Guide to Wine and Pizza Pairings

When we think of pizza, we often immediately think of beer or fizzy soft drinks.

However, pairing a good wine with pizza is an idea worth exploring — and it can completely transform the dining experience.

Wine and pizza pairing is, in fact, an underexplored but incredibly rewarding art, able to highlight flavours and textures in surprising ways.

Neapolitan pizza is a dish rich in history and tradition, with an endless variety of ingredients and styles.

Every type of pizza — whether it’s a classic Margherita, a generous Quattro Stagioni, or a bold Contemporary Gourmet pizza — has the potential to be matched with a wine that complements it and brings out its flavours at their best.

This isn’t just a random pairing; it’s an opportunity to create a deeper, more nuanced food experience.

Even if wine may seem like an unusual choice with pizza, there are many reasons why it works so well.

First of all, wine offers a range of acidity, fruitiness, and complexity that can balance and enhance the many sides of pizza.

For example, a pizza with tomato sauce benefits from a red wine with good acidity, which helps highlight the flavour of fresh tomato, while a white pizza rich in cheese can find its perfect match in a mineral, fresh white wine.

Wine and pizza pairing also allows you to explore and discover new taste profiles.

Guests are often surprised to notice how a simple sip of wine can change a bite of pizza, revealing aromas and flavours that previously felt hidden.

This doesn’t only enrich the meal — it also invites deeper conversation about food and wine, encouraging curiosity and appreciation for both.

Finally, the art of pairing wine with pizza isn’t only about elevating the meal: it’s also an opportunity to educate customers and create a stronger connection.

By offering personalised suggestions and pairing know-how, every visit to the pizzeria can become a memorable, unique experience.

In the end, a good wine isn’t just an accompaniment — it’s an essential element that can turn pizza from a simple meal into a moment of pure gastronomic joy.

Improve your dining experience by following our tips in this Guide to Wine and Pizza Pairings.

Pizza is loved all over the world, but pairing the right wine with pizza can take the experience to the next level.

In this guide, we’ll explore different pizza styles and discover which wines pair best with each one.

Get ready to turn your pizzeria into a place where guests can not only enjoy great pizza, but also discover surprising, delicious pairings!

The Magic of Food and Wine Pairing

Pairing food and wine is an art — and pizza, with its variety of ingredients and flavours, offers plenty of room to experiment.

The general rule is that wine should complement the flavours of the pizza without overpowering them.

Pairings can vary depending on the ingredients, the crispness of the base, and the baking method.

1. Margherita Pizza

Main ingredients: Tomato, mozzarella, basil.

Recommended wine: Chianti Classico

Chianti Classico, a Tuscan red, is a classic match for Margherita. Its balanced acidity and notes of cherry and spice complement the freshness of tomato and the creaminess of mozzarella.

Alternative: Sauvignon Blanc

If you prefer white wine, a Sauvignon Blanc with its freshness and citrus notes can balance Margherita’s delicate flavours beautifully.

2. Spicy Salami Pizza

Main ingredients: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, slices of spicy salami.

Recommended wine: Zinfandel

Zinfandel, with its fruity profile and spicy notes, pairs perfectly with the heat of pepperoni-style toppings. Its robust structure also stands up well to the richness of cheese.

Alternative: Cabernet Sauvignon

A fuller-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon offers enough tannin to contrast the richness of a pepperoni-style pizza.

3. Quattro Stagioni Pizza

Main ingredients: Tomato, mozzarella, mushrooms, ham, artichokes, olives.

Recommended wine: Merlot

Merlot is a great choice for Quattro Stagioni thanks to its soft palate and red-fruit notes, which pair well with the variety of toppings.

Alternative: Pinot Grigio

If you’d like a white wine, Pinot Grigio — with its fresh, fruity character — can be an excellent choice to balance the pizza’s more complex flavours.

4. Vegetarian Pizza

Main ingredients: Tomato, mozzarella, mixed vegetables (peppers, courgettes, aubergines).

Recommended wine: Chardonnay

A Chardonnay that isn’t too heavily oaked pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables, enhancing flavours without overpowering them.

Alternative: Rosé

A fresh, fruity rosé can be a great match for vegetarian pizza, creating a pleasant balance.

5. Mushroom Pizza

Main ingredients: Tomato, mozzarella, mushrooms (fresh or porcini).

Recommended wine: Barbera

Barbera, with its lively acidity and berry notes, pairs well with mushrooms, creating a perfect harmony between earthy flavours and wine.

Alternative: Pinot Noir

A light, fruity Pinot Noir can offer an elegant, refined pairing with mushrooms.

6. Marinara Pizza

Main ingredients: Tomato, garlic, oregano, olive oil.

Recommended wine: Nero d’Avola

Nero d’Avola, a Sicilian red, with its rich fruity profile, complements the bold simplicity of Marinara very well.

Alternative: Verdicchio

If you prefer white wine, Verdicchio — with its mineral, fresh notes — can elevate Marinara’s simplicity.

7. White Pizza (Pizza Bianca)

Main ingredients: Mozzarella, ricotta, cream, herbs.

Recommended wine: Soave

A fresh, floral Soave is an ideal pairing for pizza bianca, balancing creaminess with bright acidity.

Alternative: Fiano

Fiano, with its fruity and floral aromas, is another excellent choice to enhance delicate flavours.

8. Sweet Pizza

Main ingredients: Nutella, fruit, ricotta.

Recommended wine: Moscato

Moscato, with its sweetness and freshness, is an ideal match for sweet pizzas, enhancing Nutella and fruit flavours.

Alternative: Passito

A sweet Passito can be a fascinating option if you’re looking for a richer, more complex pairing.

Practical Tips for Wine and Pizza Pairings

• Think about acidity: Wine should have acidity that complements the pizza. Tomato-based pizzas need wines with good acidity.

• Match the body: The wine’s structure (light or full-bodied) should balance the richness of the pizza. Richer pizzas suit more robust wines.

• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new pairings. Every palate is different, and experimenting can lead to surprising discoveries.

Conclusion

Pairing wine and pizza is a delicious journey that can enrich your customers’ dining experience.

By exploring different pairings, you can help guests discover new flavour nuances, making every visit to your pizzeria memorable.

By offering personalised wine suggestions to match the pizzas on your menu, you can elevate your restaurant to a new level of gastronomic excellence.

Don’t forget to encourage your guests to explore, taste, and — most of all — enjoy every bite and every sip.

Enjoy your meal!