How to Choose the Best Wine with Pizza
Pizza night just got a whole lot better. Picking the perfect wine to go with your pizza isn’t just something for sommeliers. Anyone can do it and turn an everyday meal into something special. Whether you’re a fan of a classic cheese slice, spicy pepperoni, or a veggie-loaded pie, the right wine can bring out the flavours. This guide will run you through the best wine pairings for all kinds of pizzas and help you discover new combinations to make your next pizza night even better.
Why Wine and Pizza Are the Perfect Match
Ever wondered why wine and pizza seem like such a natural match? The answer lies in the incredible balance of flavours and textures, especially the role of the sauce. Here’s why this classic combo works so well:
- Tomato Sauce is King: The bright acidity and tangy depth of tomato-based sauces cut through the richness of cheese and meats, mirroring the acidity found in many great wines.
- Cheese Brings Creaminess: Melty mozzarella and other cheeses add fat and a creamy texture that softens tannins in red wines and highlights the freshness of whites.
- Toppings Add Complexity: From spicy pepperoni to fresh veggies, each topping brings unique flavours that interact beautifully with different wine styles.
- Versatile Canvas: Pizza’s endless combinations mean there’s always a perfect wine match, whether you prefer red, white, rosé, or even sparkling.
Key Principles for Pairing Wine with Pizza
Are you looking for the perfect wine to pair with your pizza? No matter which slice you love most, these easy tips will make choosing the perfect wine a breeze every time!
- Match Acidity: Tomato-based pizzas pair well with wines that have similar acidity, such as Sangiovese, Barbera, or Pinot Noir. This maintains the flavours balanced and refreshing.
- Balance Intensity: Bold toppings like sausage or pepperoni call for robust reds, while lighter pizzas (like Margherita or veggie) shine with crisp whites or rosé.
- Consider Tannins: Rich, creamy cheeses can soften the tannins in red wine, making them smoother and more enjoyable with your pizza.
- Don’t Forget Sparkling: Bubbly wines like Prosecco or Lambrusco are incredibly versatile, cutting through grease and refreshing your palate between bites.
- Personal Taste Matters: Ultimately, the best wine to enjoy with pizza is the one you love most. Feel free to try out different pairings. It's all about discovering what makes your taste buds happy!
Top Pizza Styles and the Best Wines to Pair
1. Cheese Pizza
Best Wine Pairing: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, GSM Blend (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre)
Why It Works:
Classic cheese pizza combines the tangy brightness of tomato sauce with the creamy richness of mozzarella, creating a delightful harmony. Pairing it with medium-bodied reds like Montepulciano d’Abruzzo or a GSM blend enhances the experience, as their gentle acidity and soft tannins, with notes of berry, perfectly complement the cheese.
2. Pepperoni Pizza
Best Wine Pairing: Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel
Why It Works:
Pepperoni’s spicy, smoky, and savoury flavours are bold and rich, making them a natural match for structured reds like Sangiovese or Cabernet Franc. These wines have enough acidity and spice to cut through the fat and enhance the pepperoni’s flavours. Zinfandel’s fruit-forward profile also pairs well with the pizza’s heat and intensity.
3. Margherita Pizza
Best Wine Pairing: Dry Rosé, Garnacha (Grenache), Pinot Grigio
Why It Works:
The Margherita pizza, with its fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, pairs excellently with a wine that’s just as fresh and lively. A dry rosé or Garnacha adds bright red fruit and crisp acidity, perfectly highlighting the subtle herbal notes of the pizza. Pinot Grigio offers a clean, refreshing finish that complements the delicate flavours without overpowering them.
4. Sausage Pizza
Best Wine Pairing: Syrah, Pinotage, Nero d’Avola
Why It Works:
Sausage pizzas are loved for their hearty meatiness and fragrant spices. Pairing them with bold red wines like Syrah, Pinotage, or Nero d’Avola can enhance the experience. These wines offer rich fruit flavours, a touch of pepper, and enough body to match the richness of the sausage.
5. Hawaiian Pizza
Best Wine Pairing: Off-Dry Riesling, Lambrusco, Zinfandel
Why It Works:
The sometimes controversial blend of ham and pineapple is beautifully paired with wines that have a hint of sweetness or are bursting with vibrant fruit flavours. Off-dry Riesling balances the saltiness and tang of pineapple, while Lambrusco and Zinfandel bring juicy notes that complement the toppings.
6. White Pizza
Best Wine Pairing: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc
Why It Works:
White pizza’s creamy base and fresh herbs pair fantastically with lightly oaked Chardonnay, which adds richness and complexity. Pinot Noir’s gentle tannins and lively fruit echo the herbs and cheese, and Sauvignon Blanc provides a refreshing crispness.
7. BBQ Chicken Pizza
Best Wine Pairing: Malbec, Touriga Nacional, Fruit-Forward Red Blends
Why It Works:
BBQ chicken pizza is flavoured with sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. Fruit-forward reds like Malbec or Touriga Nacional bring out ripe berry flavours and soft tannins that complement the sauce’s sweetness and the chicken’s savouriness.
8. Veggie & Salad Pizza
Best Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Verdejo
Why It Works:
Veggie and salad pizzas showcase fresh garden flavours and often come with zesty vinaigrettes or herbs. Wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, and Verdejo, with bright acidity and herbal notes, enhance the fresh vegetable flavours and provide a clean, refreshing finish.
| Pizza and Wine Pairing Table | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pizza Style | Best Wine Pairing | Why It Works |
| Cheese Pizza | Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, GSM Blend | Medium-bodied reds balance tomato sauce acidity and cheese creaminess, enhancing each bite. |
| Pepperoni Pizza | Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel | Fruity, spicy reds match pepperoni’s bold, rich flavours and cut through the fat. |
| Margherita Pizza | Dry Rosé, Garnacha (Grenache), Pinot Grigio | Fresh, crisp wines highlight basil, tomato, and mozzarella without overpowering subtle notes. |
| Sausage Pizza | Syrah, Pinotage, Nero d’Avola | Bold reds with deep fruit and spice pair well with the sausage’s richness and herbal notes. |
| Hawaiian Pizza | Off-Dry Riesling, Lambrusco, Zinfandel | Juicy, lightly sweet wines balance the salty ham and sweet pineapple, refreshing each bite. |
| White Pizza | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc | Creamy and herbal flavours are complemented by vibrant, balanced whites or light reds. |
| BBQ Chicken Pizza | Malbec, Touriga Nacional, Fruit-Forward Red Blends | Fruit-forward reds echo the BBQ sauce’s sweetness and hold up to rich toppings. |
| Veggie & Salad Pizza | Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Verdejo | High-acid, herbal whites lift fresh veggies and cleanse the palate after every bite. |
Popular Pizza & Wine Pairing Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most passionate pizza fans can occasionally feel unsure about which wine to pick. To help you enjoy your pizza and wine combo to the fullest, here are some common pairing mistakes to watch out for:
- Choosing overly heavy, high-tannin reds for tomato-based pizzas: Bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon can overwhelm the bright acidity of tomato sauce, making both taste harsh.
- Ignoring the impact of toppings: Different toppings require different wine styles - spicy, seafood, or veggie pizzas each need a tailored pairing.
- Sticking to red wine only: Whites, rosé, and sparklings can be fantastic with lighter or creative pizzas.
- Serving wine too warm or too cold: Reds often benefit from a slight chill with pizza, while whites should be cold but not icy.
- Forgetting about acidity: Low-acid wines can taste flat next to zesty tomato sauce or tangy dressings.
- Pairing based only on tradition, not taste: Don’t be afraid to experiment—your favourite pairing is the one you enjoy most.
Conclusion
Finding the right wine to go with pizza is about balancing flavours and enjoying the moment. With these pairing tips and a bit of experimentation, every pizza night can become something special. There’s a perfect wine out there for every taste - cheers to discovering yours!
FAQ
1. What is the best wine with pizza?
The best wine depends on sauce and toppings: medium-bodied reds (Sangiovese, Montepulciano) suit classic cheese or pepperoni, while whites (Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc) and rosés work beautifully with lighter or veggie pizzas. Ultimately, choose what you enjoy most.
2. Can you drink white wine with pizza?
Absolutely! Crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pair excellently with veggies, seafood, or white pizzas, offering a clean, zesty contrast to cheese and herbs.
3. What wine pairs best with pepperoni pizza?
Pepperoni’s spice and fat call for wines with good acidity and fruitiness—Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, or Zinfandel cut through the richness and enhance the pepperoni flavours.
4. How do I pick wine for unique pizzas like Hawaiian or BBQ chicken?
For sweet-and-tangy pizzas, opt for off-dry Riesling, Lambrusco, or fruit-forward reds like Malbec to balance the sweetness and refresh your palate.
