What Wine Goes With Pizza?
By Bordeaux Brian for Pair It & Share It · Published
BOTTOM LINE
Tomato sauce is acidic, so pick a red with matching freshness: Chianti or another Sangiovese is the classic choice. For pepperoni and sausage, a fruity Zinfandel or Barbera works great. For white or veggie pizzas, go with Pinot Grigio or a dry rosé.
Quick decision
- Margherita or cheese→ Chianti (Sangiovese)
- Pepperoni, sausage, meat lovers→ Zinfandel or Barbera
- White pizza or veggie→ Pinot Grigio or dry rosé
- Under $20→ Chianti, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo or Barbera
Why tomato sauce matters
Tomatoes are tangy. Wines with low acidity taste dull next to them, while Italian reds like Sangiovese and Barbera were basically made for tomato sauce.
Meaty and spicy pizzas
Pepperoni and sausage bring salt, fat and a little spice. Zinfandel's ripe fruit stands up to that without being too heavy. Barbera is a lighter option with bright acidity.
White, veggie and specialty pizzas
No tomato sauce? Switch to a white. Pinot Grigio is easy with garlic and ricotta; Sauvignon Blanc suits pesto and green vegetables. Mushroom pizza is a good match for Pinot Noir.
Keep it simple
Pizza night is casual. A good everyday bottle beats an expensive one here.
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About the author. Bordeaux Brian brings more than 30 years of wine experience and firsthand experience in vineyards and wine regions around the world. His focus is practical: helping people make better wine decisions without the intimidation.