Pizza and Wine Pairing: Expert Tips for the Perfect Night In
There's nothing quite like a cozy night in with a delicious pizza and a perfectly paired glass of wine. Whether you're enjoying a romantic date night or a relaxing evening with friends, finding the right wine to complement your pizza can take your experience to the next level.
Consider the toppings
When it comes to wine pairing, the toppings on your pizza are key. Rich and meaty toppings like sausage or pepperoni pair well with full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. Vegetarian pizzas with lighter toppings like mushrooms or spinach pair well with medium-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir.
If you're enjoying a white pizza with no tomato sauce, consider a full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio.
Think about the sauce
If you're a fan of traditional tomato sauce on your pizza, consider a light or medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot. For a more herbaceous tomato sauce, try a wine with herbal notes like Cabernet Franc or Sangiovese.
Experiment with sparkling wines
While red and white wines are the typical go-to for pizza pairing, don't be afraid to experiment with sparkling wines like Prosecco or Champagne. These wines pair well with a variety of pizza toppings and can add a fun and festive element to your night in.
Don't forget about beer
If wine isn't your thing, don't worry! Beer can also be a great option for pizza pairing. Light beers like lagers pair well with simple cheese or pepperoni pizzas, while fruity beers like wheat beers pair well with vegetarian pizzas. For heartier meat pizzas, try a darker beer like a stout or porter.
The bottom line
Pizza and wine pairing can be a fun and delicious way to elevate your night in. Remember to consider the toppings and sauce on your pizza when choosing your wine, but don't be afraid to think outside the box and try new things like sparkling wine or beer.
With these expert tips, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the perfect pizza and wine pairing for your next cozy night in.
