The perfect wine can elevate your pizza experience from delicious to extraordinary. As Pizzaiolo's resident sommelier, I'm excited to share my guide to pairing wines with our signature artisan pizzas. Whether you're enjoying a classic Margherita or our bold Prosciutto & Arugula, I'll help you find the ideal wine companion.
The Basics of Pizza and Wine Pairing
Before diving into specific pairings, let's understand a few guiding principles:
- Match intensity: Bold, robust pizzas need equally bold wines.
- Consider the sauce: Tomato-based pizzas work well with higher-acid wines.
- Think about dominant flavors: Is your pizza spicy, earthy, or herbaceous?
- Regional pairings often work: Italian wines naturally complement Italian-style pizzas.
Sommelier Tip
Don't worry too much about "rules." Wine pairing is ultimately subjective, and the best pairing is one that you enjoy!
Classic Tomato-Based Pizzas
Margherita Pizza
Our Margherita showcases the pure flavors of San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. This classic needs a wine that enhances without overwhelming.
Recommended Pairings:
- Chianti Classico: The bright acidity and cherry notes complement the tomato sauce perfectly.
- Dry Rosé: Light, refreshing, with enough structure to match the cheese.
- Pinot Grigio: A crisp white option that won't overpower the delicate flavors.
Perfect Match: A young Sangiovese from Tuscany brings out the brightness of the tomatoes while harmonizing with the herbaceous basil.
Pepperoni Pizza
The spicy, savory character of our premium pepperoni calls for wines with enough body to stand up to the bold flavors.
Recommended Pairings:
- Zinfandel: Its spicy notes echo the pepperoni while the fruit balances the heat.
- Barbera: High acidity cuts through the fat, with enough fruit to complement the spice.
- Syrah/Shiraz: Bold enough for the pepperoni with peppery notes that enhance the meat.
Perfect Match: A California Zinfandel offers the ideal balance of fruit and spice to complement this classic topping.
White Pizzas and Specialty Pies
Quattro Formaggi (Four Cheese Pizza)
Our luxurious blend of mozzarella, gorgonzola, fontina, and parmigiano-reggiano creates a rich, complex flavor profile.
Recommended Pairings:
- Chardonnay: A medium-bodied, lightly oaked version complements the creaminess.
- Prosecco: The bubbles help cut through the richness of the cheeses.
- Soave: This Italian white has the body to match the cheese with a clean finish.
Perfect Match: A lightly oaked Chardonnay from Sonoma offers buttery notes that enhance the cheese blend while maintaining enough acidity for balance.
Prosciutto & Arugula Pizza
The saltiness of prosciutto combined with the peppery bite of fresh arugula creates a sophisticated flavor profile.
Recommended Pairings:
- Pinot Noir: Light enough not to overwhelm, with earthy notes that complement the prosciutto.
- Vermentino: This coastal Italian white has the minerality to match the prosciutto's saltiness.
- Prosecco Rosé: Adds a festive touch while balancing the rich and peppery flavors.
Perfect Match: A medium-bodied Pinot Noir from Oregon brings red fruit and subtle earth tones that elevate both the prosciutto and arugula.
Plant-Based and Alternative Crust Options
Vegan Mediterranean Pizza
Our plant-based creation featuring roasted vegetables, olives, and artichokes on our vegan crust has a bright, herbaceous character.
Recommended Pairings:
- Sauvignon Blanc: The herbaceous notes complement the vegetables beautifully.
- Grüner Veltliner: Offers vegetal notes that echo the pizza's ingredients.
- Dry Riesling: Bright acidity and citrus notes enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
Perfect Match: A New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc brings vibrant acidity and green notes that highlight the fresh vegetable toppings.
Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Goat Cheese and Honey
This sophisticated option on our low-carb cauliflower crust combines tangy goat cheese with a touch of sweetness from local honey.
Recommended Pairings:
- Viognier: The floral notes complement the honey while standing up to the goat cheese.
- Gewürztraminer: Slightly off-dry with aromatic qualities that enhance the flavor combination.
- Sparkling Rosé: The effervescence and berry notes create a pleasant contrast.
Perfect Match: A Viognier from the Rhône Valley offers a rich texture and stone fruit notes that balance the tangy goat cheese while complementing the honey's sweetness.
Seasonal Specialty Pizzas
Summer Truffle Pizza
Available during summer months, our truffle pizza features a white base, wild mushrooms, and fresh summer truffles.
Perfect Pairing: A mature Barolo or Barbaresco brings earthy notes that enhance the truffles, with enough complexity to match this luxurious pizza.
Autumn Harvest Pizza
Our fall specialty with roasted squash, caramelized onions, sage, and pancetta needs a wine that complements its sweet and savory balance.
Perfect Pairing: A medium-bodied Merlot with hints of baking spice and dark fruit provides an excellent complement to the autumnal flavors.
Pairing by Structure
| Pizza Type | Wine Structure | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Light, delicate (Margherita, White Pizza) | Light-bodied | Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Light Rosé |
| Medium intensity (Vegetable, Prosciutto) | Medium-bodied | Chianti, Barbera, Pinot Noir |
| Bold, robust (Pepperoni, Meat Lover's) | Full-bodied | Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon |
Hosting a Pizza and Wine Tasting
Want to explore these pairings with friends? Here's how to host a memorable pizza and wine tasting:
- Select 3-4 different pizza styles (mix of red sauce, white, and specialty)
- Choose one wine to pair with each pizza based on our recommendations
- Serve small slices of each pizza with 2oz pours of each wine
- Provide tasting notes cards for guests to record their impressions
- Encourage experimentation by trying different combinations
A Pizzaiolo pizza and wine tasting event
Final Thoughts
While these pairings provide a helpful starting point, wine appreciation is deeply personal. I encourage you to experiment and discover combinations that delight your unique palate. The most important aspect of any pairing is your enjoyment!
For an elevated experience, consider ordering our curated wine selection next time you visit one of our locations or place a delivery order. Many of our Pizzaiolo locations now offer wine delivery with your meal, making it easier than ever to enjoy these perfect pairings at home.
Salute!
Sophia Bianchi
