Matching pizza with wine might sound too out of the ordinary, but the unlikely combination is surprisingly complementary. However, since there are plenty of wine varieties and pizza toppings to choose from, finding the right balance of sweet, sour, and salty can be quite tricky. Here are a few suggestions of wine and pizza pairings that can tickle your palate.

5 Ways to Match Wine With Pizza

1. Pepperoni Pizza

As the pepperoni gives a strong, meaty flavor, you can balance it out with rich red wine, like Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chianti, or Zinfandel. Pepperoni is made with a variety of spices, so you need a fruity wine with moderate acidity, such as Cabernet Franc or Sangiovese, to offset the intense flavor of the slice.

2. Meat Lover’s Pizza

A pizza that’s brimming with sausage, pepperoni, and meatballs should be matched with bolder red wine. Full-bodied Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Malbec, and Merlot have a healthy amount of tannins that give dark fruit flavors, rounding off the fattiness and richness of red meats on your slice.   

3. Hawaiian Pizza

While pineapple on pizza is debatable for others, it’s undeniable that this pie has a sweet and salty fusion that goes quite well with white wine. A glass of sweet Riesling enhances the flavor of ham and adds a punch to the pineapple, but if you prefer reds, pick Zinfandel or Lambrusco as sweeter, fruitier alternatives.  

4. White Pizza

While the white pizza lacks the traditional tomato sauce, its cream base makes it less acidic and lighter tasting. You can match with a fresh white wine like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or bubbly Champagne. If you prefer reds, choose Pinot Noir to highlight its creamy notes with your white pizza.  

5. Salad or Veggie Pizza

It’s not uncommon to find pizzas topped with a healthy dose of greens or veggies like peppers, mushrooms, olives, and onions. Pair a slice with a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Rose to match the fresh flavor profile of citrus, herbs, and vegetables. Similarly, a Margherita pizza with its fresh, aromatic basil matches the zest of Rose.

Pairing your favorite slice of pizza with a glass of wine is a unique way to elevate the experience. For best-tasting pizza and other Italian fares, drop by Brookside Inn Restaurant. Since 1954, this cozy, family-owned seafood restaurant has served New Haven County, CT, with their mouth-watering menu and excellent selection of drinks. Call (203) 888-2272 to make reservations or head over to their website to view their offerings.