Pizza is a staple food in many homes. Whether you’re craving a classic cheese pizza or a pepperoni pizza, the right wine can enhance the flavors of any dish.
Pizza tends to be a heavier meal, so the weight and body of the wine need to match the ingredients. This is particularly true for reds.
Cheese Pizza
Cheese pizza is a favorite among many because it offers a wide range of flavors and textures that can be enjoyed uncomplicated. It also pairs well with many different types of wine, so it’s a popular quick and easy meal option.
When pairing wine with cheese pizza, choosing a medium-bodied red is best. A softer Tuscan or French Pinot Noir will match the flavor and vibe of the pie perfectly, and it will have enough acidity to cut through the cheesy tomato sauce as well.
There are several other factors to consider when determining which wine will work with your pizza. First, you must know your pizza’s sauce and other toppings you add.
Another critical factor is the cheese that you’re using. Mozzarella and provolone are good choices, but consider parmesan for a more profound and sharper taste.
Gouda is another excellent option for cheese pizza. This Dutch cheese is known for its creamy, buttery flavor and smooth texture, making it a perfect match for flatbread and thin-crust pizzas that balance sweet with savory flavors. It also comes in smoked and straight varieties to pick the one right for your pizza.
Pepperoni Pizza
Pepperoni is one of the most popular pizza toppings in America. It is cured with salt, spices, and lactic acid bacteria. It is made from a mixture of pork and beef. It has a chewy texture, which is why it’s often cut into thin strips.
When it comes to wine, the most important thing is to balance out the intense flavors of the pepperoni. Red wines work well with the savory meatiness of pepperoni. However, a full-bodied white wine could also be a good choice.
Traditionally, pepperoni is made from a mix of beef and pork. It is then seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and sugar. It is then cured in a smokehouse to make it more flavorful and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Making pepperoni takes about 10-15 days, depending on the ingredients. The meat is fermented with lactic acid bacteria and yeast during this time. The heart is then stuffed into sausage casings.
Then, it is smoked in a dry smokehouse to enhance the pepperoni flavor further. After it has cured, it is sliced and sent to pizzerias. It’s an excellent choice for pizza because it provides a meaty, crisp topping. It also has a slightly tangy, spicy flavor. It can be topped with other cheese ingredients for a better pizza experience, like at Breckenridge happy hour.
Chicken Pizza
Chicken pizza is a popular choice for many people. It’s a flexible protein that pairs well with various flavors and wines.
Look for a light or medium-bodied white to pair this pizza with wine. This will complement the sweetness of tomato sauce, the fat of cheese, and the saltiness of toppings like pepperoni or ham.
Another excellent option for this flavor combination is a Fiano or Rose. These wines are light but also have plenty of acidity and tannins that work to mellow the flavors of the pizza.
You can find these wines from Italy, France, and Spain. They’re all excellent for pairing with chicken and cheese pizzas and any other pizza you want to try.
If you’re looking for a full-bodied red to match your meat-heavy pizza, choose a Tempranillo or Syrah. These wines are full of smoky, black fruit and meaty flavors.
A tannic wine is a better bet when you’re going vegetarian. However, there’s a good balance between the high tannins in red wine and the fat on the meat that can help it not taste too astringent.
Vegetable Pizza
Vegetarian pizza, or pizza without meat, has become increasingly popular as a healthier alternative to traditional pizza. Vegetarians can choose from a wide range of toppings and enjoy pizza without consuming the calories, fat, or sodium common in meat-based dishes.
Vegetable pizza can be made with various ingredients, including peppers, olives, artichokes, and mushrooms. These vegetables can be paired with different types of wine to complement the flavors on the pizza.
Veggie pizzas also feature many herbs, such as roasted garlic, parsley, basil, and cilantro. These spices add a unique taste to the pizza, making it more appealing to those not used to eating meat.
If you want an excellent wine to pair with vegetable pizza, try an unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, which are light in body and flavor. The acidity of the wine will complement the taste of the vegetables on the pizza without overpowering it.
A Pinot Noir is also a great option to go with a veggie pizza, especially if you love mushrooms and black olives on your pizza. This wine is light in the body and low in tannins, so it will pair well with the vegetable pizza without overpowering it.