You’ll be amazed when you “push your pizza boundaries and match wines to toppings”.
“Pizza is the ultimate casual, fun food….”
The following written content by Ray Isle
Pizza is the ultimate casual, fun food, which probably explains why people in the U.S. eat something around 3 billion pizzas every year. (That’s right: 3 billion.) Given its ubiquity, dwelling too much on which wine pairs best with which pizza could seem a bit like perhaps you’re missing the point. You want Sauvignon Blanc with your spicy soppressata pie? An IPA? A shot of tequila? Chocolate milk? Hey, go for it.
But thinking about wine pairings is, believe it or not, fun (at least if you don’t take it too seriously), and the truth is that a wine that goes amazingly well with a veggie pizza topped with green peppers and broccoli might not be the one that sings out in harmony with a meat lover’s pepperoni-sausage-ham extravaganza (far more fat in the latter: good with red wine tannins). As Randall Restiano, the beverage director at Serra by Birreria in New York City’s Eataly, says, “Pizza and wine are among my favorite things to pair, but obviously, the toppings make a world of difference.”
He’s right (and I know that partly because he sent over about 10 different pies to our tasting to prove the point). So, for anyone who’s game, here are a few proposals that will push your pizza-wine experience into perfection.
The White Pizza + Sparkling Rosé
The white pie divides people: Some love it, and some just walk away wondering what the heck happened to the tomato sauce. Regardless, losing the acidity that tomatoes provide changes the pairing equation. The gentle fruitiness and tingly bubbles of sparkling rosé work perfectly here.
NV Le Monde Sparkling Pinot Nero
($20)
Sparkling rosé Pinot Noir from Italy’s Friuli region? Well, why not—especially when it’s as appealing as this vibrant wine is.
NV Valdo Marca Oro Prosecco Rosé
($15)
This dry, zesty sparkling rosé from Italy’s Prosecco region recalls the rosés of Provence: watermelon, strawberry, and a little raspberry.
NV Segura Viudas Cava Brut Rosé
($15)
Spanish Cava is superb with a slice of Manchego and bread, and what is a white pizza but bread covered in melted cheese? Segura Viudas’ rosé version is delightful.
NV Billecart-Salmon Champagne Brut Rosé
($89)
Who says Champagne has to be reserved for fancy foods like caviar? Billecart’s elegant rosé is pricey, but why not try a half-bottle for date night?
Perfect with Pepperoni + Bold, Spicy Reds
There’s such joy to be found in those upturned cups of heat-blasted pepperoni on the most popular pizza style in the U.S. There’s also the (admittedly delicious) glistening oil that cured meats like pepperoni and soppressata release as they cook. Look for reds with some tannic oomph to balance the fat.
2017 Dow Vale Do Monfim Duoro
($12)
Made from varieties like Touriga Nacional typically used for port wine, this purple-hued Portuguese red is full of ripe berry fruit and soft, mouth-coating tannins. A hint of violets lifts the aroma.
2018 Cantina Colosi Nero D’Avola Sicilia
($15)
Terraced vineyards near the southern coast of Sicily provide the grapes for this dark-fruited, structured red—think black cherries and plums, fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel.
2019 Carlisle Sonoma County Zinfandel
($31)
Terraced vineyards near the southern coast of Sicily provide the grapes for this dark-fruited, structured red—think black cherries and plums, fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel.
2017 Pasqua Passionesentimento Rosso
($16)
This abundantly flavorful Veronese red uses the primary grape of Amarone, Corvina, at its core. It’s full-bodied and rich—if there were such a thing as a wild boar ragù pizza, this would be your go-to. Read more Food & Wine.
