What Wine Goes With Pizza

Picture this: A Friday night in, lounging on your couch, binge-watching your favorite TV show, and the doorbell rings. It's your pizza delivery! The only question now is, which wine will you be pouring to accompany your cheesy, delicious masterpiece? Fret not, for we at Black Wine Club are here to help you enhance your pizza night with the perfect wine pairings.

Why Wine and Pizza?

Combining the Italian classics of pizza and wine might seem like an obvious choice, but there's more to this perfect pairing than you might think. Pizza, with its rich, cheesy flavors, aromatic herbs, and variety of toppings, gives you endless options to explore when it comes to selecting a wine. The acidity and tannins in wine help to cut through the richness of the pizza, refreshing your palate for another delicious bite.

Classic Margherita and Italian Reds

For a classic Margherita pizza, adorned with tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil, you will want to explore the world of Italian red wines. Italian reds, known for their acidity and rustic flavors, are a match made in heaven for this traditional pizza. Some great options include:

• Chianti: Made from the Sangiovese grape, Chianti's bright acidity and hints of cherry and earthy tones will complement the tomato-based sauce and fresh basil.
• Barbera: With its high acidity and juicy dark fruit flavors, Barbera will provide a satisfying contrast to the richness of the mozzarella cheese and enhance the freshness of the basil.
• Nero d'Avola: Offering bold fruit flavors and velvety tannins, Nero d'Avola will stand up to the robust flavors of a Margherita pizza, while the acidity keeps your palate refreshed.

Meaty Feasts and Full-Bodied Reds

For those who prefer their pizza loaded with meaty treats such as pepperoni, sausage, or bacon, a full-bodied red wine with assertive tannins is your best bet. Selecting a wine with spicy or smoky notes will elevate the savory flavors of your pizza. Consider these options:

• Malbec: Hailing from Argentina, Malbec has flavors of black fruit, pepper, and smoke that will complement the meaty toppings and bold flavors of your pizza.
• Zinfandel: This powerful American varietal is bursting with ripe fruit flavors and spicy notes that make it an excellent choice for pairing with a meat-lovers pizza.
• Syrah/Shiraz: Whether it's from the Rhône Valley in France or Australia, Syrah (or Shiraz) offers dark fruit flavors, savory notes, and peppery spice that will hold its own against the hearty toppings on your pizza.

Veggie Delight and Crisp Whites

If you prefer a pizza loaded with fresh veggies like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives, a crisp and refreshing white wine should be your go-to choice. Choosing a white wine with zesty acidity and bright fruit flavors will enhance the flavors of the vegetables and add a touch of brightness to your meal. Some options are:

• Sauvignon Blanc: With its high acidity, citrus notes, and hint of herbaceousness, Sauvignon Blanc will accentuate the freshness of the vegetables and keep your palate refreshed.
• Pinot Grigio: This light and crisp Italian white wine pairs wonderfully with veggie pizzas – its subtle fruit flavors and minerality will enhance the mix of vegetables without overpowering them.
• Vermentino: An Italian white wine with a zesty citrus character and a touch of salinity, Vermentino will balance the flavors of your veggie pizza and add a refreshing finish to each bite.

What Wine Goes With Pizza Example:

Suppose you're hosting a pizza night with friends, and you've ordered a variety of pizzas - a classic Margherita, a meat-lovers feast, and a veggie-loaded pie. Based on our recommendations, you could create a well-rounded wine selection for your guests by offering a Chianti, a Malbec, and a Sauvignon Blanc as your pairing choices. This ensures that everyone will have a wine that complements their preferred pizza and enhances their dining experience.

Now that you're equipped with the perfect wine pairings for your pizza night, it's time to put your newfound knowledge to the test! Remember, each pizza and wine pairing is a delightful adventure waiting for you to experience and savor. Be sure to share your pizza and wine pairing discoveries with your friends, and explore more wine guides and recommendations here at Black Wine Club. Cheers to a night of delicious pizza and perfectly paired wines!