The best Italian wines for a pizza night
Introduction
Pizza night is a cherished tradition, not just in Italy but around the world. The tantalizing combination of a crisp crust, savory tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and various toppings makes it a universally loved meal. But what transforms a simple pizza night into a truly memorable experience? The answer: the perfect bottle of wine. Italy, being the birthplace of pizza, offers a rich variety of wines that complement the flavors of this beloved dish. In this article, we’ll explore the best Italian wines for different types of pizzas and provide pairing recommendations to elevate your next pizza night.
Classic Margherita Pizza
The Margherita pizza, with its simplicity and freshness, pairs beautifully with wines that enhance its basic ingredients — tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
1. Chianti
Originating from Tuscany, Chianti is a classic choice for a Margherita pizza. This medium-bodied red wine, made primarily from Sangiovese grapes, has high acidity and flavors of red cherries, dried herbs, and a hint of earthiness which balance the acidity of the tomato sauce and enhance the freshness of the basil.
2. Vermentino
If you prefer white wine, consider Vermentino from Sardinia or Tuscany. Its crisp, citrusy profile with notes of pear and a slight almond finish complement the pizza’s flavors without overpowering them.
Pepperoni Pizza
Pepperoni pizza, with its rich and spicy profile, requires a wine that can stand up to its bold flavors.
1. Nero d’Avola
This full-bodied red wine from Sicily has a rich, dark fruit profile with notes of black cherry, plum, and black pepper. Its robustness and slight smokiness make it an excellent match for the spicy pepperoni.
2. Lambrusco
For a unique pairing, try Lambrusco. This slightly sparkling red wine from Emilia-Romagna has a fresh acidity and vibrant red fruit flavors that cut through the richness of the pepperoni, bringing a delightful balance to your palate.
Four Cheese Pizza (Quattro Formaggi)
Four cheese pizza, rich with mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan, and fontina, calls for a wine that can handle the creamy, savory flavors.
1. Barbera
Barbera, especially from the Piedmont region, offers high acidity and low tannins, making it a great match for the rich, fatty cheeses. Look for Barberas with fruity notes of cherry and raspberry to complement the different cheese flavors.
2. Soave
This white wine from the Veneto region, made mainly from the Garganega grape, has bright acidity and flavors of green apple, peach, and a touch of almond. Its refreshing profile cuts through the richness of the four cheeses and cleanses the palate.
Veggie Pizza
A veggie pizza topped with ingredients like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives pairs well with lighter wines that won’t overpower the fresh, earthy flavors.
1. Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia or Alto Adige regions is a classic pairing for veggie pizza. Its light and crisp nature, with notes of green apple, pear, and lemon, enhances the freshness of the vegetables.
2. Dolcetto
For a red wine option, consider Dolcetto. This wine from Piedmont is light to medium-bodied with soft tannins and flavors of black cherry, licorice, and a hint of almond. Its fruit-forward profile works well with the diverse flavors of the veggie pizza.
Meat Lover’s Pizza
For a meat lover’s pizza, laden with sausage, bacon, ham, and pepperoni, you need a bold wine that can match the intensity of these hearty toppings.
1. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
This robust red wine from the Abruzzo region has a deep, dark fruit profile with notes of blackberry, plum, and a touch of spice. Its full body and moderate tannins make it a perfect companion for the meat lover’s pizza.
2. Aglianico
Aglianico, especially from the regions of Campania and Basilicata, is known for its firm tannins, high acidity, and flavors of dark fruit, leather, and earth. It stands up well to the rich and smoky flavors of the various meats on a meat lover’s pizza.
Seafood Pizza (Frutti di Mare)
Seafood pizzas, adorned with shrimp, squid, and other sea delights, call for wines that can enhance the delicate flavors of the seafood without overwhelming them.
1. Vermentino di Gallura
From Sardinia, Vermentino di Gallura offers a bright, citrusy profile with notes of sea spray and minerals. Its crisp acidity and refreshing nature make it an excellent match for seafood pizza.
2. Falanghina
This white wine from Campania is known for its floral and citrus notes with a slight hint of salinity. Its freshness complements the briny flavors of the seafood, creating a harmonious pairing.
FAQs: Italian Wine Pairings for Pizza
Q: Can you pair a sparkling wine with pizza?
A: Absolutely! Sparkling wines such as Prosecco or Lambrusco can be great options. They offer bright acidity and effervescence that can cleanse the palate and balance the richness of the pizza toppings.
Q: Should I always pair red wine with pizza?
A: Not necessarily. White wines, rosés, and even sparkling wines can be excellent pairings depending on the type of pizza and your personal preference.
Q: What wine should I avoid when pairing with pizza?
A: Highly tannic reds like young Barolo or Amarone may overpower most pizzas. Also, overly sweet wines can clash with the savory and umami flavors of pizza.
Q: How important is the region of the wine?
A: While the region can play a role in the wine’s characteristics, the key is to focus on the flavor profile and structure of the wine to ensure it matches the pizza.
Q: Can I experiment with different wines beyond those listed?
A: Absolutely! Wine pairing is subjective, and personal preference plays a big role. Feel free to experiment with different wines and discover your favorite combinations.
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