There’s a certain comfort in the simple pleasure of a pizza night. The aroma of melted cheese, the tangy sauce, and the satisfying crunch of the crust – it’s a recipe for a relaxing evening. But why stop there? Elevate your pizza experience by adding a carefully selected glass of red wine. While it might seem like a casual choice, pairing red wine with pizza can be a culinary adventure. The challenge, however, lies in finding the perfect match. Not every red wine plays nicely with every pizza topping, and a mismatched pairing can leave your palate feeling underwhelmed. This article will be your guide, exploring the world of red wine and pizza, and uncovering the best varietals and styles to complement your favorite slices, ultimately helping you discover the absolute best red wine with pizza for your personal taste.
Understanding the Dance: Wine and Pizza Harmony
Successful wine and pizza pairings aren’t about rigid rules but rather about understanding the key elements that create harmony on your palate. Three main factors come into play: acidity, tannins, and body. Acidity in wine acts like a palate cleanser, cutting through the richness of the cheese and complementing the acidity of the tomato sauce. Think of it as a refreshing counterpoint to the heavier elements of the pizza. Tannins, found primarily in red wines, contribute to a wine’s structure and can create a drying sensation in your mouth. High-tannin wines can sometimes clash with the acidity of tomato sauce, resulting in a bitter aftertaste. Finally, the body of the wine refers to its weight and texture on the palate – ranging from light and delicate to full and robust. A general principle to keep in mind is to match the wine’s intensity to the pizza’s flavors. A delicate pizza calls for a lighter wine, while a pizza loaded with toppings demands a more assertive wine.
Red Wine All-Stars: Perfect Partners for Pizza
Let’s explore some of the best red wine candidates for pizza pairing, highlighting their unique characteristics and ideal pizza partners.
Sangiovese: The Italian Staple
Sangiovese, the backbone of many iconic Italian wines like Chianti Classico, is a fantastic starting point for pizza pairings. It boasts high acidity, earthy notes, and characteristic cherry flavors. Its acidity cuts through the cheese, while the earthy undertones complement the savory elements of the sauce. This makes it a classic Italian pairing, particularly well-suited for tomato-based pizzas like Margherita, Marinara, or even a simple Pepperoni pizza. The bright fruit and subtle herbal notes of Sangiovese offer a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the cheese and the savory depth of the toppings.
Barbera: The Versatile Choice
Barbera is another Italian gem, known for its high acidity, low tannins, and vibrant fruity flavors like cherry and plum. Its low tannins make it a more approachable option compared to some other red wines, while its refreshing acidity provides a welcome balance to the richness of pizza. Barbera’s versatility makes it a great all-around choice, pairing well with pizzas featuring mushrooms, sausage, or roasted vegetables. The fruity notes of Barbera enhance the sweetness of the roasted vegetables and complement the savory flavors of the sausage and mushrooms.
Dolcetto: The Easy-Drinking Delight
Dolcetto is an often-overlooked Italian red that deserves a place at the pizza table. It’s known for its low acidity, soft tannins, and delightful dark fruit flavors like blackberry and licorice. Dolcetto is an easy-drinking wine, making it a great choice for casual pizza nights. It pairs particularly well with pizzas featuring pesto, chicken, or olives and anchovies. The dark fruit flavors of Dolcetto complement the herbaceousness of pesto, while its low tannins won’t overpower the delicate flavors of chicken or the salty intensity of olives and anchovies.
Nero d’Avola: Sicilian Sunshine in a Glass
Hailing from Sicily, Nero d’Avola offers a bit more structure and complexity. It typically exhibits medium acidity, medium tannins, and notes of dark fruit like black cherry, often accompanied by subtle spicy undertones. This makes it a great choice for pizzas with bolder flavors, such as spicy sausage pizza, Arrabbiata pizza, or even pizzas featuring nduja sausage. The dark fruit and spicy notes of Nero d’Avola provide a balanced counterpoint to the heat and richness of these pizzas.
Valpolicella Classico: Light and Refreshing
If you’re looking for a lighter-bodied option, Valpolicella Classico is an excellent choice. This Italian red is known for its bright acidity and red fruit flavors like cherry and raspberry. Its refreshing character makes it a wonderful pairing for vegetarian pizzas, Pizza Bianca (white pizza), or pizzas with Prosciutto. The bright acidity of Valpolicella cuts through the richness of the cheese and complements the fresh flavors of the vegetables, while its red fruit notes enhance the salty-sweetness of the prosciutto.
Red Wine Roadblocks: Wines to Approach with Caution
While many red wines can enhance your pizza experience, some are best avoided. High-tannin wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Tannat can clash with the acidity of tomato sauce, creating a bitter and unpleasant taste. The tannins can overwhelm the more delicate flavors of the pizza, resulting in a less-than-ideal pairing. Similarly, heavily oaked wines can also be problematic. The oak flavors can overpower the pizza’s flavors, creating a disharmonious pairing.
Pizza Style Guide: Finding the Perfect Red Wine Partner
Let’s delve deeper into specific pizza styles and their ideal red wine companions.
Margherita Magic
The classic Margherita pizza, with its simple combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil, calls for a wine that complements its fresh flavors. Sangiovese or Valpolicella Classico are excellent choices. Their acidity cuts through the richness of the mozzarella, while their bright fruit flavors enhance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Pepperoni Perfection
The slightly spicy and savory notes of pepperoni demand a wine with a bit more body and fruit. Barbera or Nero d’Avola are great options. Their acidity balances the richness of the pepperoni, while their fruity notes complement its spicy character.
Vegetarian Victory
Vegetarian pizzas, with their diverse array of vegetables, require a wine that is light and refreshing. Dolcetto or Valpolicella Classico are ideal choices. Their lightness won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the vegetables, while their bright acidity provides a welcome counterpoint.
Mushroom Mania
The earthy flavors of mushrooms pair beautifully with wines that have similar characteristics. Barbera or Sangiovese are excellent options. Their earthy notes complement the mushrooms, while their acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Spicy Sensation
For spicy pizzas, such as Arrabbiata or Diavola, consider Nero d’Avola or Barbera. The fruit and spice notes found in Nero d’Avola work in harmony with the heat of the pizza. Barbera’s acidity will also cut through some of the richness of any fatty meats found on the pizza and make each bite more enjoyable.
Serving Suggestions: Elevating Your Pizza and Wine Experience
To truly maximize your enjoyment of pizza and red wine, consider these serving tips. Serve red wine slightly chilled, ideally between 60-65°F. This helps to enhance its flavors and aromas. Use a universal wine glass or a glass appropriate for the varietal you’ve chosen. Most importantly, don’t overthink it! Experiment with different pairings and find what you enjoy the most. Remember, the goal is to create a pleasurable dining experience. As a bonus, consider adding a dessert after enjoying your pizza and wine, such as a tiramisu or cannoli to complete the experience.
In Conclusion: A Slice of Heaven with the Best Red Wine with Pizza
Finding the best red wine with pizza is a journey of discovery, not a rigid set of rules. The ideal pairing depends on the type of pizza you’re enjoying. Remember the importance of acidity, tannins, and body, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The ultimate goal is to find a combination that delights your palate and enhances your overall pizza experience. We have explored many wines that are a great option as the best red wine with pizza. Ultimately we encourage you to have fun exploring different pairings and discovering your personal favorites. Pizza and red wine are a truly delightful combination when done right, and a well-chosen pairing can elevate a simple pizza night into a memorable culinary experience. What are some of your favorite pizza and red wine pairings? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
