Introduction

When it comes to pairing wine with food, finding the perfect match can be a daunting task. With so many different wines and food options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. However, there is one wine varietal that is often hailed as the perfect pairing for one of the world’s most beloved foods: pizza. That wine is Sangiovese.

In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why Sangiovese is the key to the perfect pizza pairing. We’ll look at what Sangiovese is, what kind of pizza is best for pairing with Sangiovese, why it’s the perfect choice for pizza, the tasting notes of Sangiovese, and more!

What is Sangiovese?

Sangiovese is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy, and is the foundation of many of the country’s most famous wines, including Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The grape is known for its high acidity, moderate tannins, and bright, juicy fruit flavors such as cherry, strawberry, and blackberry. Sangiovese is often described as having a savory, earthy character, with herbal and sometimes floral notes, depending on the terroir.

Sangiovese is a flexible grape that can be grown in a variety of regions, and is often blended with other grape varietals to make different styles of wine. In Tuscany, for instance, Sangiovese is typically blended with small amounts of Canaiolo, Colorino, or other local grape varietals to create the classic Chianti blend. In Montalcino, Sangiovese is the star of the show, and the wines are made from 100% Sangiovese grapes.

What kind of Pizza is best for pairing with Sangiovese?

When it comes to pizza, there are countless variations, toppings, and crust styles to choose from. However, when it comes to pairing with Sangiovese, there are a few key traits that can help make the perfect match:

• Rich tomato sauce: Sangiovese is known for its high acidity, and a rich tomato sauce can help balance out that acidity. Additionally, the bright fruit flavors in Sangiovese can complement the sweetness and tanginess of a well-made tomato sauce.
• Bold, savory flavors: Sangiovese’s earthy, herbal notes can stand up to bold, savory pizza toppings such as sausage, mushrooms, and olives.
• Moderate saltiness: Sangiovese can be overwhelmed by overly salty foods, so it’s important to choose a pizza with toppings that have a moderate amount of salt.
• Thin crust: A thin crust pizza can help showcase the bright, juicy fruit flavors of Sangiovese, and won’t overpower the delicate tannins in the wine.

Why is Sangiovese the perfect wine to pair with pizza?

There are a few key reasons why Sangiovese is the perfect wine to pair with pizza:

• Acidity: Sangiovese’s high acidity helps to cut through the rich cheese and toppings commonly found on pizza, refreshing your palate with each sip.
• Tannins: Sangiovese’s moderate tannins help to balance out the acidity in the wine, creating a perfectly harmonious pairing.
• Versatility: Sangiovese is a versatile grape that can be grown in a range of regions and blended with other varietals, making it a great pairing option for many different types of pizza.
• Tradition: Sangiovese is an Italian grape variety, and there’s nothing more traditional than pairing pizza with a classic Italian wine.

What are the tasting notes of Sangiovese?

The flavor profile of Sangiovese can vary depending on the terroir, winemaking methods, and blend. However, there are a few key tasting notes that are commonly found in Sangiovese:

• Cherry: One of the hallmark flavors of Sangiovese is bright, juicy cherry, which can range from fresh cherry to maraschino cherry.
• Strawberry: Some Sangiovese wines also exhibit strawberry notes, which can be either fresh or jammy.
• Earthy: Sangiovese often has an earthy character, with notes of herbs, tobacco, leather, and sometimes mushroom or truffle.
• Acidity: As mentioned earlier, Sangiovese has high acidity, which can give it a refreshing, zesty character.
• Tannins: Sangiovese’s tannins can range from low to moderate, and can give the wine a structured, firm mouthfeel.
• Spice: Some Sangiovese wines also exhibit spicy notes, such as black pepper or cinnamon.

Why Sangiovese is the Perfect Wine for Pizza Pairing

Pairing wine with pizza can be challenging, but Sangiovese offers the perfect balance of acidity, tannin, and flavor to complement the rich, savory flavors of pizza. This versatile grape can pair with many different types of pizza, but it’s especially well-suited to pizzas with rich tomato sauce, savory toppings, moderate saltiness, and thin crust. The bright fruit flavors, earthy character, and refreshing acidity of Sangiovese make it the perfect choice for pizza night.

FAQ

Can Sangiovese be paired with other foods besides pizza?

Yes! Sangiovese is a versatile grape that can pair well with a variety of foods, including pasta with tomato sauce, grilled meats, and hard cheeses such as pecorino or parmesan.

What temperature should Sangiovese be served at?

Sangiovese is best served at around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. You can achieve this temperature by either placing the bottle in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving or placing it in an ice bucket for 10-15 minutes.

What are some good Sangiovese wine recommendations?

Here are a few Sangiovese wines to try:

Wine	Region	Price
Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva	Tuscany, Italy	$50
Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino	Tuscany, Italy	$70
Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva	Tuscany, Italy	$35
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico	Tuscany, Italy	$25
Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano	Tuscany, Italy	$30