While beer has long been the traditional companion to pizza, wine can elevate your pizza experience to new heights. The right wine pairing can enhance flavors, create balance, and transform a casual meal into a sophisticated dining experience. At Pizzaiolo, we believe in celebrating the Italian tradition of enjoying great wine with excellent food.

Pairing Principles

Before diving into specific recommendations, let's understand a few basic principles of wine pairing:

  • Match intensity: Lighter pizzas pair well with lighter wines, while heartier pizzas need fuller-bodied wines.
  • Consider acidity: Tomato-based pizzas have high acidity, so wines with good acidity create harmony.
  • Complementary flavors: Similar flavor profiles often work well together.
  • Regional pairings: Italian wines often pair naturally with Italian cuisine.
Wine Glasses with Pizza

Classic Margherita

Our traditional Margherita pizza features San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and extra virgin olive oil. This classic needs a wine that won't overpower its delicate flavors while cutting through the richness of the cheese.

Perfect Pairings:

  • Chianti Classico - The bright acidity and cherry notes complement the tomato sauce perfectly.
  • Vermentino - If you prefer white wine, this crisp Italian white has enough body to stand up to the cheese.
  • Dry Rosé - A versatile option that bridges the gap between red and white, offering refreshing acidity.

Meat Lovers' Pizzas

For pizzas featuring pepperoni, sausage, or our signature prosciutto toppings, you'll want wines with enough structure to match these robust flavors.

Perfect Pairings:

  • Montepulciano d'Abruzzo - A medium to full-bodied red with dark fruit flavors and moderate tannins.
  • Barbera - High acidity cuts through the fat of the meat while dark cherry flavors complement the savory notes.
  • Syrah/Shiraz - Particularly good with spicy pepperoni due to its peppery characteristics.
Red Wine with Meat Pizza

Vegetable-Forward Pizzas

Our vegetarian options like the Funghi (mushroom) or garden vegetable pizzas pair beautifully with wines that highlight earthy or herbaceous qualities.

Perfect Pairings:

  • Pinot Noir - Its earthiness complements mushrooms beautifully.
  • Soave - An Italian white with subtle almond notes that works well with vegetable medleys.
  • Grüner Veltliner - This Austrian white has a distinctive peppery quality that enhances vegetable flavors.

White Pizzas

For our white pizzas (without tomato sauce), which often feature creamy cheeses, garlic, and olive oil, you'll want wines that complement these richer flavors.

Perfect Pairings:

  • Gavi di Gavi - A refined Italian white with mineral notes and subtle citrus.
  • Verdicchio - Another Italian white with good body and a pleasant almond finish.
  • Chardonnay - Look for unoaked or lightly oaked versions that won't overwhelm the pizza.

Spicy Pizzas

For pizzas with a kick, like our Diavola with spicy salami, you'll want wines that can tame the heat while adding their own character.

Perfect Pairings:

  • Lambrusco - A slightly sparkling red that's served chilled, offering refreshment against the spice.
  • Gewürztraminer - The slight sweetness helps balance the heat while its exotic aromatics add complexity.
  • Zinfandel - For those who want to embrace the spice, this bold red can match the intensity.
Wine Selection

Dessert Pizzas

Don't forget about our sweet offerings! Our Nutella and fruit dessert pizzas pair wonderfully with dessert wines.

Perfect Pairings:

  • Moscato d'Asti - Light, sweet, and slightly bubbly—perfect with fruit-topped dessert pizzas.
  • Vin Santo - This traditional Italian dessert wine works beautifully with hazelnut flavors.

Creating Your Own Pairing Experience

While these recommendations provide a starting point, wine pairing is ultimately subjective. We encourage you to experiment and discover your own favorite combinations. Consider ordering one of our pizza and wine bundles for your next gathering to explore different pairings with friends and family.

At Pizzaiolo, we're committed to providing an authentic Italian dining experience, from our handcrafted pizzas to our carefully selected wines. Salute!