The Best Wines to Pair with Pizza

Wine and pizza. Like bacon and eggs and cookies and milk, some things in life are just meant to be. Although, these days there are just about as many pizza toppings out there as there are wine varieties, and that’s where things can get a little tricky. In general with pairings stick to the old adage ‘what grows together goes together.’  And for wine and pizza that means you don’t need to look any further than Italy. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the same people who invented pizza also craft the perfect wines to pair with it. To help you find the ideal match for your favorite pie, we’ve put together this handy little guide. Don’t dial delivery without it!

MARGHERITA PIZZA

Featuring the simple and classic flavors of tangy tomato, creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil, a margarita pizza lends itself to light/medium-bodied wines. The zesty flavors of a Pinot Grigio are just enough to bring out the pizza’s flavors, without overpowering it.

Pair with: Pinot Grigio or Sangiovese

Our Pick: 2017 Villa Varda Pinot Grigio $16/ bottle Aromas of green apple, wildflowers, citrus zest. Juicy and lively, with a core of citrus and white fruits. 

PEPPERONI PIZZA

To balance out the strong spice of pepperoni, opt for a wine with rich, fruity flavors like a Sangiovese. Its savory qualities and moderate acidity will cut through the pepperoni’s fat and saltiness, providing the perfect moreish match.

Pair with or Sangiovese  or Barbera

Our Pick: 2016 Colombaio di Santachiara ‘Campale’ Colli Senesi DOCG $21/bottle The wine has a ruby red color and a fruity bouquet with notes of raspberry and strawberry. In the mouth it is pleasant, fresh, fruity, easy to drink

MEATLOVERS PIZZA

With these intense meaty flavors, you’re going to need a wine that’s up to the task and one never-fail variety is Cabernet Sauvignon. Its elevated tannins will match perfectly with the fattiness of the meat and the rich fruity flavors will provide an undeniable flavor combination.

Pair with: Cabernet Sauvignon or Tempranillo

Our Pick: 2016 Reynoso Family Vineyards Cabernet $39/bottle Deep ruby in color this wine is juicy and structured.  Blueberry, black cherry and wild blackberry predominate, framed by notes of sweet licorice, violets, sage and bay leaf.

VEGETARIAN PIZZA

If you like your vegetables where you can see them on a pizza, think about a wine that’s not going to compete with the mix of components going on in a Vegetarian pizza. An unoaked Chardonnay is a good place to start. With its gentle notes of citrus and herbs, it complements the similar flavors of the vegetables perfectly.

Pair with: Chardonnay or Fiano

Our Pick: 2017 Az. Agricola Vadiaperti Irpinia DOC Campania $21/bottle Luminous straw-green. The enticing nose offers mineral and spicy nuances to the pomaceous fruit aromas and flavors