The Ultimate Pizza Pairing: What Five Sommeliers Recommend for the Perfect Wine Match

When it comes to pizza, many would agree it ranks as a top favorite food. With options ranging from delivery to gourmet artisanal fare, there’s little that can go wrong with this beloved dish. However, as a pizza and wine enthusiast, the right wine choice can elevate the pizza experience. To find the perfect pairing, I consulted several sommeliers and wine professionals, and sparkling wine consistently emerged as the top recommendation.

Expert Opinions

Several experts weighed in on why sparkling wine pairs so well with pizza.

• Tim Bodell, executive chef at Rustic at Francis Ford Coppola Winery, explains that sparkling wines complement the sweetness and acidity of tomato sauce, which can clash with many other wines. The fruitiness of sparkling wines harmonizes beautifully with various types of tomato sauces.

• Pablo Ranea, a chef and sommelier, highlights the effervescence of sparkling wines, which helps cut through the richness of cheese while refreshing the palate between bites.

Ideal Sparkling Wines to Enjoy with Pizza

Not all sparkling wines are created equal, and while Champagne is sparkling wine, not every sparkling wine is Champagne. Each type offers unique flavor profiles that pair well with different pizza styles.

• Lambrusco: Ranea advocates for this red sparkler from Italy, noting its refreshing acidity and fruity nature, making it ideal for bold pizza toppings like pepperoni or truffle oil.

• Prosecco: Wine expert Wanda Mann is a fan of this Italian bubbly, stating it refreshes the palate and doesn’t weigh down the taste buds. Both classic and rosé Prosecco can enhance flavors of tomato sauce and suit white, sauceless pizzas as well.

• Franciacorta: John Mitchell, wine director at Soby’s New South, suggests this Italian-style bubbly which offers both richness and acidity that elevate a cheese or Margherita pizza.

• Sparkling Rosé: Belinda Chang favors this option for pizzas with briny or meaty elements, as its fruitiness balances the tomato sauce and topping bitterness.

Alternative Wine Pairings

If sparkling wine isn’t your preference, other options still complement pizza nicely:

• Trivento’s White Malbec: Ranea points out this wine’s fresh and vibrant character pairs well with pizzas featuring fresh tomatoes and basil.

• Côtes du Rhône: Mitchell recommends this lighter French red for gamey toppings, since it enhances the flavor without overshadowing the slice.

For a classic pairing, sparkling wine stands out as a universal favorite among wine experts for enhancing the pizza experience.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!