What Wine Pairs With Pizza?
Are you wondering what wines pair best with pizza? It’s a common question, and one that has both simple and complex answers. While everyone might have their own individual tastes, it is still possible to discover the perfect pairing of flavors with the right knowledge. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips for selecting wines that will bring out all of your favorite pizza toppings. From classic combinations to food-friendly suggestions, we’ll provide helpful advice on how buyers can make sure their wine selection enhances every bite!
What is Wine?
Wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes or other fruits. It has been around for thousands of years and is still enjoyed by many people today. There are a variety of different types of wines, ranging from dry to sweet and from light to full-bodied. Different regions also produce distinct styles of wine, with each region having its own unique flavors and characteristics. Wines can be paired with foods as well, making them even more enjoyable to taste. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion drink or just something to enjoy with dinner, wine has something for everyone! With so many styles and varieties available, it can be fun exploring the world of wine and discovering new favorites along the way. Enjoyment really is the key when it comes to choosing the perfect bottle of wine. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced enthusiast, the best kind of wine is the one that you like! So sip, swirl and savor your way through this amazing beverage and discover what makes each variety so unique.
Types of wine:
– Red Wine: Red wine is made from dark-colored grapes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Syrah. The flavor of red wine ranges from fruity to earthy, depending on the type. It can be enjoyed with a variety of foods, including beef, pork and cheese dishes.
– White Wine: White wine is made from light-colored grapes such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. It has a lighter body with flavors ranging from citrus to floral. It pairs well with seafood and salads.
– Rosé Wine: Rosé wine is created when red grape skins are briefly exposed to the juice during fermentation. It has a pink hue and a sweeter, fruity flavor compared to red or white wines. Rosé pairs well with spicy foods and BBQ dishes.
– Sparkling Wine: Sparkling wine is made with the same grapes as still wines, but they are fermented twice to create effervescence in the bottle. This type of wine can range from dry to sweet, with flavors of citrus, berry and even yeasty bread notes. Sparkling wine is perfect for special occasions like weddings, anniversaries and celebrations.
– Fortified Wine: Fortified wine is made by adding distilled spirits during fermentation. These wines have higher alcohol content than regular wines and come in many varieties such as Port, Sherry and Marsala. Fortified wine is often served as an aperitif or post-dinner drink.
– Dessert Wine: Dessert wines are made with high sugar content grapes, such as Muscat Blanc and Gewürztraminer. These sweet wines can be enjoyed at the end of a meal, along with desserts like ice cream or cake. They have flavors of honey, dried fruits and spices that make them perfect for sipping after dinner.
– Aromatized Wine: Aromatized wine is created when herbs, spices or other aromatics are added to still or sparkling wines during fermentation. These wines come in many varieties including Vermouth, Vin Santo and Banyuls. They are perfect for drinking on their own, or as part of a cocktail.
– Organic Wine: Organic wine is made with grapes that were grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. This type of wine is not only better for the environment, but it also has a more natural flavor profile than conventional wines. Organic wine can be enjoyed with dishes such as grilled vegetables or fish.
– Natural Wine: Natural wine is made with minimal intervention from winemakers during fermentation. Grapes are typically sourced from organic vineyards and no additives, such as sulfites, are used during production. Natural wines have unique flavors that make them ideal for pairing with foods like charcuterie boards and cheese platters.
– Fruit Wine: Fruit wine is made with fruits other than grapes, such as apples, pears and berries. It has a sweeter flavor profile than regular wine and can be served chilled or over ice. Fruit wines are perfect for sipping during summer gatherings and barbecue parties.
– Ice Wine: Ice wine is made with grapes that have been left on the vine until they freeze in cold temperatures. This type of wine has a sweet taste and intense aromas of honey, apricot and peach. It pairs well with desserts like flan or crème brûlée.
– Brandy: Brandy is distilled from fermented grape juice or other fruit wines. It has a stronger alcohol content than regular wines and comes in a variety of styles such as Cognac, Armagnac and Calvados. Brandy can be enjoyed neat or as part of a cocktail.
– Cocktails: Cocktails are created when wine is combined with other ingredients like spirits, fruit juices and bitters. These drinks come in many varieties such as Sangria, Mimosa and Spritz. They are perfect for sipping during happy hour or special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
– Mead: Mead is made by fermenting honey with water or fruit juice. This type of wine has a sweet taste that can range from dry to semi-sweet depending on the recipe used. It pairs well with desserts like pies and pastries, as well as dishes like grilled pork and chicken.
– Sake: Sake is made with special rice that has been milled down to remove its outer husk. This type of wine has a mild flavor and can range from dry to sweet depending on how it was brewed. It pairs well with sushi and other Japanese cuisine.
What is Pizza?
Pizza is a savory dish made of dough that is usually topped with tomato sauce, cheese and various other ingredients. The most popular type of pizza is the classic Italian-style pizza, which consists of a thin layer of crust covered in tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and toppings like mushrooms, olives, anchovies or peppers. Pizza has become one of the world’s favorite comfort foods. It can be found in restaurants, grocery stores and even on many food delivery services. Pizzas come in many shapes and sizes, from large deep-dish pies to individual slices sold by the slice. No matter how it’s prepared or served, pizza remains an all-time favorite dish enjoyed by millions around the world.
CONSIDER THE TOPPINGS:
The toppings you put on your pizza differ from region to region and from person to person. Popular Italian-style toppings include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives and anchovies. Other popular options include ham, bacon and pineapple. Meat-lovers pizzas typically contain a combination of several different types of meat including pepperoni, sausage, ham and bacon. Vegetarian pizzas usually consist of vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, onions and olives. Cheese lovers may opt for extra cheese or even specialty cheeses like feta or goat cheese. There are also plenty of delicious sweet pizza variations with ingredients like fresh fruit or nutella. The possibilities are endless!
What Wine Pairs With Pizza?
Mushroom Pizza: As a kid, mushroom pizza stole my heart with its delectable simplicity. However, my young age meant that I missed out on the perfect pairing with a glass of wine. Thankfully, I’ve come to learn that Pinot Noir is the ideal match for its earthy, mushroom notes. If you prefer a white wine, reach for a Gruner Veltliner which offers its own herbaceous and earthy elements that complement the pizza flawlessly.
Margherita Pizza: If you’re wondering about the discrepancies between a basic cheese pie and a Margherita pizza, well then, we might need to reevaluate our bond here. A Margherita masterpiece boasts a tantalizing trio of fresh mozzarella, succulent plum tomatoes, and fragrant basil. To truly complement this flavor bonanza, it’s recommended to pair it with a crisp rosé. But should you prefer red, indulge in a Gamay from Beaujolais to elevate the experience.
Plain Cheese Pizza: Indulge in the classic combination of plain cheese pizza and the perfect glass of vino for a dining experience that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. Whether or not the pizza was truly invented by the Italians is up for debate, but one thing’s for sure – a simple wine with enough acidity is the way to go to cut through all that cheesy goodness. Opt for a bold Sangiovese or Chianti to complement your red sauce and cheese or sip on a crisp Pinot Grigio to accompany every bite of your deliciously uncomplicated pizza. Bellissimo!
Pepperoni Pizza: Pepperoni pizza has earned its spot as a fan-favorite topping due to its irresistible flavor when paired with melted, gooey cheese. To elevate the spice factor, pairing this classic topping with a Syrah makes perfect sense, as both share distinct black pepper notes. For those eager to dive into Italian flavor profiles, a Nero d’Avola from the region of Sicily offers a unique twist on the traditional pepperoni pizza experience. With these delicious wine options by your side, indulging in a mouth-watering slice of pepperoni pizza has never been more enjoyable!
Hawaiian Pizza: Some people just can’t handle the heat when it comes to the great pizza debate – and Hawaiian pizza is no exception. Sure, it may have its fair share of critics, but let’s be real – this combo is a match made in heaven. The juxtaposition of smoky ham and juicy pineapple is seriously unbeatable. And if you think it can’t get any better, try pairing it with a crisp Torrontes or a fruity Viognier – you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical paradise. Don’t be afraid to show your love for Hawaiian pizza – after all, great taste knows no bounds!
Chicago Deep-dish Pizza: Discover the perfect wine pairing for your beloved Chicago Deep-dish pizza – Sagrantino. Not only does this wine boast the highest amount of polyphenols, which keeps your heart healthy and reduces the risk of heart attacks, but it perfectly complements the cheese overload that comes with every slice of this delicious deep-dish. One bite of this cheesy masterpiece and your taste buds will be dancing with joy, but don’t forget to wash it down with a glass of Sagrantino to truly elevate the experience. Your heart and taste buds will thank you!
Meat-Lovers Pizza: For those who love to sink their teeth into a greasy, cheesy meat-lovers pizza, the perfect wine pairing is a must-have to balance out all that savory flavor. An impeccable choice would be a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or a smooth Merlot. Not only do they have the appropriate weight to hold up against all the pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham, but they also provide just the right amount of acidity to cut through the richness, leaving you with a heavenly experience.
Veggie Pizza: Enhance your pizza experience by pairing a veggie-lovers pie with the perfect wine. For a red option, indulge in the deliciously unique Carmenere from Chile. Its green pepper touch will elevate all the greens on your slices. But if white is more your style, sip on Furmint from Hungary, which boasts tantalizing jalapeno notes. Don’t settle for boring wine and pizza combos – give your taste buds a treat they won’t forget.
White Pizza: Think outside the tomato sauce can with a white pizza! This delicious pie is created without the traditional red sauce and instead gets its flavor from a drizzle of olive oil. For the perfect pairing, try a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Fiano to complement this unique pizza option. Don’t be afraid to mix up your pizza game and try a white pie today!
Pepperoni Pizza: As an all-time favorite pizza topping, it’s hard to resist pepperoni’s savory, spicy flavor when paired with a heaping helping of ooey-gooey cheese. For optimal taste bud tantalization, complement your next pepperoni-plastered pie with a Syrah wine that boasts black pepper notes that will wow your palate. Or, for a true taste of Italy, opt for a Nero d’Avola from the sunny slopes of Sicily. Either way, you’re in for a delicious, flavor-packed treat.
BBQ Chicken Pizza: Bring on the BBQ pizza! The smoky sweetness of the sauce is the perfect flavor to satisfy your cravings. But what wine should you pair with it? For a match made in heaven, opt for a jammy Zinfandel or Shiraz. If a white wine is more your style, balance out the sweetness with an off-dry Riesling or Gewurztraminer. You’ll be transported to pizza and wine bliss in no time!
Pesto Pizza: Delve into the captivating world of Ligurian cuisine by indulging in the scrumptious goodness of pesto. Elevate your pesto pizza experience by pairing it with the illustrious Vermentino, the quintessential white wine of Liguria. However, if Vermentino proves elusive, fear not, for a perfect partner lies in the form of Chenin Blanc. The delightful herbal quality of both wines marries beautifully with the refreshing basil in pesto pizza, making for a truly divine palate adventure.
FAQs about What Wine Pairs With Pizza
How do I store leftover pizza and opened bottles of wine?: Get advice on the best way to keep your food fresh and open bottles ready to use next time?
The best way to keep leftover pizza fresh is to store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it immediately. It should be consumed within two days. If you want to freeze the pizza, wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing it in an airtight freezer bag. Before serving, reheat thoroughly at a high temperature.
To store opened bottles of wine, make sure they are stored properly in a cool and dark place like a basement or pantry shelf away from direct sunlight and any heat sources such as furnaces or ovens. You can also use special vacuum-sealed stoppers that allow you to pour out just what you need each time without exposing the rest of the bottle to oxygen (which can affect the taste). Another method is to use a wine preserver, which uses argon gas to keep your open bottle fresher. For whites and rosés, try using a refrigerator or ice bucket with ice packs to chill them quickly. Make sure you finish the bottle within two or three days as it won’t last much longer after that.
Are there any wines to avoid when pairing with pizza?
Yes, there are some wines to avoid when pairing with pizza. Sweet wines like Moscato or Riesling can be too cloying and overpower the flavors of a pizza. Similarly, oak-aged white or red wines can be too oaky or tannic for a pizza. If you’re looking for a red wine for your pizza pairing, focus on lighter styles such as Beaujolais or Pinot Noir rather than bolder Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. With white wines, look for something crisp, like Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay. Finally, if you’re serving spicy pizza toppings, choose an off-dry wine such as Gewürztraminer, which can cut through the spiciness without being too sweet. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to find a pizza-wine pairing that everyone will enjoy!
Conclusion on What Wine Pairs With Pizza
Ultimately, when it comes to pairing wine with pizza, the best type of pairing depends on personal preference. If you want something a bit daring, try out some slightly-sweet white wines and see how they mix with your favorite toppings. However, if you prefer a more traditional experience, stick with a classic red that’s full-bodied and complements flavors like tomato sauces and roasted vegetables nicely. Though the possibilities are nearly endless, the final decision will be based on individual likes and dislikes. No matter which direction you go in, make sure to experiment – that’s part of the charm of pizza and wine pairings! To wrap up, if you’re ever wondering what goes best with your slice (or whole pie) of cheesy perfection – take a leap of faith and find out for yourself! What wine pairs with pizza? Be daring and explore the world of delicious options available.