Wine and pizza: three perfect pairings

WHAT TO DRINK WITH PIZZA?

Pizza is versatile and fits many occasions: dining out, enjoying a game on TV with a snack, or sharing an appetizer with friends. But what should you drink with it?

1) With a Regina Pizza

Let's start with the queen of pizzas: the Regina. Made with cheese, ham, and mushrooms, it’s undoubtedly one of the most popular choices. To complement this, opt for a light red wine with a round structure to match the creamy texture of the mushrooms and the tender ham. A red wine from Beaujolais, such as a Morgon or a Gamay from the Loire Valley, would be ideal.

2) With a Four Cheese Pizza

With a four cheese pizza, we're shifting gears! While the presence of tomato sauce is still a factor (and you should stick to light options), the dominant element here is, of course, the cheese. Typically, a four cheese pizza features Roquefort, goat cheese, Comté, and Gorgonzola. In other words, four cheeses that pair perfectly with white wine. Choose a dry, fruity white wine from Burgundy, such as a Petit Chablis or a Muscadet.

3) With a Hawaiian Pizza

For those who don’t know, a Hawaiian pizza is a sweet and savory mix of chicken (or sometimes ham) and pineapple. Finding the right wine for this combination can be tricky! The sweet character of the pineapple creates a perfect balance with the tender, melting chicken, making it challenging to pair with wine. Only a powerful, mature, and oaked white wine can stand up to this unique recipe. Go for a Graves Blanc from Bordeaux, a Limoux, or a Côtes du Rhône Villages.

FAQ - Wine and pizza

What white wine goes best with a four cheese pizza?

A dry, crisp white works best, since it cuts through the richness of Roquefort, goat cheese and Gorgonzola. A Chablis or a sauvignon-based wine brings the acidity needed to balance a generously topped pizza.

Can you drink red wine with a margherita or tomato and mozzarella pizza?

Yes, as long as you choose a soft, low-tannin red. A heavier, more structured wine would overpower the freshness of the tomato and mozzarella, while a light fruity red simply accompanies the dish.

What wine pairs with a spicy pizza or one topped with chorizo?

A wine with plenty of fruit and low tannins works better, since alcohol and oak tend to intensify the heat. A chilled gamay-based red calms the spice while still respecting the toppings.

What temperature should white wine be served at with pizza?

Around 10 to 12 degrees Celsius for a dry white, to preserve its aromas without dulling its acidity. Too cold and it loses expression; too warm and it feels heavy next to a hot pizza.

Does wood-fired pizza call for a different wine than an electric oven pizza?

Wood-fired crusts pick up light smoky notes, which call for a wine with a touch more depth and body. An electric oven gives a more neutral base, leaving more room for classic pairings by topping.