Pizza and wine—two of life's greatest pleasures—are natural companions. Yet many people still reach for beer when enjoying pizza, missing out on the spectacular flavor combinations that the right wine pairing can create. As the sommelier at Salvatore Pizza, I've spent years studying how wine interacts with the diverse flavors in our pizzas, and I'm excited to share some of that knowledge with you.
California produces some of the world's finest wines, and with our pizzerias located throughout the state, we're uniquely positioned to create pizza and wine pairings that celebrate local vintages. Here's my guide to elevating your pizza experience through the perfect wine selection.
Understanding the Basics of Pizza-Wine Pairing
Before diving into specific combinations, it helps to understand a few principles that guide successful food and wine pairings:
- Match intensity: Bold, flavorful pizzas need wines with enough character to stand up to them, while delicate pizzas pair better with lighter wines.
- Consider acidity: Tomato sauce is acidic, so wines with good acidity (like Sangiovese or Barbera) can complement it beautifully.
- Balance fat: The richness of cheese needs either high-acid wines to cut through it or fuller-bodied wines to match it.
- Regional pairings: There's wisdom in traditional regional combinations—Italian wines often pair naturally with pizza because they've evolved alongside Italian cuisine.
- Personal preference matters: While there are guidelines, your own palate is the ultimate judge. If you enjoy a combination, it's a good pairing!
Classic Margherita Pizza
Let's start with the benchmark: a classic Margherita with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. This pizza showcases pure flavors that pair beautifully with:
- Chianti Classico: The bright acidity and cherry notes of this Tuscan Sangiovese-based wine complement the tomato sauce perfectly while cutting through the creamy mozzarella. California alternatives: Look for California Sangiovese from regions like Sonoma or Sierra Foothills.
- Pinot Noir: Particularly those from the Russian River Valley or Sonoma Coast, offering bright red fruit, subtle earthiness, and enough structure without overwhelming the pizza's delicate balance.
- Dry Rosé: California produces excellent dry rosés that bridge the gap between red and white wine, offering refreshing acidity and red fruit notes that work beautifully with Margherita's fresh flavors.
"Wine and pizza pairings should enhance both elements. When done right, the combination becomes greater than the sum of its parts." — Marco Rossi, Sommelier
Pepperoni and Meat Lovers' Pizzas
Pizzas loaded with pepperoni, sausage, or multiple meats need wines that can stand up to their bold, spicy, and savory profiles:
- Zinfandel: California's heritage grape creates wines with bold fruit flavors, spice notes, and moderate tannins that pair beautifully with the spicy character of pepperoni. Look for examples from Lodi or Dry Creek Valley.
- Barbera: This Italian grape produces wines with bright acidity and moderate tannins. California Barbera from the Sierra Foothills cuts through the richness of meat toppings while complementing the tomato sauce.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: For the boldest meat pizzas, a young Cabernet from Paso Robles or Lake County offers structure and dark fruit flavors that match the intensity of the pizza.
White Pizzas (No Tomato Sauce)
White pizzas featuring ingredients like ricotta, garlic, olive oil, and various vegetables open up pairing possibilities with both white and light red wines:
- Vermentino: This Mediterranean white grape thrives in California and produces wines with citrus notes, minerality, and herbal hints that complement garlic, herbs, and olive oil.
- Arneis: Another Italian transplant doing well in California, offering pear and almond notes that pair beautifully with creamy white pizzas.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Particularly those from cooler regions like Sonoma Coast or Santa Barbara, providing bright acidity and herbal notes that enhance vegetable toppings.
- Pinot Grigio: The best California versions offer more character than their mass-produced counterparts, with pleasant fruit and enough acidity to balance rich cheese.
Vegetable-Forward Pizzas
For pizzas featuring seasonal vegetables like our spring asparagus pizza or roasted mushroom varieties:
- Chardonnay: Especially unoaked or lightly oaked versions from Carneros or the Central Coast, offering apple and pear notes that complement earthy vegetables.
- Pinot Noir: The earthy, forest floor qualities of cooler-climate Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley, Santa Rita Hills) make it perfect for mushroom pizzas.
- Grenache: Light to medium-bodied California Grenache offers red fruit flavors and subtle herbal notes that won't overwhelm delicate vegetables.
Spicy Pizzas
For our pizzas featuring spicy sausage, hot peppers, or chili oil:
- Riesling: Off-dry Riesling from California's cooler regions provides a touch of sweetness that tames spice while offering refreshing acidity.
- Lambrusco: This slightly sparkling Italian red has California counterparts that offer fruit-forward flavors and refreshing bubbles that cleanse the palate between bites of spicy pizza.
- Syrah/Shiraz: Cool-climate Syrah from the California coast provides dark fruit, pepper notes, and moderate tannins that complement spicy elements rather than amplifying them.
Seafood Pizzas
For our coastal-inspired pizzas featuring shrimp, clams, or other seafood:
- Albariño: This Spanish grape does well in California, producing wines with citrus, saline qualities that are perfect with seafood.
- Falanghina: Another Mediterranean variety now found in California, offering crisp acidity and mineral notes that enhance seafood's natural flavors.
- Sparkling Wine: California produces excellent sparkling wines whose bubbles and acidity refresh the palate and complement seafood's delicate flavors.
Dessert Pizzas
Yes, our dessert pizzas (like Nutella and fruit varieties) can be paired with wine too:
- Late Harvest Zinfandel: These sweet red wines offer intense berry flavors that pair beautifully with chocolate and fruit dessert pizzas.
- Muscat: California Muscat wines offer floral, aromatic sweetness that complements fruit-based dessert pizzas.
- Brachetto d'Acqui: This sweet, slightly sparkling red Italian wine has California counterparts that pair wonderfully with chocolate and berry dessert pizzas.
Hosting a Pizza and Wine Pairing Party
Want to explore these pairings with friends? Here are some tips for hosting a successful pizza and wine pairing party:
- Select 3-4 different pizza styles to provide variety
- Choose one wine to pair with each pizza
- Serve small slices so guests can try multiple combinations
- Provide tasting notes for each pairing
- Have guests rate their favorite combinations
- Include palate cleansers like water crackers and sparkling water
Visit Us for Curated Pairings
At Salvatore Pizza, we offer wine pairing suggestions for every pizza on our menu. Our staff is trained to help you select the perfect California wine to complement your pizza choice, whether you're dining in or taking out.
We also host monthly pizza and wine pairing events at select locations, where you can sample different combinations guided by our team. Check our events calendar for upcoming dates.
Remember, while these guidelines can help you discover great combinations, wine pairing is ultimately subjective. The best pairing is the one that brings you the most pleasure. Salute!
