The Sommelier’s Guide to Wine and Pizza Pairings
Find out what wines go best with pizza (and what to avoid.)
Wine and pizza pairings may seem simple, but the nuances and varieties of both can make for many different combinations! At its core, pizza leans bold, cheesy, and salty, so you’ll want wines with energy, not weight.
For your basic cheese pizza, go for bright, acid-driven reds like a Chianti Classico or a Barbera. These won’t compete with the cheese and keep every bite dynamic and lively, which is always the way to go!
Champagne is also a great choice for those looking for a little bubble with their ‘za. With how heavy pizza can be, a sparkling wine can actually work like a palate reset to offset that richness. The bubbles cut through the melted cheese and salt, which will actually refresh your palate so you’re ready for another bite. Plus, who doesn’t love pairing Champagne with a quick slice?
There are quite a few elements that can guide you towards the right pairing for every pizza. The sauce is a real game changer when it comes to wine and pizza pairings. Tomato-based pizzas call for wines with some acidity to keep the pace, while creamier sauces lean towards the fuller white wines. And although sauce is important, toppings are king. Whether they are spicy, smoky, zesty or sweet, toppings can absolutely make or break your pairing. You’re aiming for balance, so you want a wine that can complement the flavor, rather than fight with it.
Some quick go-to pairings:
Pepperoni: A Chianti or a Zinfandel are just simple enough to handle the spice and structure of the beloved pepperoni.
Hawaiian: A Riesling or a Lambrusco would be perfect to match the sweet and savory (and rich!) vibes of a Hawaiian pizza!
Barbecue Chicken: A Syrah’s smoky, dark fruit character will echo the barbecue sauce just perfectly.
Ricotta & Hot Honey: A Chenin Blanc or a Champagne and their touches of sweetness will play perfectly with spice and the cream of a ricotta based pizza!
Wines to skip:
Try to avoid the big, oaky reds or high-alcohol “blockbusters.” These wines lack acidity, and without acidity, the wine may overpower the pizza and can weigh down the pairing.
In conclusion, pizza and wine is a match made in tastebud heaven. However you enjoy your ‘za, be sure to match your vibe with the perfect wine through BWG.
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