What Wine Goes With Pizza: The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Your Slice

When you’re sitting down to a fresh, hot slice of pizza, choosing the right wine can elevate your meal from simply satisfying to truly unforgettable. Italian wines, with their diverse flavors and regional characteristics, are often the go-to option. But don’t worry—if you’re not sure where to start, this guide will help you find the perfect match for your favorite pie.

Red Wines That Raise Your Pizza Game

Red wines bring out the best in pizza, especially when you’re dealing with spicy flavors or rich toppings like mozzarella cheese. Let’s find your perfect red.

Reds for Meat-Heavy Pizzas

When your pizza is loaded with meat and a hearty sauce, you need a robust red wine that won’t be overshadowed by the bold flavors. It’s time to bring out the big guns.

Syrah/Shiraz – The Bold Choice for Spicy Pepperoni

Syrah, or Shiraz as it’s known in some regions, is a bold choice that can handle the intensity of spicy pepperoni. This varietal often has a peppery quality itself, which means it can match the spice level of your pizza without being drowned out. But what if your pepperoni is extra spicy? Then you need a Syrah that’s up to the challenge, perhaps even a Chianti Classico with its full-bodied character and rustic charm.

Cured meats like pepperoni are rich and flavorful, sometimes even a bit greasy. A wine like Syrah has the structure to balance the fat and enhance the overall flavor of each bite.

Zinfandel – A Fruity Companion for Sausage Toppings

Zinfandel is a wine that brings a fruity punch to the table, making it a delightful companion for sausage toppings. Its jammy flavors and sometimes spicy undertones can complement the savoriness of the sausage without overwhelming it. But how full-bodied should your Zinfandel be? It should be just enough to stand up to the robustness of the meat without being too heavy on the palate.

Chianti – The Classic Pair for a Meat Lover’s Feast

Chianti, and particularly Chianti Classico, is the classic Italian wine that’s become synonymous with pizza. Its acidity and tannins are perfect for cutting through the richness of a meat lover’s feast. But what makes Chianti Classico stand out? Its elegance and balance bring out the best in the variety of meats, from pepperoni to sausage, without dominating the dish.

As you savor a slice of pizza loaded with different meats, Chianti Classico provides a counterpoint that refreshes and prepares your palate for the next bite. 

Light and Acidic Reds for Simple Cheesy Delights

Ever wondered why a glass of Chianti Classico feels just right with a slice topped with cured meats like pepperoni? The secret’s in the balance. These light red wines have a knack for cutting through rich flavors, helping to balance the fat in the cheese and the meat’s saltiness. So, when you’re biting into that gooey, cheesy goodness, think about pouring a glass of something light and tangy to make every bite even better.

Pinot Noir – The Versatile Option for Veggie Pizzas

Consider the classic veggie pizza, adorned with green peppers and a rainbow of other toppings. What wine could possibly stand up to such a medley? Enter Pinot Noir. This medium-bodied wine is a chameleon, with a gentle touch that won’t overpower your veggies but has enough character to complement them. 

Pinot Noir’s versatility also means it’s a friend to many kinds of cheese. Whether nibbling on a slice with mozzarella or experimenting with goat cheese, this wine’s subtle earthiness and soft tannins make it a go-to choice. So, why not uncork a bottle on your next pizza night and see for yourself?

Barbera – A High-Acid Pick for Classic Cheese Pizzas

Now, if you’re a fan of a classic cheese pizza, you might want to reach for a Barbera. This wine’s high acid and low tannins are like a bright burst of sunshine, cutting through the richness of the cheese and leaving your palate refreshed. Barbera is also a fantastic partner for tomato-based pizzas. The wine’s natural acidity complements the tomato sauce’s tang, creating a harmonious dance of flavors. 

Sangiovese – Embracing the Herbs in Margherita Pizza

When you’re savoring a slice of Margherita pizza, with its fragrant basil and rich buffalo mozzarella, you’ll want a wine that can embrace those fresh ingredients. Sangiovese, with its bright acidity and rustic charm, is just the wine for this quintessentially Italian dish. Have you ever noticed how the herbal notes in this wine beautifully echo the basil on your pizza? It’s like they’re having a conversation, each one enhancing the other. Sangiovese’s light tannins also mean it won’t overshadow the delicate flavors of a Margherita pizza. 

White Wines That Elevate Your Pizza Experience

While reds are often the go-to, don’t overlook the whites. A crisp or full-bodied white can turn your pizza experience into something unexpectedly delightful. Whether it’s a light red wine or a zesty white, there’s a perfect bottle waiting to elevate your pizza to new heights.

Crisp Whites for Delicate Flavors

Crisp white wines have a way of highlighting those subtle tastes in a way that’s both refreshing and enlightening. They’re the unsung heroes that can take a simple pizza and make it sing.

Sauvignon Blanc – A Zesty Match for Artichoke Pizzas

For those who love a pizza topped with artichokes, reaching for a Sauvignon Blanc is a smart move. This wine’s zesty personality can pair nicely with the unique taste of artichokes, enhancing their earthy flavor without overshadowing them. Have you tasted the bright citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc as they mingle with the savoriness of the artichoke? It’s a delightful combination that might just make you see your favorite veggie pizza in a whole new light.

Pinot Grigio – Light and Refreshing for Seafood Toppings

Seafood pizzas call for a wine that pairs with the delicate flavors of the ocean. Pinot Grigio, a refreshing white wine, answers that call beautifully. It’s light enough not to compete with the seafood, yet has enough personality to stand up to various toppings. Ever enjoyed a crisp Pinot Grigio with a shrimp-topped pizza? The wine’s clean mineral finish is the perfect complement to the sweet, briny flavors of the sea. It’s a pairing that feels like a breezy day by the shore, with each sip and bite transporting you closer to the waves.

Full-Bodied Whites for Creamy and Rich Toppings

But what about those rich, creamy toppings that we all love? Full-bodied whites are here to dazzle, wrapping their luscious textures around every decadent bite.

Unoaked Chardonnay – A Harmonious Pairing for White Sauce Pizzas

White sauce pizzas with their creamy, rich toppings find a soulmate in Unoaked Chardonnay. This wine’s roundness and ripe fruit flavors create a harmonious pairing that’s hard to resist. Have you ever sipped a Chardonnay alongside a garlicky, creamy slice? The experience is akin to a warm hug—the wine’s brightness lifts the richness, while the sauce’s creaminess echoes the wine’s full body. It’s a duo that proves opposites do attract.

Muscadet – The Dry Yet Fruity Option for Gourmet Pizzas

For those who prefer their pizzas topped with gourmet ingredients, Muscadet is a dry yet fruity ally. Its subtle complexity can elevate the flavors of ingredients like arugula, goat cheese, or even figs. Have you discovered the way Muscadet’s crispness cleanses the palate, making each bite as enjoyable as the first? It’s a wine that doesn’t shy away from a challenge, confidently complementing the sophisticated flavors of your gourmet pizza with grace.

Rosé and Sparkling Wine: The Unexpected Pizza Partners

Pizza night is about to get a pink and bubbly upgrade. Rosé and sparkling wines are the unexpected partners that just might steal the show. These versatile vintages bring delicate flavors and a celebratory sparkle to your favorite slices.

Rosé – The Perfect Middle Ground

Can’t decide between red or white? Rosé stands proudly in the middle, ready to bridge the gap with its charming pink hue and adaptable nature.

Provence Rosé – A Dry Selection for Hawaiian Pizza

Hawaiian pizza, with its sweet pineapple and savory ham, begs for a wine that can handle contrast. Provence Rosé, a dry selection, rises to the occasion. Its crispness cuts through the sweetness, while its subtle fruitiness complements the ham’s saltiness. Have you ever paired a glass of this Rosé with a slice of Hawaiian pizza? Try it!

Tavel Rosé – The Choice for Spicy or Exotic Toppings

For those who adore spicy or exotic toppings, Tavel Rosé is the way to go. Hailing from a wine region renowned for its rosé wines, Tavel brings a robustness that can stand up to bold flavors. Imagine sipping this Rosé as it tames the heat of a spicy topping, its berry notes creating a cooling effect. With Tavel Rosé, every spicy bite becomes a chance to indulge in a sip of relief, making for an adventurous and delightful pizza experience.

Sparkling Wines for a Celebration of Flavors

Imagine the pop of a cork and the fizz of bubbles as you raise a toast to the perfect pizza night. Sparkling wines are not just for toasts and special occasions; they bring a festive touch to any pizza party. But did you know that these lively libations can also enhance the flavors of your favorite slices? Whether you’re enjoying a casual get-together or celebrating a milestone, a glass of effervescent wine can turn your pizza experience into a memorable feast.

Prosecco – Bubbly and Light for Appetizer Pizzas

Now, have you ever started your meal with a light appetizer pizza, perhaps topped with arugula and cherry tomatoes? Prosecco, with its apple and pear notes, dances along the palate and is the perfect partner for such delicate flavors. Its lively acidity and effervescence cleanse the palate between bites, making every mouthful as enjoyable as the first. Why not pour yourself a glass the next time you’re nibbling on a thin-crust creation before the main course?

Lambrusco – A Sweet Spark to Complement Dessert Pizzas

When it’s time for dessert, do you reach for something sweet or something savory? If you’re indulging in a dessert pizza, dripping with Nutella or piled high with sweetened cream cheese and fruit, you’ll want a wine that can hold its own. Enter Lambrusco, a sweet and slightly fizzy red that will harmonize with your dessert’s richness without overpowering it. Have you ever tried this pairing? The next time you’re savoring a slice of dessert pizza, let a glass of chilled Lambrusco add a sweet spark to your final course.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Next Pizza Night With the Perfect Wine Pairing

Are you ready to turn your next pizza party into a gourmet experience? With the right bottle of wine in hand, you can elevate a simple slice to new culinary heights. Whether it’s the rich flavor of a BBQ chicken pizza smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, or the simple joy of melted cheese on a plain cheese pizza, there’s a glass of vino waiting to complement every bite. Have you ever wondered which wine for your pizza will create that perfect harmony? Next time, before you reach for any drink with pizza, ask yourself: What delicious pizza and wine pairings will leave my guests impressed? With this wine pairing guide, you’re now equipped to select the perfect glass of wine to complement the flavors of your favorite Italian food. Cheers to making your next pizza and wine pairings as memorable as they are delightful!