Best Red Wine for Pizza Pairing

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It’s pizza night, which is one of my absolute favorite lores. But let’s be honest, picking the PERFECT wine for pizza is a bit of a tricky job at times. You wouldn’t wanna just grab any old bottle from the fridge, would you? Whether it’s pepperoni, margherita, or something with an extra amount of cheese, the right wine pairing will really elevate your pizza experience to the next level. I’m so EXCITED to share my insights on the BEST red wine for pizza and some other FUN wine pairings!

Best Wine Pairing with Pizza

Now, when I think of pizza and wine, my mind instantly leaps to red wine. But hey, I’ve learned through trial and error that not all red wines are created equal for pizza purposes. There are a few things you should think about before you make a decision on your bottle. The pizza has cheese. The pizza has sauce. The pizza has toppings. The wine is red. The wine will go with the pizza. The pizza is very hot. The pizza is cheesy. The pizza is DELICIOUS. The pizza is fun. The wine is fun. The pizza is my number one choice. The wine is my number one choice. The pizza is the food. The wine is the drink. The pizza and the wine are perfect.

For me, the best wine pairing with pizza isn’t about picking something that sounds extremely fancy or extremely expensive. It’s about matching the flavors of your pizza to the characteristics of the wine itself. I’ve discovered that a LIGHT, fruity red, such as Pinot Noir, pairs very nicely with a margherita pizza. It’s so REFRESHING and doesn’t overpower the simple yet fresh ingredients themselves.

For heavier pizzas like meat-lovers with pepperoni and sausage, try a bolder red. A Cabernet Sauvignon really can bring out those meaty flavors whilst also keeping the overall experience perfectly balanced. Believe me, when I first had this combination, I was sold on it.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably asked yourself What wine with pizza?’ several times. The answer really does depend on the toppings themselves. I’ve experimented a lot, and I’ve to say, matching the wine to the toppings is the key here.

For white pizzas (ricotta, spinach, garlic), a crisp is best. I can’t get enough of a Sauvignon Blanc with this kinda pizza itself. It’s light, very delicious, and makes the most of the creaminess of the ricotta. For tomato-based pizzas, red wine works best.

For me, a glass of Chianti is really the perfect choice with a classic margherita. The tart tomatoes and the super-rich mozzarella really shine when matched with this Italian red itself. I’ve also discovered that a Zinfandel, with its spicy kick, will actually match a pizza with spicy sausage or jalapeños quite well. It’s a match made in heaven itself.

White wine and pizza

I know, I know. Are you probably thinking ‘white wine with pizza? Really??’ But bear with me. I’ve learned that a white wine and pizza can be an unexpectedly great duo. While red wines are often the go-to choice with pizza, a white wine will have its own charm if it’s paired with the right pie itself.

One of my favorite combinations is a very buttery Chardonnay with a chicken and mushroom pizza itself. The irony of the Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the realistic mushrooms and the very TENDER chicken. Another pleasant surprise I came across is pairing a very dry Riesling with a seafood pizza. The wine’s slight sweetness balances the very salty type of the seafood itself, and the hostility will cut right through the cheese. I never thought I’d be a fan of a white wine and pizza, but it works itself.