Let’s face it, pizza is one of the most beloved food in the world. From the classic Margherita to the meat lover’s delight, there’s a pizza for everyone. But what about the perfect wine to sip alongside your cheesy slice?

Pairing wine with pizza can be a tricky business, and a lot depends on the type of pizza you’re eating. Here, we’ll explore some of the best wines to pair with different types of pizza, so you can enjoy a more elevated pizza experience.

Bold and Meaty Pizzas

For those who like their pizza loaded with toppings, bold red wines are the way to go. The tannins in red wine help cut through the richness of the toppings, while the acidity balances out the tomato sauce. Some of the best wines to pair with pepperoni, sausage, and other meaty pizzas include:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: A full-bodied red with dark fruit flavors and strong tannins that can stand up to rich, meaty flavors.
• Zinfandel: A spicy and bold wine that pairs well with spicy sausage and pepperoni pizzas.
• Syrah/Shiraz: A rich, fruity wine with peppery notes that can hold its own against bold flavors.
• Malbec: A medium-bodied red with velvety tannins that pair well with cheesy and meaty pizzas.

Margherita Pizza

Margherita pizza is a classic, simple pizza topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. This pizza pairs best with light to medium-bodied red wines or crisp white wines. Some of the best wines to pair with Margherita pizza include:

• Chianti: A medium-bodied Italian wine with bright acidity that pairs well with the tomato and herb flavors in Margherita pizza.
• Pinot Noir: A light-bodied red wine with silky tannins that complement the fresh mozzarella and basil in this pizza.
• Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp, refreshing white wine with high acidity that pairs well with the tomato sauce in Margherita pizza.
• Vermentino: A light and zesty white wine with tropical fruit flavors that pair well with the fresh basil and tomato flavors in this pizza.

Vegetarian Pizza

If you’re a vegetarian, or just a fan of veggie-loaded pizzas, you’ll want to go for wines with earthy notes and bright acidity. Some of the best wines to pair with vegetarian pizzas include:

• Pinot Noir: A light-bodied red wine with earthy notes that complement the flavor of roasted vegetables.
• Syrah/Shiraz: A peppery and bold wine that pairs well with veggie pizzas loaded with mushrooms and onions.
• Chardonnay: A medium-bodied white wine with creamy and nutty flavors that pair well with pizzas topped with roasted vegetables and/or a cream-based sauce.
• Grenache: A medium-bodied red wine with bright fruit flavor and a hint of earthiness that complements the flavors of vegetarian pizzas.

Conclusion

When it comes to pairing wine with pizza, there are no hard and fast rules. Ultimately, you should choose a wine that you enjoy and that complements the flavors of your pizza. That being said, the wines we’ve listed here are a great place to start. Whether you’re a fan of bold and meaty pizzas or veggie-laden pies, there’s a perfect wine to complement your meal.