Wine for Pizza

Frequently asked questions

Which wines are best for pairing with a classic Margherita or pepperoni pizza?

When you are serving a classic Margherita or pepperoni pizza, Sangiovese and Chianti are ideal choices. These traditional Italian red wines deliver lively cherry notes, earthy undertones, and a zesty acidity. This sharp acidity is essential as it cuts through the rich, heavy cheese and the acidity of the tomato sauce, creating a balanced and harmonious flavour profile. Additionally, Barbera is another fantastic Italian favourite that complements a wide range of toppings. With its juicy red fruit characteristics and refreshing acidity, Barbera pairs beautifully with everything from vegetable-loaded pizzas to meat-heavy feasts. Choosing these classic Italian reds helps to elevate the simple, traditional ingredients of your pizza, ensuring that neither the food nor the wine overpowers the other during your meal. This makes them a reliable and delicious option for any standard pizza night.

What should I drink with a white-sauce or mushroom pizza?

For lighter pizzas featuring white sauce or mushroom toppings, Gamay is a highly versatile and recommended partner. Gamay, which is the grape behind Beaujolais, offers bright red fruit flavours and exceptionally soft tannins that will not overwhelm the delicate earthy notes of the mushrooms or the creamy base of a white sauce. Alternatively, if your pizza features luxurious truffle or salty prosciutto toppings, Pinot Noir is an elegant choice. Pinot Noir provides a sophisticated combination of elegance and subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with these specific premium ingredients. Whether you opt for the bright, easy-drinking nature of Gamay or the more complex, earthy profile of Pinot Noir, both of these lighter red wine options ensure that the subtle, savoury elements of your white-sauce or mushroom-topped pizzas are perfectly complemented rather than masked by heavy tannins.

Can I pair sparkling wine with pizza?

Yes, sparkling wines are an excellent and playful match for various types of pizza. If you prefer bubbles, options like Prosecco and Cava offer a lively effervescence. This bubbly texture serves a practical purpose, as it cleanses your palate between bites and enhances the overall flavours of the meal. For pizzas topped with rich charcuterie or spicy sausage, you can also try Lambrusco. Lambrusco is a lightly sparkling red wine that is bursting with berry flavours, making it a fun and vibrant companion that stands up well to cured and spiced meats. Sparkling wines are highly effective at cutting through the doughy weight and greasy richness often associated with cheese-laden pizzas. This makes bubbles a refreshing, celebratory choice that can easily transform an ordinary pizza night into a highly memorable dining experience.

Which wines go well with seafood toppings or barbecue chicken pizza?

If you are enjoying a white pizza or one topped with fresh seafood, you should look towards crisp white wines. A citrusy Vermentino or a mineral-driven Albariño are perfect selections, as they refresh your palate between bites and complement the delicate nature of fish and shellfish. On the other hand, if your pizza features barbecue chicken or toppings with a spicy kick, you will want a bolder wine to match those strong flavours. Zinfandel is the ideal candidate for these styles of pizza. It features a bold, robust, and spicy character that can easily stand up to sweet, smoky barbecue sauces and hot spices without being overshadowed. Matching the intensity of your toppings to the weight of your wine ensures that both elements of your meal shine equally, whether you are eating light seafood or rich barbecue.

What are some of the specific French and Italian bottles available in your collection?

Our collection features a premium range of carefully selected bottles from world-renowned wine regions. From Italy, you can find high-end options such as the Pian delle Vigne, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Vigna Ferrovia 2015 from Toscana, priced at £117.59, and the Elvio Cogno, Barbera d’Alba DOC, PrePhylloxera 2020 from Piemonte for £45.59. We also stock the Biondi Santi, Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2018 for £72.94. If you prefer French wines, particularly from Bourgogne, we offer several excellent red options. These include the entry-level Louis Latour, Bourgogne AOC Pinot Noir 2020 at £27.34, alongside premium selections like the Philippe Bergeret, Pommard 1er Cru AOC Les Charmots 2010 for £94.80, and the rare Domaine d’Auvenay, Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru AOC 2014, which represents a luxury choice at £21,603.59.