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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.
![]() image by loveandlemons Chianti + Margherita PizzaThe 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: 🍷 Alternative: Barbera or Montepulciano d’Abruzzo ⏰ 30 min | 🌱 Vegetarian | ![]() image by loveandlemons Vermentino + Pesto PizzaThe 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: 🍷 Alternative: Sauvignon Blanc or Gavi ⏰ 45 min | 🌱 Vegetarian |
![]() image by tastesbetterfromscratch Zinfandel + Pepperoni PizzaZinfandel’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: 🍷 Alternative: Syrah or Lambrusco ⏰ 20 min | ![]() image by insidetherustickitchen Gewürztraminer + Quattro Formaggi PizzaGewürztraminer’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: 🍷 Alternative: Riesling (off-dry) or Franciacorta ⏰ 15 min | 🧀 Cheese |
![]() image by loveandlemons Sauvignon Blanc + Zucchini PizzaThe 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: 🍷 Alternative: Soave or Pinot Grigio ⏰ 30 min | 🌱 Vegetarian | ![]() image by loveandlemons Pinot Noir + Vegan PizzaPinot 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 |
![]() image by surlatable Prosecco + Grilled Peach and Prosciutto PizzaProsecco’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: 🍷 Alternative: Moscato d’Asti or Rosé Spumante ⏰ 35 min | 🍑 | ![]() image by thekitchn Rosé + Prosciutto and Arugula PizzaA 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: 🍷 Alternative: Pinot Grigio or Lambrusco Rosato ⏰ 25 min |
![]() image by wellplated Pinot Noir + Mushroom PizzaPinot 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: 🍷 Alternative: Nebbiolo or Chianti ⏰ 25 min | ![]() image by wellplated Chardonnay + Ricotta PizzaA 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: 🍷 Alternative: Gavi or Prosecco ⏰ 30 min | 🌱 Vegetarian |
![]() image by wellplated Riesling + Buffalo Chicken PizzaAn 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: 🍷 Alternative: Gewürztraminer or Sparkling Rosé ⏰ 35 min | ![]() image by thecozycook Riesling + Hawaiian PizzaRiesling’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: 🍷 Alternative: Rosé or Lambrusco ⏰ 30 min | 🥓🍍 |
![]() image by simplyrecipes Cabernet Sauvignon + Meat PizzaCabernet 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: 🍷 Alternative: Malbec or Nero d’Avola ⏰ 45 min | 🥩 Meaty | ![]() image by loveandlemons Grenache + Vegetarian PizzaGrenache’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: 🍷 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?
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