Patrick Oconnell
Wine and pizza are a match made in heaven, but choosing the right wine to go with your pizza is an art. A classic cheese pizza is a simple yet delicious choice, and there are several wines that can complement it well. For instance, a strong white or bold red like Aglianico, Cannonau di Sardegna, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, or an oaky Sangiovese from Toscana can be a great pairing. If you're looking for something sparkling, Prosecco, Lambrusco, or a sparkling rosé can be a perfect palate cleanser. However, at the end of the day, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to pairing wine with pizza.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine Type | Red wine, White wine, Rosé, Sparkling wine |
| Wine Variety | Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinotage, Barbera, Barbaresco, Chianti, Aglianico, Cannonau di Sardegna, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Lambrusco, Prosecco, Northern Rhône Syrah, Chianti Classico, Gavi di Gavi, Nerello Mascalese, Etna Rosso |
| Flavour Notes | Savory, Spicy, Sweet, Sour cherry, Floral, Full-bodied, Light, Fruity, Fresh, Herbaceous, Smoky, Creamy, Umami, Acidic |
| Pizza Toppings | Cheese, Meat, Spicy toppings, Sausage, Salami, Pepperoni, Ham, Pineapple, Veggies, Mushrooms, Clams |
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What You'll Learn
Pairing wine with a cheese pizza
Pizza and wine are a match made in heaven, but with so many varieties of both, it can be tricky to find the perfect pairing. When it comes to a classic cheese pizza, a strong white or bold red wine is the way to go.
If you're a red wine lover, a good place to start is a bold, spice-filled Northern Rhône Syrah. The spice notes in this wine will complement the savoury, umami flavours of the cheese. A Sangiovese is another classic choice, as the most popular red grape in Italy. Its vibrant sour cherry notes and elevated acidity will cut through the richness of the cheese. For a more full-bodied wine, a Spanish Grenache or Monastrell with upfront fruit notes will also pair well with a cheese pizza.
For white wine enthusiasts, a dry Lambrusco is a great choice. Its slight sweetness will complement the cheese without being overpowering. A lighter Barbera is another good option, as its acidity will cut through the richness of the cheese.
Of course, there are also sparkling wines to consider. A sparkling wine like Prosecco or Lambrusco can act as a palate cleanser, cutting through the doughiness of the pizza base. So, whether you prefer red, white, or sparkling, there are plenty of options to pair with your cheese pizza.
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White wines for white pizza
When it comes to wine and pizza, there are no hard-and-fast rules. However, if you're a fan of white pizza, you might want to opt for a white wine to match. The absence of tomato sauce in a white pizza means that the acidity level is lower, so a crisp, refreshing white wine can be a great choice.
Pinot Grigio is a popular choice to pair with white pizza, as its crispness and acidity can complement the rich flavours of the pizza. Another option is an earthy Sauvignon Blanc, which can also work well with veggie pizzas loaded with green peppers and broccoli. If you're feeling fancy, a glass of bubbly Champagne could be a perfect match for your white pizza. The bubbles and acidity of the Champagne can cut through the richness of the pizza, creating a delightful contrast.
For those who prefer a sweeter wine, a Riesling might be the ideal choice. Rieslings often have aromas of tropical fruits, which can pair beautifully with the sweet and salty flavours of a white pizza. If you're looking for something with a bit more effervescence, a sparkling wine like Prosecco or Lambrusco can be a great palate cleanser, especially if your pizza has a doughy crust.
While white wines are generally recommended for white pizzas, some people enjoy pushing the boundaries and experimenting with different pairings. So, if you feel like trying something new, don't be afraid to grab a glass of red or a fun cocktail instead! Ultimately, the best wine pairing is the one that you enjoy the most.
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Red wines for meat-based pizzas
While pizza is a casual and fun food, the right wine pairing can elevate the experience. Meat-based pizzas, in particular, often have strong flavours, so a soft, fruity red wine is a good choice to balance them.
If you're a sausage pizza lover, a bold red wine is the way to go. The spices used in sausage pizzas, such as fennel, anise, thyme, and oregano, pair well with the intense dark fruit flavours of full-bodied wines like Syrah and Pinotage. These wines also have notes of blackberry, olive, plum, and blueberry that complement the fennel-driven sausage.
For a pepperoni pizza, a strong wine with intense flavours is needed to counterbalance the savoury, spicy profile of the meat. A Northern Rhône Syrah, with its bold, spice-filled character, is a good choice. Alternatively, a Cabernet Franc or a Sangiovese, the most popular red grape of Italy, can also stand up to the intensity of pepperoni.
If your meat-based pizza includes Canadian bacon, a slightly sweet Riesling is a surprisingly good pairing. The Germans have been pairing Rieslings with all kinds of meats, and the wine's acidity acts as a palate cleanser while its sweetness elevates the ham and pineapple experience.
For a classic Italian experience, try a Chianti Classico, made predominantly from Sangiovese grapes. Its vibrant sour cherry notes and elevated acidity cut through the richness of the cheese and parallel the fruity tomato sauce.
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Wines for mushroom pizzas
When it comes to wine pairings for mushroom pizza, the key is to complement the dish's earthy and creamy flavours. Here are some recommendations:
Chianti
A Chianti Classico is a great pairing for mushroom pizza. Chianti is a Sangiovese-based wine with bounce and acidity that can complement a basic pizza. It is a versatile wine that can go with a variety of toppings.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco, with its sour cherry and dried herb notes, highlights the umami of the mushrooms in the pizza, while its tartness helps balance the creaminess of the cheese.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta is a sparkling wine from Lombardy that offers a refreshing contrast to mushroom pizza. Its fresh lemon and peach notes, along with its fine bubbles, cleanse the palate between bites. The gentle brioche undertones add a touch of richness, mirroring the pizza's crust.
Langhe Rosso
Langhe Rosso is a versatile match for mushroom pizza. Its core of silky red and black fruit enhances the savoury elements of the mushrooms. Its drinkability and balanced acidity ensure that the flavours of the pizza and wine are both highlighted without overpowering each other.
Gevrey-Chambertin
Gevrey-Chambertin, a Pinot Noir from France, is an off-the-beaten-path choice for mushroom pizza. Its rich red fruit and mushroom notes create a natural synergy with the pizza's earthy flavours.
Pinot Noir
A Pinot Noir is another wine that can pair well with a mushroom pizza. Oregon's Willamette Valley produces Pinot Noir with fine tannins and savoury notes that make it an ideal partner for mushroom pizza.
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Wines for spicy pizzas
When it comes to pairing wine with a spicy pizza, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the level of spice in the pizza will impact the wine you choose. If your pizza is very spicy, a sweet wine can help to balance out the heat. In this case, a white wine like Riesling, Moscato, or a sparkling wine like Lambrusco or a semi-dry Riesling can be a good choice. These wines have subtle sweetness that can complement the spice without being overpowering.
If your pizza is only mildly spicy, you have a bit more flexibility. A lighter red wine like Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, or Gamay can be a good option. These wines tend to have lower ABV, which can help to temper the spice. A sparkling rosé can also be a nice choice, as the bubbles can cut through the spice and provide a refreshing contrast.
For those who prefer a bolder red wine, a Chianti Classico or a Grenache can stand up to the spice while also offering robust dark fruit flavours. If you're looking for something a little more unusual, a Pét Nat (natural sparkling wine) can be a fun choice for a spicy pizza, as the bubbles and bright acidity can help to cut through the heat.
And let's not forget the power of bubbles! A sparkling wine like Prosecco or a sparkling rosé can be a great choice for a spicy pizza, as the bubbles act as a palate cleanser and can help to refresh your taste buds between bites. So, whether you're a red wine or white wine drinker, there are plenty of options to pair with your spicy pizza. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy your pizza and wine and have fun with the different combinations!
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Frequently asked questions
A cheese pizza pairs well with strong whites or bold reds like Aglianico, Cannonau di Sardegna, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, or an oaky Sangiovese from Toscana. Sparkling wines like Prosecco, Lambrusco, or a sparkling rosé can also complement a cheese pizza.
Some specific wines that pair well with a cheese pizza include the 2018 Roserock Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir, 2017 Salcheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano, and the 2019 Bernabeleva Camino De Navaherreros Grenache.
Yes, here are a few additional tips:
- The toppings on a pizza can make a big difference in the wine pairing. For example, meat-based pizzas go well with soft, fruity wines, while veggie pizzas may pair better with a full-bodied white wine.
- A Margherita pizza pairs well with rosé due to its aromatic notes of fresh basil, tomatoes, and buffalo mozzarella.
- If you're making a Neapolitan-style pizza with spicy 'nduja, consider pairing it with a semi-dry Riesling or a lighter Barbera.
While wine is a popular choice, other drinks can also be paired with a cheese pizza. For example, a crisp beer or a refreshing cocktail can also complement the flavours of the pizza. Ultimately, the best drink to pair with a cheese pizza is the one that you enjoy the most!
