Your low-key night just got a whole lot fancier! Here are some of the best pizza and wine pairings (order not important):
1. Margherita Pizza + Barbera d’Alba
Margherita is a classic Italian pizza that is rich with red tomato sauce. It exudes earthy tones of basil and topped off with creamy mozzarella. This simple, yet scrumptious Neapolitan pizza pairs perfectly with Barbera d’Alba, a tangy red wine. The acidity of Barbera d’Alba compliments the pizza sauce, and yes, it’s finger-lickin’ good.
2. Cheese Pizza + Grenache
Although a cheese pizza might seem “simple”, there is not a dull flavor-moment when paired with a proper red. Grenache, which is generally classified as a spicy, berry-flavored red wine, is soft on the palate and is a nice addition to a plain cheese pizza. Similar to the Margherita and Barbera d’Alba, Grenache’s acidity amplifies the pizza’s tomato sauce flavor.
3. Pepperoni Pizza + Sangiovese
Forget Romeo and Juliet. Pepperoni and cheese are arguably the most lovable Italian star-crossed lovers! Pair it with the right wine, and you’re in for a dynamic flavor combination. The fat content from the pepperoni enhances the cheesy goodness. Smart pairing for this choice: an herbaceous Sangiovese red.
4. Hawaiin Pizza + Riesling
Ah, Hawaiin Pizza. This is a questionable choice for many. We would like to put your doubts to rest and assure you that salty ham paired with sweet, tangy pineapple is delicious, even more so when matched with the right wine. The marriage of the Riseling’s acidity and sweet notes within the pizza creates a lovely and bright flavor.
5. Sausage + Pinotage
For a bold, fennel-infused pizza like Sausage Pizza, you will want a bold wine to match it. Full-bodied wines, such as Pinotage, naturally works well with rich meats like sausage. The result is a glorious combination of pizza-wine-pairing goodness!
