How to Pair Wine with Pizza (Guide)
Warning: we are not responsible for how hungry you will be following the guide. If you could think of the perfect guest at any party, who would it be? Our vote is wine…or pizza! So, why not bring them both together? Learning how to pair wine with pizza can totally upgrade your pizza-eating experience, and this goes for whatever topping, crust, or type you enjoy.
So, we are getting you ready for an epic pizza night by giving you tips to pair your favorite pizzas with the right wines.
How to Pair Wine with Pizza
Pizza Marinara (or Vegan Pizza)
The pizza marinara is anything but boring. Not only is it vegan friendly, but it also goes well with a lot of different kinds of wine. All you need is a glass (or bottle!) that matches the acidity of your tomato sauce. We recommend a zippy Pinot Grigio or a crisp Rosé.
Classic Cheese Pizza
And you thought your classic cheese slice couldn’t get any better. Pair it up with a great glass of red, and you’re in the money. But, what kind of red wine are we talking about?
With all that cheese, you’re going to need something with acidity. A Pinot Noir works perfectly – it offers just enough structure to complement the cheese. Or, you can stay true and Italian, pairing your pizza with a Sangiovese or the lesser-known (but no less good) Freisa, hailing from Piedmont.
Pepperoni Pizza
Nothing beats a pepperoni pizza. Well, there’s one thing that does – a pepperoni pizza with a glass of wine.
Pepperoni’s salty spiciness demands a wine with enough fruit and tannin to balance out your palate. Fortunately, there are some great Italian wines for those!
Montepulciano D’Abruzzo is one go-to pick you often find on many New York pizza menus. It’s bodied, but has this easygoingness just like a good pizza. Barbera is also an excellent pick.
Pizza Margherita
Now, it’s time to take a trip to Napoli – for the pizza margherita! Three was no way we could leave this Queen off the how to pair wine with pizza list, even though it’s very common in Napoli to enjoy beer rather than wine with pizza. Still, wine is the second popular choice, and goes well – if you know what to pair!
For the pizza margherita, you need a wine with bright acidity to match the juicy acidity of the tomato sauce. Pinot Grigio is an easy pick. This crisp Italian white wine will wash down everything with ease – its citrus flavors marry with the tomato and cut through every bite of juicy mozzarella, making your tastebuds be more alive with flavor than ever.
Red wine drinker? Don’t worry – the pizza margherita goes super well with Sangiovese (that isn’t oaked) or a zippy rosato-style wine.
Meat Lovers Pizza
It doesn’t matter if you love sausage or soppressata, if you’re enjoying a pizza with meat, you will need a more robust wine! White wines usually aren’t the best pair for a meat lover’s pizza, as these meaty pizzas can overpower most white wines. But, like with everything, there are exceptions! If you’re enjoying a simple white pizza with sausage, you can definitely pair it with a bodied and acid-driven Chardonnay.
Moving to reds – a full-bodied Syrah is just the go-to pick. The natural pepperiness of this grape is an amazing match for meat, and can handle even the most heavy meat lovers pizzas.
White Pizza
An all-cheese pizza needs just the wine to make those cheeses shine. You need a bold wine that can slice through all the creaminess. An Aglianico is a wonderful pick. A Sangiovese works as well, especially if there are mushrooms and herbs on the pizza.
If you’re eating a four-cheese pizza with zestier cheeses, you can spice it up by pairing the pizza with a Champagne or another sparkling wine that offers nutty flavors and aromas.
Veggie Pizza
Vegetarian pizzas come in all kinds of styles. If you’re enjoying a veggie pizza without cheese, you can go for a simple refreshing white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc. But, if you’re eating a cheesy veggie pizza, you can pick a wine with a little more body. This goes for both red and white! A minimally oaked Sangiovese (or Chianti!) is a fantastic pick, as its earthy character is a wonderful pair for veggies. As for white wines, a floral Fiano or an unoaked Chardonnay can make a great pair too.
Ready for pizza yet? We are after this guide. Knowing how to pair wine with pizza will change up your dining game and transform every bite of pizza you enjoy.
