Wine And Cheese Pizza: The Perfect Pairing

Wine and pizza are a classic combination. But with so many types of pizza and wine, it can be tricky to find the perfect pairing. A classic cheese pizza with red sauce is best enjoyed with a light red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir. The simplicity of the pizza is complemented by the crisp acidity and wild berry flavours of these wines. For a more full-bodied option, a Montepulciano or GSM (Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre blend) will also pair well with a cheese pizza.

Chianti, Pinot Noir, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are great with classic cheese pizza

When it comes to wine and pizza, the general rule is that wine pairings work best with a wine that "isn't trying too hard". In other words, a wine that is relaxed and easy-going. This is because pizza is ultimately a casual and fun food.

That being said, when it comes to classic cheese pizza, Chianti, Pinot Noir, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are all excellent choices. These wines are midweight reds that pair perfectly with the simplicity of a classic cheese pizza, whether it's a plain cheese from Domino's or a Margherita made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Chianti, a well-known Italian red wine, is characterised by its crisp acidity and notes of dried herbs and wild berries. It is a versatile wine that can elevate a simple cheese pizza while also complementing more complex toppings. Similarly, Pinot Noir, particularly those from Oregon's Willamette Valley, boasts fine tannins and savoury notes that make it an ideal partner for cheese pizza. The spicy, medium-bodied Pinot Noir from Domaine Drouhin's Roserock estate is a particularly good choice.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, another Tuscan wine, is made from the same grape as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino but has its own distinct characteristics due to variations in microclimate and soil. The vineyards for Vino Nobile are planted on steep slopes of sand and clay, resulting in heavy sun exposure, good drainage, and a quick ripening season. This wine is lively, with powerful red and black fruit flavours, ripe plum, heavy acidity, and gentle tannins. It is a wine that is meant to be paired with food, particularly grilled or roasted meats, thick meat sauces, and salumi, all of which can also be delicious toppings for a pizza.

So, the next time you're enjoying a classic cheese pizza, consider reaching for a bottle of Chianti, Pinot Noir, or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano to take your dining experience to the next level.

Barbera d'Asti or Barbera d'Alba from Piedmont, Italy, are good with any pizza

When it comes to wine and pizza pairings, the toppings on the pizza play a significant role. While there are many options for wine and pizza pairings, Barbera d'Asti or Barbera d'Alba from Piedmont, Italy, are good choices for any pizza.

Barbera is an Italian grape variety that has played a historic role in the country's wine scene since the 13th century. It is known for its ruby colour, red fruit and spice aromas, and balanced structure. While grown all over Italy, Barbera has found the most success in the Piedmont region, particularly in the provinces of Asti and Alba.

Barbera d'Asti and Barbera d'Alba have distinct characteristics. Barbera d'Asti ranges from fresh stainless-steel versions to more complex, wood-aged wines. It is known for its versatility, offering both immediate freshness and mature complexity. On the other hand, Barbera d'Alba is grown in the hills around Alba on chalky soils, resulting in a wine with a profile rich in polyphenols and intense aromas.

When it comes to pizza, Barbera wines are a good choice due to their high acidity and low tannin content. The fruit and crisp acidity of Barbera wines pair well with a wide range of dishes, including pizza. The high acidity and low tannins in lighter-style Barberas make them a great match for tomato-based dishes, such as a classic cheese pizza.

For a cheese pizza, a simple wine like a Chianti Classico or a midweight red like an Oregon Pinot Noir is recommended. The acidity and dried herb notes in a Chianti Classico, in particular, complement the simplicity of a plain cheese pizza.

So, whether you're enjoying a classic cheese pizza or indulging in a more adventurous topping combination, Barbera d'Asti or Barbera d'Alba from Piedmont, Italy, are excellent choices to accompany your pizza.

Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine, is a great palate cleanser

Lambrusco has a delicate sparkle that plays on the palate, adding a fun and exciting element to the dining experience. It is also generally low in alcohol content, typically around 11-12% ABV, making it a perfect choice for a casual meal. Its versatility extends beyond pizza, as it pairs well with a variety of dishes, including charcuterie boards, hard cheeses, and even spicy dishes.

The wine's versatility can also be attributed to the different varieties of Lambrusco grapes used in its production. The most common varieties include Lambrusco Maestri, Lambrusco Marani, Lambrusco Salamino, and Lambrusco Sorbara. Each variety brings its unique characteristics to the wine, resulting in a range of flavours and aromas.

Lambrusco's long history in Italy adds to its charm and authenticity. It is an ancient indigenous variety, dating back to Etruscan and Roman times, and has been a staple in the Emilia-Romagna region for centuries. Today, it is widely available and affordable, making it accessible to wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.

When pairing Lambrusco with a cheese pizza, consider the specific variety of Lambrusco and the type of cheese used on the pizza. For example, a lighter and more fragrant Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC would pair well with a milder cheese, while a darker and richer Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC would stand up to stronger, more pungent cheeses.

In conclusion, Lambrusco is a delightful choice for those seeking a sparkling red wine to pair with a cheese pizza. Its versatility, affordability, and food-friendly nature make it a great option for casual dining and exploring new taste combinations. So, the next time you're enjoying a slice of pizza, consider reaching for a glass of Lambrusco to enhance your dining experience.

A bold, meat lover's pizza goes well with Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec

When it comes to wine and pizza, there are no hard and fast rules. Some people might prefer a crisp white wine with their pizza, while others might opt for a bold red. Ultimately, the best wine pairing depends on the toppings and the type of pizza.

That being said, a bold, meat lover's pizza goes well with Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec. These wines can stand up to the rich, heavy flavours of the meat and the higher tannins and acidity will cut through the fattiness of the meat.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied, bold red wine with flavours of black currant, blackberry, pencil shavings, herbs, and baking spices. It has high tannins and a medium-high acidity level. When pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with food, you want big, rich flavours like red meat, truffles, and mushrooms. The classic pairing is steak, but it also goes well with short ribs, burgers, and pizza!

The key to a successful pairing is to have enough fat content in the meat to stand up to the wine. A meat lover's pizza loaded with pepperoni, bacon, ham, sausage, and cheese would be a perfect match. The saltiness and fat from the cheese will enhance the fruit notes of the wine.

Malbec is another bold red wine that pairs well with a meat lover's pizza. It has a similar flavour profile to Cabernet Sauvignon, with high tannins and medium-high acidity. It also has notes of dark fruit, spice, and sometimes a hint of sweetness. The boldness of Malbec can stand up to the intense flavours of the meat and the acidity will cut through the fat.

So, if you're looking for a wine to pair with your meat lover's pizza, Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec are excellent choices. Their bold flavours, high tannins, and acidity will complement and cut through the richness of the pizza, creating a delicious and satisfying pairing.

A white pizza pairs well with a sparkling rosé

Pizza is a fun, casual food, and there is no one-size-fits-all wine pairing. The wine you choose should complement or contrast with the flavours and ingredients of your pizza. A classic cheese pizza, for example, pairs well with a Chianti or a midweight red, like a Pinot Noir from Oregon.

A white pizza, however, is a different story. White pizza is often a divisive choice, with its lack of tomato sauce changing the pairing equation. The acidity of tomatoes is lost, so a different wine is needed to complement the gentle fruitiness of the pizza. A sparkling rosé is the perfect choice here. The bubbles and fruitiness of the wine work in harmony with the cheese and dough of a white pizza.

A sparkling rosé from Italy's Friuli region, such as the NV Le Monde Sparkling Pinot Nero, is a great choice. This vibrant wine is appealing and not too dry, with notes of strawberry and sweet citrus. The bubbles and fruitiness of this wine will perfectly complement the cheese and dough of a white pizza.

Another option is the NV Segura Viudas Cava Brut Rosé. This Spanish sparkling wine is superb with bread and cheese, which is essentially what a white pizza is.

A third choice is the NV Billecart-Salmon Champagne Brut Rosé. While Champagne is usually reserved for fancy foods, this elegant rosé is a great choice for a date night, especially if you opt for a half bottle.

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