Erin Elizabeth
Many people pair wines with charcuterie boards. But do you know what else comes with a combination of bread, meat, and cheese? Pizza!
Beer is a popular choice for drinking while eating your favorite slice, but if you want to have a classier evening or just try something different, many wine options are more than suitable for the job.
The best wine for pizza tends to be from Italy due to the shared classic Italian flavor pairings, but this rule has some exceptions.
Wine and Pizza Pairings
In this article, I’ll share a comprehensive list of the best wine for pizza, so you’ll get an idea of what to try next according to your tastes!
Lambrusco
Lambrusco is a classic Italian favorite and perfect for pairing with pizza.
This bubbly red low in tannins and slightly sweet flavor compliments the savory taste of tomato sauce and cheese.
Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive, so you can splurge on your pizza toppings! I like drinking a glass of Lambrusco casually with a few friends.
Pinot Noir
Another tasty, deep red wine that pairs swimmingly with pizza is Pinot Noir.
It has bright fruit flavors that balance the peppery flavor of a pepperoni or sausage pizza.
Also, the light body and low tannin content make it an enjoyable red wine with pizza.
Riesling
Riesling is a great white wine choice for white pizzas like margherita or garlic pesto.
Its light body and sweetness contrast with the saltiness of the cheese, and its high acidity cuts through the creamy sauce.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with pizza, especially crispy thin-crust pizzas.
This acidic white wine has a refreshing grassy, herbal flavor that compliments the lightness of a thin-crust pizza.
Additionally, it has enough body to stand up to dynamic toppings on a pizza, such as roasted veggies or spicy pepperoni.
Chardonnay
For a richer flavor, Chardonnay is always a great choice for pizza, although not the heaviest pizza.
A white pizza with hearty toppings like mushrooms, artichokes, olives, or prosciutto will complement Chardonnay’s buttery and oaky notes perfectly.
Nero d’Avola
Nero d’Avola is an Italian red wine that’s perfect to pair with pizza. It has bold and fruity flavors, low tannins, and a slightly sweet finish.
This smooth red is great for adding an extra layer of flavor to your favorite pizzas.
I particularly like it with meaty, highly savory pizzas.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is a semi-sweet Italian red wine from the grapes in Tuscany and Central Italy.
I think it pairs perfectly with a prosciutto and arugula pizza because the slight sweetness of the wine pairs well with the peppery arugula and salty prosciutto.
Plus, it has enough acidity to stand up against the red sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Syrah
Syrah, also named Shiraz, comes from dark grapes in Southeastern France.
It’s no surprise that this full-bodied red pairs wonderfully with pizza.
Its intense berry and spice flavors stand out when paired with a classic pepperoni or sausage pizza.
Barbera
Barbera is an Italian red wine made from the Barbera grape. It’s a medium-bodied wine with high acidity and mild tannins.
I find it a great pairing for pizzas with more complex toppings like mushrooms, onions, and peppers.
The acidity helps to cut through the richness of the toppings, and the mild tannins don’t overpower them.
Chianti
Chianti is a dry red-blend wine from Tuscany, Italy.
It’s made from the Sangiovese grape and has high acidity, making it a great choice for saucy red-sauce pizza.
I love pairing Chianti with a classic Margherita pizza, but it also goes well with pizzas with heavier toppings like olives and artichokes.
Dry Rosé
A dry rosé is an appealing option for people who want the flavor of red wine with the lightness of white wine.
It goes well with all kinds of pizza, but I especially love drinking it alongside pizzas with spice like jalapeno, or even a Mexican style pizza with spicier toppings.
Grenache
Grenache is a bold red Spanish wine that pairs perfectly with pizzas because of its rich, fruity flavors.
I like to pair Grenache with pizzas with bold yet light toppings like goat cheese and mushrooms.
The fruity flavors balance out the tartness of the goat cheese, and the strong body stands up to any kind of sauce.
Malbec
Malbec is a full-bodied red wine from Argentina that pairs well with pizza because of its vivid and dark fruit flavors.
As an Argentinian wine, it naturally pairs with heavier meats on pizza, such as chorizo or bacon.
I think it’s also a great choice for BBQ chicken pizzas because of the meat’s smokiness.
Prosecco
Prosecco is a sparkling Italian wine that’s excellent when matched with a delicious pizza.
It has light floral notes and lower alcohol content, which makes it an ideal pairing for lighter pizzas like Margherita or even a simple cheese pizza.
Plus, it adds a bit of fun with its bubbles, making it a great choice to pop out at a celebratory pizza party.
Rosé
Last on our list of the best wine for pizza is the standard rosé; it’s not as dry as the “dry rosé” mentioned above, but it’s still a dry, light-bodied pink wine with bright berry and citrus notes.
I love to pair it with pizzas with toppings like fresh tomatoes, arugula, and goat cheese.
The subtle sweetness of the rosé pairs perfectly with the bright, acidic flavors of the pizza, making it a match made in heaven.
Wine and Pizza Pairings
- Lambrusco
- Pinot Noir
- Riesling
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
- Nero d’Avola
- Sangiovese
- Syrah
- Barbera
- Chianti
- Dry Rosé
- Grenache
- Malbec
- Prosecco
- Rosé
What’s Your Favorite Wine and Pizza Combination?
These wines make great pairings with a slice of pizza. The type of pizza, sauce, and toppings will affect what wines pair best with your slice. Check out a variety of pizza recipes on our blog!
Which wine do you like to drink with pizza? Tell us in the comments!
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