As a wine enthusiast and pizza lover, I believe that there’s nothing quite like the perfect combination of a delicious slice of pizza and a glass of wine. Whether you’re enjoying a classic cheese pizza or indulging in a gourmet creation, funding the right wine to complement your pizza can elevate your dining experience to new heights.
In this comprehensive guide, I will take you on a journey through the world of what wine with pizza, exploring the best wines to accompany different types of pizza. So, grab a slice and let’s dive into what wine with pizza!
What Wine With Pizza?
Pizza and wine are a match made in culinary heaven. The wide variety of flavors, toppings, and crust styles in pizza offer endless opportunities for creative wine pairings.
From classic Margherita to bold BBQ chicken, each pizza deserves a wine that complements its unique characteristics. In this guide, we’ll explore the best wine pairings for various types of pizza, taking into account the flavors, textures, and ingredients that make each slice special.
What Wine With Pizza? Pairings with Standard Pizzas.
Supreme Pizza.
When it comes to a loaded Supreme pizza, with its combination of veggies and assorted meats, finding the right wine can be a delightful challenge. The key is to choose a wine that can handle the diverse flavors without overpowering them.
A Prosecco is an excellent choice for its crispness and effervescence. Its acidity cuts through the richness of the meats and balances the flavors of the vegetables. Another option is Montepulciano, a red wine from Abruzzo, Italy.
With its medium body and smooth tannins, it complements the savory elements of the pizza while adding depth to the overall experience.
Meat Lovers Pizza.
For those who enjoy the bold and hearty flavors of a Meat pizza, a wine with enough structure and richness is essential. Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec are excellent choices for this type of pizza.
These red wines offer robust flavors and firm tannins that can stand up to the intensity of the cured meats. The dark fruit notes in Cabernet Sauvignon and the spiciness of Malbec create a harmonious pairing with the meaty goodness of the pizza.
Cheese Pizza.
The simplicity of a classic Cheese pizza calls for a wine that can accentuate its flavors without overpowering them. Pinot Noir or Chardonnay are excellent choices in this case.
Pinot Noir, with its bright red fruit flavors and silky texture, complements the mildness of the cheese and the tanginess of the tomato sauce. Chardonnay, especially one aged in oak barrels, adds a touch of richness and creaminess to the pairing, enhancing the overall experience.
Pepperoni Pizza.
Pepperoni pizza is a crowd favorite, known for its bold and spicy flavors. To find the perfect wine pairing, look for a wine that can match the intensity of the pepperoni while balancing its spiciness. Sangiovese or Cabernet Franc are excellent choices.
Sangiovese, the most popular red grape of Italy, offers bright acidity and cherry flavors that complement the spiciness of the pepperoni. Cabernet Franc, with its herbal notes and elegant structure, brings out the savory elements of the pizza.
Veggie Lovers Pizza.
For those who enjoy the freshness and vibrant flavors of a Veggie pizza, a wine with a similar character is a great choice. Sauvignon Blanc, with its herbaceous and citrusy notes, complements the assortment of vegetables on the pizza. Its crisp acidity provides a refreshing contrast to the earthiness of the veggies.
Another option is Verdejo, a Spanish white wine with tropical fruit flavors and a zesty finish. It adds a touch of complexity to the pairing, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the pizza.
Margherita Pizza.
Margherita pizza is a classic that highlights the simplicity of fresh ingredients. To enhance the flavors of this timeless pie, a wine with delicate nuances is the way to go. Dry Rose or Garnacha are excellent choices for a Margherita pizza pairing.
Dry Rose, with its vibrant fruit flavors and refreshing acidity, complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the mozzarella. Garnacha, a red wine known for its fruit-forward character and soft tannins, creates a harmonious balance with the simplicity of the pizza.
BBQ Chicken Pizza.
The tangy, smoky flavors of BBQ Chicken pizza require a wine that can stand up to its boldness. Malbec or Pinot Noir are fantastic choices for this type of pizza. Malbec, with its dark fruit flavors and velvety texture, pairs well with the sweet and smoky BBQ sauce.
Its robust tannins provide structure and depth to the pairing. Pinot Noir, with its delicate red fruit flavors and silky mouthfeel, adds a touch of elegance to the combination, balancing the flavors of the pizza.
Hawaiian Pizza.
Hawaiian pizza, with its unique combination of Canadian bacon and pineapple, offers a sweet and savory experience. To find the perfect wine pairing, look for a wine that can complement the sweetness of the pineapple while balancing the saltiness of the bacon.
Riesling, with its vibrant acidity and fruity sweetness, is an ideal choice. Its floral and citrus notes elevate the flavors of both the pineapple and the bacon. If you prefer a red wine, Zinfandel or Lambrusco can also work well, offering fruity and slightly sweet flavors.
Pairings with Out-of-the-Box Pizzas.
Truffle and White Sauce Pizza.
Truffle and White Sauce pizza is a gourmet delight that requires a wine with sophistication and complexity. A elegant choice is a Merlot, with its smooth tannins and dark fruit flavors. It complements the earthy and aromatic qualities of the truffle, adding depth to the overall pairing.
Another option is Chardonnay, especially one aged in oak barrels. Its creamy texture and buttery notes create a luxurious combination with the white sauce and the truffle.
Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza
Prosciutto and Arugula pizza is a combination of salty cured ham and peppery greens, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. Sparkling Rose or Champagne are perfect choices for this gourmet pizza.
The effervescence of the sparkling wine refreshes the palate and adds a touch of elegance to the pairing. Its crisp acidity complements the saltiness of the prosciutto and the peppery notes of the arugula, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Breakfast Pizza.
Breakfast pizza is a unique creation that combines the best of brunch and pizza. With its combination of eggs, bacon, and cheese, it calls for a wine that can match its richness and heartiness.
Cava or Champagne are excellent choices for this indulgent pizza. The smooth bubbles and toasty notes of these sparkling wines complement the creamy texture of the eggs and the savory flavors of the bacon. They add a touch of elegance and celebration to the breakfast pizza experience.
Dessert Pizza.
Dessert pizza, with its sweet and decadent toppings, requires a wine that can enhance its flavors without overpowering them. Sauvignon Blanc, with its vibrant acidity and tropical fruit flavors, is a great choice.
Its refreshing character cuts through the richness of the dessert pizza, providing a delightful contrast. Another option is a late-harvest Riesling, with its luscious sweetness and honeyed notes. It adds a layer of complexity to the pairing, elevating the dessert pizza experience.
FAQ Section : What wine with pizza?
Q: Can I pair wine with gluten-free or vegan pizza?
A: Absolutely! Wine can be paired with any type of pizza, including gluten-free and vegan options. The key is to consider the flavors and textures of the toppings and choose a wine that complements them. For gluten-free pizza, you can go for a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir. For vegan pizza, a fruity and slightly sweet wine like Riesling or a smooth and earthy red like Tempranillo can be excellent choices.
Q: What about spicy pizzas? Which wine pairs well with them?
A: Spicy pizzas can be a challenge when it comes to wine pairing. The heat from the spices can overpower the flavors of the wine. However, there are a few options that can work well. Gewurztraminer, with its aromatic and slightly sweet profile, can complement the spiciness of the pizza while providing a refreshing contrast. Another option is a fruity and low-tannin red like Beaujolais or Dolcetto, which can balance the heat and enhance the flavors of the pizza.
Q: Is there a specific wine that goes well with every type of pizza?
A: While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all wine for every pizza, there are a few versatile options that can work well with a wide range of flavors. Pinot Noir, with its delicate red fruit flavors and silky texture, is a great choice for many pizzas, from Margherita to Pepperoni. Sauvignon Blanc, with its crisp acidity and vibrant citrus notes, can complement the freshness of veggie-based pizzas. These wines offer a good starting point for pairing with different types of pizza.
Q: What temperature should the wine be served with pizza?
A: The ideal serving temperature for wine with pizza depends on the type of wine. Generally, for white wines, a temperature between 45-55°F (7-13°C) is recommended, while for red wines, a temperature between 55-65°F (13-18°C) is ideal. However, personal preferences and the specific characteristics of the wine can also play a role. It’s always a good idea to experiment and find the temperature that suits your taste and enhances the flavors of both the pizza and the wine.
Conclusion.
Pizza and wine are a match made in culinary heaven. Whether you’re enjoying a classic Margherita or indulging in a gourmet creation, finding the right wine to complement your pizza can elevate your dining experience to new heights.
From the crispness of Prosecco with a Supreme pizza to the richness of Cabernet Sauvignon with a Meat Lovers pizza, the possibilities are endless. Remember to experiment, trust your taste buds, and most importantly, savor every bite and sip. Cheers to the perfect pizza and wine pairing!
