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Perfect Wine with Pizza: pairing tips for every style

Discover how to match your favorite pizza styles, from Margherita to Pepperoni, with the perfect red, white, and sparkling wines for every slice.

Do you like pizza? I think everyone loves pizza…

Pizza is one of the most popular dishes in the world. It started in Naples in the 18th century, when people began adding tomatoes, cheese, and herbs to flatbreads. The classic Margherita became iconic, showing the colors of the Italian flag with tomato, mozzarella, and basil.

Today pizza is everywhere. It’s quick, affordable, and can be made in endless styles. That versatility is why it works so well with wine. With the right pairing, both the pizza and the wine taste better, and you get a complete experience.

Principles of Pairing Wine with Pizza

  • Match the weight of wine and pizza
    Light wines go better with lighter pizzas (like Margherita or veggie). Bold reds match rich toppings (like sausage or pepperoni). Balance is the key.

  • Think about acidity
    Tomato sauce is naturally high in acidity. Wines with good acidity, like Chianti, Barbera, or Pinot Noir, work well because they don’t feel flat against the sauce.

  • Balance richness with freshness
    Cheese, cream, or meaty toppings need freshness in the wine to cut through the fat. Whites like Vermentino or sparkling wines like Prosecco keep the palate clean.

  • Complement or contrast flavors
    Herbs, garlic, or spicy toppings can either be matched (like oregano with herbal Sangiovese) or balanced with something different (spice with fruity Lambrusco).

  • Don’t overcomplicate
    Pizza is comfort food. Pairings should enhance, not dominate. A good rule: if you enjoy the wine and the pizza together, it’s already a win.

Pizza’s Pairing

If you want to make everything from scratch, here is a recipe for homemade dough. If you don’t have much time and prefer to spend less than an hour in the kitchen, it’s easier to buy a ready-made dough at the grocery store.

While there are some general principles to food and wine pairing, remember that taste is personal. We all experience flavors differently, and what delights one person might not work for another. So trust your own preferences, explore with curiosity, and, above all, enjoy the experience.

Margherita Pizza with chianti wine

image by loveandlemons

Chianti + Margherita Pizza

The lively acidity of Chianti balances the tomato sauce, while its cherry and subtle herbal notes highlight fresh basil. Moderate tannins work well with mozzarella, giving the pairing structure without heaviness.

Pairing principle:
Tomato-based pizzas need wines with good acidity and light tannins. Herbal notes in the wine echo basil and keep the flavors fresh.

🍷 Alternative: Barbera or Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

30 min | 🌱 Vegetarian

pesto pizza with fermenting wine

image by loveandlemons

Vermentino + Pesto Pizza

The citrus and green apple notes of Vermentino mirror the freshness of basil pesto, while its crisp acidity cuts through olive oil and cheese. Subtle herbal tones in the wine echo the pesto, creating a bright and refreshing match.

Pairing principle:
Herb-based pizzas pair best with aromatic whites that reflect herbal flavors and bring enough freshness to balance oil and cheese.

🍷 Alternative: Sauvignon Blanc or Gavi

45 min | 🌱 Vegetarian

Pepperoni Pizza with Zinfandel wine

image by tastesbetterfromscratch

Zinfandel + Pepperoni Pizza

Zinfandel’s bold fruit and spicy notes balance the richness and heat of pepperoni. Its medium tannins handle the fat, while the wine’s juiciness refreshes the palate after each bite.

Pairing principle:
Spicy, fatty toppings need wines with ripe fruit and enough body to stand up to the flavors, but also freshness to cleanse the palate.

🍷 Alternative: Syrah or Lambrusco

20 min

four cheese pizza- mozzarella, gorgonzola, Parmigiano Reggiano, and goat cheese

image by insidetherustickitchen

Gewürztraminer + Quattro Formaggi Pizza

Gewürztraminer’s aromatic notes of lychee and spice contrast beautifully with the creamy richness of four cheeses. Its slight sweetness and low acidity soften the saltiness.

Pairing principle:
Rich, cheesy pizzas pair best with aromatic wines or sparkling styles that balance creaminess with freshness or a touch of sweetness.

🍷 Alternative: Riesling (off-dry) or Franciacorta

15 min | 🧀 Cheese

Sauvignon Blanc + Zucchini Pizza

image by loveandlemons

Sauvignon Blanc + Zucchini Pizza

The crisp acidity and citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc lift the light flavors of zucchini and ricotta, while its herbal edge matches fresh basil and thyme. The wine’s freshness keeps the pairing bright and never heavy.

Pairing principle:
Vegetable-based pizzas need wines with vibrant acidity and herbal tones to highlight the greens and balance creamy cheese.

🍷 Alternative: Soave or Pinot Grigio

30 min | 🌱 Vegetarian

vegan pizza With creamy cashew sauce, summer veggies

image by loveandlemons

Pinot Noir + Vegan Pizza

Pinot Noir’s bright red fruit and soft tannins pair well with roasted vegetables and vegan cheese. Its earthy and herbal notes highlight oregano and tomato sauce, making the pairing smooth and balanced.

Pairing principle:

Veggie and dairy-free pizzas pair best with lighter reds that have good acidity and earthy tones. They bring balance to vegetables while maintaining the overall freshness of the taste.

🍷 Alternative: Grenache or Côtes du Rhône

35 min | 🌱 Vegan

GRILLED PEACH AND PROSCIUTTO PIZZA WITH BURRATA

image by surlatable

Prosecco + Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Pizza

Prosecco’s lively bubbles and crisp acidity balance the creamy burrata and salty prosciutto, while its fresh apple and pear notes highlight the sweetness of grilled peaches. The pairing stays light, fruity, and refreshing.

Pairing principle:
Sweet-and-savory pizzas shine with sparkling wines that bring freshness, cut through creamy textures, and highlight fruit.

🍷 Alternative: Moscato d’Asti or Rosé Spumante

35 min | 🍑 

pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto, and arugula

image by thekitchn

Rosé + Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza

A dry Rosé brings crisp acidity and red berry fruit that balance the salty prosciutto, while its freshness highlights the peppery bite of arugula. The wine’s light body keeps the pairing elegant and refreshing.

Pairing principle:
Salty cured meats need wines with good acidity and fruit to balance the salt. Fresh greens pair best with light, vibrant wines that don’t overwhelm.

🍷 Alternative: Pinot Grigio or Lambrusco Rosato

25 min

image by wellplated

Pinot Noir + Mushroom Pizza

Pinot Noir’s earthy character mirrors the savory depth of mushrooms, while bright cherry and cranberry notes keep the pairing lively. Its soft tannins and balanced acidity let the mushrooms shine without heaviness.

Pairing principle:
Earthy toppings like mushrooms pair best with wines that echo those flavors but also add freshness and fruit to keep the taste balanced.

🍷 Alternative: Nebbiolo or Chianti

25 min

Italian Ricotta Pizza with spinach, basil, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes

image by wellplated

Chardonnay + Ricotta Pizza

A lightly oaked Chardonnay adds roundness and notes of apple and vanilla that pair with creamy ricotta, while its acidity keeps the flavors fresh. The balance of richness and brightness makes the combination smooth and satisfying.

Pairing principle:
Creamy, cheese-focused pizzas need wines with enough body to match the texture, plus acidity to prevent heaviness.

🍷 Alternative: Gavi or Prosecco

30 min | 🌱 Vegetarian

image by wellplated

Riesling + Buffalo Chicken Pizza

An off-dry Riesling softens the heat of buffalo sauce with a touch of sweetness, while its crisp acidity cuts through the creamy cheese and chicken. The wine’s fruitiness balances spice and keeps the pairing refreshing.

Pairing principle:
Spicy pizzas need wines with a hint of sweetness and bright acidity to cool the heat and balance rich toppings.

🍷 Alternative: Gewürztraminer or Sparkling Rosé

35 min

Hawaiian Pizza with riesling wine

image by thecozycook

Riesling + Hawaiian Pizza

Riesling’s juicy fruit and touch of sweetness balance the salty ham and the tangy-sweet pineapple. Its bright acidity keeps the pairing refreshing, making each bite feel light instead of heavy.

Pairing principle:
Sweet-and-salty pizzas need wines with ripe fruit, a hint of sweetness, and enough acidity to handle tropical flavors.

🍷 Alternative: Rosé or Lambrusco

30 min | 🥓🍍 

pizza with cheese, ham, sausage, and pepperoni

image by simplyrecipes

Cabernet Sauvignon + Meat Pizza

Cabernet Sauvignon’s bold tannins and dark fruit stand up to the richness of sausage, bacon, and pepperoni. Its structure balances the fat, while herbal and peppery notes enhance the smoky flavors of the meats.

Pairing principle:
Hearty, meat-heavy pizzas need full-bodied reds with firm tannins and enough fruit to cut through the richness.

🍷 Alternative: Malbec or Nero d’Avola

45 min | 🥩 Meaty

image by loveandlemons

Grenache + Vegetarian Pizza

Grenache’s juicy red fruit flavors highlight the sweetness of bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Its soft tannins and medium body keep the match light, while subtle spice complements roasted vegetables and herbs.

Pairing principle:
Vegetable-focused pizzas shine with medium-bodied reds that bring fruit and spice without too much tannin. They enhance the natural sweetness of roasted veggies.

🍷 Alternative: Pinot Noir or Barbera

25 min | 🌱 Vegetarian

Wine and pizza are both about pleasure and sharing. With just a few simple pairing ideas, you can turn a casual pizza night into something memorable. Whether you choose a light red for Margherita, a bold Zinfandel for Pepperoni, or a refreshing white for veggie styles, the goal is balance and enjoyment.

There is no single “right” choice, the best pairing is the one that makes you happy. So try different combinations, notice how flavors change, and make it part of the fun. After all, pizza and wine are meant to be enjoyed, not complicated.

💬 Tried a pairing you loved?
Reply to this email to share your thoughts and favorite pairings. You can also tag your festive photos with @winecious on Instagram.

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