One of the great things about pizza is it’s fun, casual and doesn’t take itself too seriously. With all of the different styles and toppings there is something for everyone to enjoy. While you may not immediately think of pairing wine with pizza, the seemingly endless choices of toppings, spices and sauces guarantees there’s a wine out there certain to elevate your pizza-dining experience.
Best Red Wine With Pizza
It’s difficult to come up with general red or white guidelines as it really comes down to the toppings and the sauce, which, as we’ve mentioned, can vary greatly. A red that works well with a classic cheese pizza will not necessarily be a great fit for a slice of pepperoni. Here are some general suggestions, starting with a few Italian wines to try out.
- Montepulciano
- Sangiovese
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Lambrusco
- Pinot Noir
Best White Wine With Pizza
It’s much easier to pair a red wine with pizza than white wine. However, there are still plenty of great options of white wines to drink with pizza. Here are a few of our favorites.
- Riesling
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Sparkling Rosé
Pairing Wine with Various Types of Pizza
Because the toppings play such an important role in what wine goes best with pizza, we’ve provided different recommendations below for several different types of pizza. If you have a question on a specific type of pizza, ask us in the comments and we will respond as soon as we can with some recommendations!
Wine With Cheese Pizza
A medium bodied red is just what you need to stand up to the acidity of the tomato sauce and balance the cheese. A Montepulciano or Syrah will do just the trick for this simple, tasty pizza.
Wine With Pepperoni Pizza
A slice with a strong flavor and high fat content like pepperoni is going to require a strong wine for balance. A Sangiovese, Zinfandel or Syrah is sure to hold up to this pizza classic.
Wine With Meat Lover’s Pizza
Similar to pepperoni, a meat-lover’s pizza will need a wine that can hold its own. In addition to the wines we suggested for pepperoni, you could try a Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz or Malbec.
Wine With Hawaiian Pizza
Ah, Hawaiian. Quite possibly the most polarizing pizza known to man. Riesling is a great choice here as the acidity and sweetness of this German wine is the perfect companion to the salty ham and tangy pineapple. If you prefer red, the sweet Lambrusco is an excellent choice.
Wine With Veggie Pizza
Red wines that are savory and earthy with notes of herbs will complement any pizza loaded with veggies. A nice Chianti or Beaujolais will elevate the flavors of this pizza without overpowering the flavor of the vegetables.
Wine With White Sauced Pizza
A white pizza, so called because of the white creamy sauce that replaces your traditional tomato-based sauce, is going to need an acidic wine. Try a sparkling Rosé or Sauvignon Blanc. You could also pair this with an herbaceous Pinot Noir to enhance the herbs in the pizza.
Wine With Margherita Pizza
Margherita pizza is a perennial classic. Light, but elegantly flavored with fresh basil, tomato and buffalo mozzarella, this pizza needs a wine that will enhance, not stifle the fresh ingredients. Our go-to choice is a dry Rosé, but if you’re in the mood for a red, Lambrusco also works nicely.
Wine With Dessert Pizza
Dessert pizza comes in many forms; fruit, chocolate, caramel, you name it. Whatever the topping, you’ll want to choose a wine that is sweeter than the food so as to avoid any bitter taste when you take a sip. A Riesling or Sauternes, both sweet and delicious, are sure to elevate whatever dessert pizza you choose.
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