Ah, the eternal love story: pizza and wine. It’s a match made in culinary heaven, a pairing as iconic as Bert and Ernie, or Sonny and Cher. While the temptation may be to simply grab whatever bottle you have at hand to accompany your slice, a little forethought can go a long way in elevating your dining experience. Herein lies the art of finding the perfect wine to complement your pizza—whether it’s a classic Margherita or a meat lover’s extravaganza.
The Basic Principles of Wine and Pizza Pairing
Balance is Key
When it comes to pairing wine and pizza, it’s all about balance. Your goal is to pair the wine in such a way that neither the food nor the wine overpowers the other. Ideally, the flavors should complement and enhance each other, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Know Your Components
Wine and pizza both have several key components that affect how they pair together:
- Acidity: This can either clash or harmonize, so be mindful of the acidity levels in both your wine and pizza.
- Tannins: These are relevant mainly in red wines and can affect how the wine interacts with the fats and flavors of the pizza.
- Sweetness: Neither pizza nor wine is typically very sweet, but small differences can make a big impact.
- Body: A full-bodied wine may overwhelm a light, veggie pizza, just as a hearty meat pizza might overshadow a light, crisp white.
Understanding these elements will give you a framework for making educated choices in your pairings.
Types of Pizza and Their Ideal Wine Partners
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the meat of the matter—or the cheese, if you prefer. Here’s a breakdown of popular types of pizza and the wines that make them sing.
Margherita
A Margherita is a simple but flavorful pizza, topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. Because of its light and fresh flavors, you’ll want a wine that complements rather than overwhelms:
- Sauvignon Blanc: This white wine is high in acidity, which will pair well with the tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella.
- Chianti: If you prefer red, a light Chianti can also work well, thanks to its acidity and moderate tannin levels.
Pepperoni
Pepperoni pizza is spicy, salty, and fatty, and it needs a wine that can handle all that flavor:
- Zinfandel: This red wine is fruit-forward, with enough structure to cut through the fat of the pepperoni.
- Syrah/Shiraz: A spicier option that complements the heat of the pepperoni.
Veggie Pizza
Veggie pizzas are often topped with a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and olives. The flavors are generally lighter and you’ll need a versatile wine:
- Pinot Grigio: A light, crisp white that won’t overshadow the delicate vegetable flavors.
- Grenache: A red option that’s lighter in tannins, playing well with a variety of veggies.
Meat Lovers
This is a hearty pizza, often topped with a variety of meats like sausage, bacon, and ham. You’ll need a wine with enough body to match:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: A full-bodied red that can stand up to the hearty meats.
- Malbec: Another robust option with enough tannins to cut through the fat.
Going Beyond the Classics: Unconventional Pairings
So far, we’ve covered the classics, but what if you’re feeling a bit adventurous? Whether you’re indulging in a truffle oil and mushroom pizza or you’re dabbling in the world of dessert pizzas, there’s a wine for that!
BBQ Chicken Pizza
This American favorite with its smoky barbecue sauce, chicken, and sometimes even pineapple, poses a unique pairing challenge:
- Rosé: Its versatility makes it a perfect partner for the complex flavors of BBQ chicken pizza.
- Riesling: If your BBQ sauce is on the sweeter side, a semi-dry Riesling can be an ideal match.
Seafood Pizza
Topped with items like shrimp, calamari, or even anchovies, seafood pizzas offer an array of delicate flavors:
- Albariño: A Spanish white known for its high acidity and sea breeze notes.
- Champagne: Yes, you can be this luxurious! The bubbles and acidity cut through the richness of the seafood.
Dessert Pizza
You’ve ventured into a realm where few dare to tread—the dessert pizza, topped with options like Nutella, fruit, or even marshmallows:
- Moscato d’Asti: This Italian sparkling wine is sweet and low in alcohol, making it a delightful pairing.
- Port: For richer dessert pizzas, a tawny or ruby port can add a complex sweetness.
Regional Pairings: When in Rome…
It’s often said that what grows together, goes together. Applying this principle to your pizza and wine pairing can be quite enlightening. Let’s travel through a couple of renowned pizza-making regions and discover how local wines can elevate your pie to new heights.
Neapolitan Pizza and Campania Wines
The Neapolitan pizza, with its soft, chewy crust and high-quality, simple ingredients, originates from Naples in the Campania region of Italy:
- Falanghina: A white grape variety from Campania, Falanghina offers floral and citrus notes with good acidity.
- Aglianico: A red option, this wine brings forward dark fruit flavors with earthy undertones, matching the rusticity of Neapolitan pizza.
Chicago Deep-Dish and Illinois Wines
Believe it or not, Illinois has a budding wine industry, and what better to pair with a local deep-dish pizza?
- Illinois Chardonel: A hybrid grape that results in a full-bodied white wine, standing up to a cheesy, saucy deep-dish.
- Norton: This native American grape produces a robust red wine that can handle all the meats and cheeses you throw at it.
Do’s and Don’ts: Quick Tips for Successful Pairings
When the pizza arrives and you’re staring at your wine rack, the last thing you want is analysis paralysis. Here are some quick do’s and don’ts to help guide you.
Do’s
- Match Intensity: Always pair light with light and hearty with hearty.
- Consider Acidity: High-acid wines work well with tomato-based pizzas.
- Play with Contrast: Sometimes a rich wine can balance out a spicy or salty pizza.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try unconventional pairings. You might stumble upon a delightful surprise.
- Consult the Experts: When in doubt, look to regional pairings or ask your local sommelier.
Don’ts
- Overthink It: At the end of the day, pizza and wine are about enjoyment. Trust your palate.
- Ignore Balance: Avoid letting either the wine or the pizza dominate the other.
- Use Your Best Bottle: Pizza is generally casual fare; save your top-shelf wines for more formal occasions.
- Dismiss White Wines: Many people default to reds, but whites and even rosés can offer excellent pairings.
Conclusion: The Joy of the Perfect Pairing
Finding the perfect wine for your pizza is more than just a culinary exercise; it’s an exploration of flavors, regions, and even moods. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in with a classic Margherita and a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, or hosting a pizza party complete with a selection of diverse wines to please all palates, the right pairing elevates the experience to something truly memorable.
Remember, the rules are more like guidelines, and the best pairing is one that brings you joy. So pop that cork, slice that pie, and toast to the timeless union of pizza and wine. Salute!