizza.
• Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp, refreshing white wine with notes of citrus and grass, Sauvignon Blanc is a great match for pizza topped with fresh herbs or vegetables. Its bright acidity helps cut through the richness of the cheese and tomato sauce.
• Barbera: A medium-bodied red wine with high acidity and flavors of cherry and plum, Barbera pairs well with pizza topped with mushrooms or truffles. The wine's acidity helps cut through the earthy flavors of the toppings and the richness of the cheese.
• Chardonnay: A full-bodied white wine with buttery notes and flavors of apple and pear, Chardonnay pairs well with pizza topped with creamy sauces or rich cheeses. The wine's richness complements the flavors of the pizza and helps cut through the acidity of the tomato sauce.

These are just a few classic wine and pizza pairings to try. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect pairing!

Exploring Unconventional Pairings

While there are classic wine pairings with pizza, sommeliers are also exploring unconventional pairings to complement the diverse range of pizza toppings. Beer is one such option that can complement certain pizza flavors. For example, a hoppy IPA can balance the richness of a meaty pizza. A crisp pilsner can also cut through the acidity of a tomato-based pizza.

Sommeliers are also experimenting with pairing ideas that involve complementing the pizza flavors rather than matching them. For instance, a bottle of wine with a hint of sweetness can balance the spiciness of a pepperoni pizza. Similarly, a fruity red wine can complement the sweetness of a Hawaiian pizza.

However, it is important to note that unconventional pairings may not always work and can be hit or miss. It is best to explore and experiment with different pairings to find what works best for individual tastes.

It is also worth mentioning that some bottle of wines can be quite pricey, and it is not necessary to break the bank to find a good pairing. There are plenty of affordable options that can still enhance the pizza experience.

In summary, while classic wine pairings with pizza are still popular, sommeliers are exploring unconventional pairings that can complement or balance pizza flavors. Beer can also be an option to consider. It is important to experiment and find what works best for individual tastes and budgets.

Pizza and Wine Pairing Tips

When it comes to pairing wine with pizza, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, it's important to match the weight and intensity of the wine with the pizza. A light pizza with fresh ingredients pairs well with a light-bodied wine, while a heavier pizza with rich toppings calls for a full-bodied wine.

Another important factor to consider is the acidity of the wine. Pizza sauce is typically acidic, so a wine with high acidity can help balance out the flavors. Wines with high tannins can also complement the richness of the cheese and toppings.

For those who prefer red wine, options like Chianti Classico, Nebbiolo, and Pinot Noir are popular choices. These wines have enough acidity and tannins to stand up to the bold flavors of pizza without overpowering them.

On the other hand, white wine lovers can opt for a crisp, acidic wine like Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines pair well with lighter pizzas or those with white sauce.

For those who want to try something different, there are plenty of alternative pizza wines to explore. For example, a Sicilian red wine like Nero d'Avola can pair well with mushroom and truffle pizzas, while an Oregon Pinot Noir can complement pizzas with spicy sausage and peppers.

In Campania, a region in Italy known for its pizza, locals often pair pizza with a light red wine called Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio. This wine has a bright acidity and pairs well with the region's famous Neapolitan-style pizza.

In conclusion, when it comes to pizza and wine pairing, it's all about finding a balance between the weight and intensity of the wine and the flavors of the pizza. By keeping these tips in mind and exploring different options, anyone can find the perfect pizza wine to enjoy with their favorite pie.