Looking for wines to pair with your favorite pizzas? Pizza is typically made with a crust, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and often topped with meats, herbs, spices, and a variety of vegetables. The right wine can enhance the sweetness of the tomato sauce and balance the richness of the cheese. A successful food and wine pairing can create a delicious and enjoyable flavor experience.
Margherita
Margherita pizza pairs well with a medium-bodied Italian Pinot Grigio or a dry rosé. These wines are light enough to enhance the delicate basil flavor while providing enough structure to balance the acidity of the sauce. If you prefer red wine, I recommend light to medium-bodied options such as Chianti, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, and Sangiovese. These reds will highlight the tangy tomato sauce of the pizza.
Pepperoni
White wines generally do not pair well with pepperoni pizza. However, Italian Prosecco will pair with cured meats. On the other hand, a California Zinfandel works with savory meats and grilled vegetables.
Hawaiian
A reasonably sweet Riesling will work perfectly as a counterbalance to the ham’s saltiness while enhancing the pineapple’s flavor.
White Pizza
White pizzas have different ingredients than your typical pizza. Choose fresh young dry white wines that are less acidic. With creamier white pizzas or lobster pizzas, choose a full-bodied Chardonnay to bring out the creaminess in the white sauce. A Pinot Noir from Burgundy also has relatively low tannin and works well with white pizza.
Meat Pizza
Bolder red wines like a Barbera, Sangiovese, or a Chianti work perfectly with rich heavy meats like sausage and pepperoni.
Vegetarian
Choose light reds that can enhance the flavors of the sautéed vegetables without overpowering. Try a Beaujolais or dry Rosé. Also, an old-world Sauvignon Blanc will bring freshness, green flavors, and herbal tones to your vegetarian pizza. If you are not a fan of any of the wines, my recommendation is always sparkling wines! Prosecco and Lambrusco, a sparkling Rosé, will cut through the doughy crust and clean the palate after each sip. If you prefer spicy meats on your pizza, I recommend a Moscato d’Asti. The sweetness in the wine acts to smooth and stop the burning sensation from the spice. Everybody enjoys pizza especially when your wine compliments your pie! Enjoy!