Few beverages pair as well with pizza as wine does. The flavors and aromas of wine beautifully complement the tangy tomato sauce, creamy melted cheese, and various toppings on a pizza. While a robust red wine can enhance the flavors of a meaty pizza, crisp whites refresh your palate when paired with a veggie-topped slice. The right wine pairing will bring out the best in every pizza ingredient.
What kind of wine pairs best with pizza?
Generally, white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are great with lighter pizzas topped with seafood or veggies, offering a crisp counterbalance to the flavors. On the other hand, red wines such as Chianti or Pinot Noir are excellent with meaty pizzas like pepperoni or sausage, as they have the body and flavor complexity to complement these hearty toppings. For rich, cheesy pizzas, sparkling wines like Prosecco or Lambrusco cut through the fat and are refreshing.
Red Wines
Chianti
Chianti, a red wine from Tuscany, Italy, is often considered the perfect wine for pizza, especially when it comes to popular varieties with tomato and mozzarella. This Italian wine’s tart cherry and herbal notes perfectly balance the richness of the cheese and the tanginess of the tomato sauce.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir, a light red wine originating from regions like Burgundy in France, California, and Oregon, is a versatile option for pizza pairings. Its red fruit flavors like cherry and raspberry, earthy undertones, and its light to medium body pair well with plain cheese pizzas, white pizzas, or the classic Pizza Margherita.
Syrah/Shiraz
Syrah, also known as Shiraz in Australia, is a red wine perfect for meat lover’s pizza, pepperoni pizza, or pizzas with spicy and smoky meats. Originating from the Rhône Valley in France, Australia, and California, it’s known for its dark fruit flavors, black pepper, and sometimes smoky undertones.
Barbera
Barbera, a red wine from Piedmont, Italy, pairs well with a variety of pizzas, from Margherita to deep-dish laden with sausage and red sauce. With high acidity and moderate tannins, its flavors of red cherries and blackberries blend seamlessly with tomato sauce.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel, a red wine primarily grown in California, is a great choice for pies laden with meats and spices like meat lovers, BBQ chicken pizza, or spicy sausage pizzas. It offers robust fruit flavors of blackberries and cherries, along with peppery or spicy notes.
Cabernet Sauvignon
As a full-bodied wine, Cabernet Sauvignon should be paired with pizzas that have gamey meats like lamb or duck and lots of cheese. It has a robust flavor profile of black currant, plum, and often notes of tobacco or leather.
White Wines
Riesling
Riesling, a white wine from regions like Mosel in Germany, Alsace in France, and the Finger Lakes in the U.S., pairs well with pizzas with salty or spicy pizza toppings like prosciutto, ham, or jalapeños. If you’re a fan of Hawaiian pizza with ham and pineapple, Riesling should be your first choice.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc, a white wine from the Loire Valley in France, New Zealand, and California, is ideal for veggie pizzas and those made with pesto sauces. It offers grapefruit, green apple, and sometimes herbal notes like bell pepper.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio, a white wine popular in regions like Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Alto Adige in Italy, pairs well with seafood-topped pizzas or those with lighter, fresher toppings like arugula and lemon. It’s known for its light, crisp flavors of green apple and pear.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay, a white wine from regions like Burgundy in France and California, is a great match for pizzas with creamy sauces or richer toppings like truffle oil or gourmet mushrooms. It’s known for its richer, buttery flavors and can have notes of apple, pear, and sometimes oak.
Sparkling Wines
Prosecco
Prosecco, a sparkling white wine from Veneto, Italy, is an excellent choice for rich, cheesy pizzas. With flavors of green apple, pear, and citrus, its crisp effervescence cuts through the fattiness of the cheese, offering a refreshing contrast to each bite.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine from Emilia-Romagna in Italy, is a delightful match for classic Margherita pizzas. Its light effervescence cuts through the richness of cheese, while its red fruit flavors harmonize with tomato-based sauces.
Whatever your favorite pizza is, finding the right wine to match shouldn’t be hard. Our guide offers a curated list of 12 wines, each offering unique flavors that can elevate any pizza experience. Just remember to pair your wine correctly with the type of pizza you’re having to enjoy them both.
