Create the perfect date night at home by pairing pizza with the right wine. Each combination enhances flavors, turning a simple meal into a memorable experience. Here’s a quick guide to 7 amazing pairings:
- Margherita Pizza + Pinot Noir: Light and earthy, Pinot Noir complements the fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Pepperoni Pizza + Zinfandel: Zinfandel’s fruity and spicy notes balance the savory and spicy kick of pepperoni.
- White Pizza + Chardonnay: Creamy white pizzas pair well with buttery or crisp Chardonnay styles, depending on the toppings.
- Mushroom Pizza + Pinot Grigio: Pinot Grigio’s crisp acidity highlights the earthy flavors of mushrooms.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza + Syrah: Syrah’s bold, smoky, and fruity profile enhances the tangy sweetness of BBQ sauce.
- Veggie Pizza + Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc’s zesty brightness complements fresh, herbaceous veggie toppings.
- Sweet Pizza + Moscato: Moscato’s sweetness pairs beautifully with dessert pizzas featuring fruits, chocolate, or caramel.
Enjoy these pairings with candles and good company for a cozy, romantic night in.
How to Pair WINE with PIZZA
1. Margherita Pizza with Pinot Noir
A Margherita pizza, topped with fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil, pairs beautifully with a light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir. The wine’s red fruit flavors, fresh acidity, and subtle earthy undertones complement the pizza’s acidity and creaminess while enhancing its herbal notes.
If you’re planning a special evening, consider a Pinot Noir from these cooler regions:
| Region | Flavor Profile | Serving Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Burgundy, France | Elegant, earthy, refined | 60–65°F (15–18°C) |
| Oregon | Bright fruit, gentle spice | 60–65°F (15–18°C) |
| Central Otago, NZ | Silky, rich fruit flavors | 60–65°F (15–18°C) |
To fully appreciate the wine’s crisp acidity, serve it at 60–65°F (15–18°C). For those who prefer a richer style, try a Californian Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. This pairing brings together the timeless appeal of Margherita pizza with the sophistication of a well-chosen wine, creating the perfect vibe for a memorable date night.
2. Pepperoni Pizza with Zinfandel
Pepperoni pizza and Zinfandel make a perfect match for a cozy date night. The wine’s rich, fruity profile and full-bodied nature pair beautifully with the spicy kick of pepperoni, the tanginess of tomato sauce, and the creaminess of melted cheese.
Zinfandel brings bold, jam-like flavors mixed with hints of warm spices, black pepper, and smoky tobacco. These qualities balance the savory and spicy notes of the pizza, while the wine’s natural sweetness softens the heat of the pepperoni.
For the best experience, choose a Zinfandel with enough depth to hold its own against the pizza’s flavors. Lighter options might get overshadowed.
3. White Pizza with Chardonnay
Pairing white pizza with Chardonnay creates a balanced and flavorful combination, perfect for a cozy evening. The creamy base of white pizza, free from traditional red sauce, allows the wine to shine alongside the rich toppings.
White pizza often features a mix of cheeses like fresh mozzarella, ricotta, or fontina, enhanced with fragrant herbs. Chardonnay’s buttery and creamy qualities pair beautifully with these ingredients. The key is to choose the right style of Chardonnay to match the toppings:
| Pizza Toppings | Recommended Chardonnay Style |
|---|---|
| Fresh mozzarella & herbs | Light, crisp, unoaked |
| Ricotta & fontina blend | Rich, oaky, buttery |
| Brie & fresh herbs | Crisp, mineral-forward |
Adding fresh tarragon to your pizza can highlight the subtle anise-like notes found in Chardonnay. For pizzas with richer toppings like fontina or aged cheeses, a more robust, oaky Chardonnay with hints of vanilla and toasted flavors is a great choice.
The intensity of the wine should complement the richness of the pizza. A light, mineral-forward Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with a simple mozzarella pizza, while an oaked Chardonnay complements the complex flavors of multi-cheese and herb-topped pizzas.
4. Mushroom Pizza with Pinot Grigio
Mushroom pizza, with its rich, earthy flavors, pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio. This duo creates a harmonious balance that feels both refined and approachable – perfect for a cozy, romantic evening.
Pinot Grigio is a crisp and dry white wine known for its clean, neutral profile. Its medium-high to high acidity enhances the earthiness of the mushrooms, bringing out their natural depth of flavor [2].
“The Pinot and mushrooms is just that perfect pairing, they both compliment each other with their earthiness and spice.” – Jason Brooke, Manager from Zavino [3]
The wine’s subtle character complements the delicate flavors of the mushrooms, making it a standout choice for this pairing.
5. BBQ Chicken Pizza with Syrah
Pairing BBQ chicken pizza with Syrah creates a perfect balance between the sweet, tangy BBQ sauce and the bold, fruit-forward flavors of the wine – ideal for a memorable date night.
A BBQ chicken pizza, with its tangy sauce, tender chicken, and toppings like red onions and cilantro, offers a mix of flavors that work beautifully with Syrah’s depth [4]. The magic of this pairing lies in how Syrah’s characteristics vary by region, each bringing something unique to the table.
- Australian Shiraz: Known for its fruit-forward profile with peppery undertones, higher alcohol levels, and soft tannins, it pairs well with the sweetness of BBQ sauce.
- Northern Rhône Syrah: Offers smoky, elegant notes with subtle fruit flavors that align perfectly with the pizza’s smoky elements.
- California Syrah: Features rich black and red fruit flavors that complement the savory chicken and tangy sauce.
Each regional variation of Syrah highlights different aspects of the pizza’s flavor. The wine’s smoky undertones enhance the barbecue notes, while its fruit-forward nature balances the tangy sauce. In moderate climates, Syrah develops a medium to full body with hints of blackberry, mint, and black pepper [5]. For the best experience, serve it at around 65°F (18°C).
6. Veggie Pizza with Sauvignon Blanc
For a lighter and more casual date night, pair a veggie pizza with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc. This combination brings together fresh, earthy flavors and the wine’s zesty brightness.
A veggie pizza topped with ingredients like bell peppers, spinach, arugula, and olives works beautifully with Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s flavors – lime, green apple, passion fruit, and white peach – contrast nicely with the savory vegetables. Its subtle green bell pepper and basil notes also echo the fresh herbs often found on veggie pizzas, creating a well-rounded flavor pairing. This duo is perfect for a relaxed, cozy meal.
Here are some Sauvignon Blanc options to consider:
- Loire Valley (France): Known for its mineral-driven wines with herbaceous undertones, these pair wonderfully with roasted bell peppers and olives.
- Napa Valley (USA): Offers balanced wines with vibrant citrus flavors that complement fresh greens on your pizza.
For the best results, choose veggie pizzas that feature herbs like basil, parsley, or mint. The wine’s natural acidity pairs beautifully with sautéed greens, adding a refreshing contrast.
Make sure to serve your Sauvignon Blanc chilled to 45–50°F (7–10°C). This temperature keeps its crispness intact and highlights its herbal aromas.
7. Sweet Pizza with Moscato
End your date night on a high note with a dessert pizza paired with sweet Moscato. This combination brings together the natural sweetness of the wine with the indulgent flavors of dessert toppings.
Moscato d’Asti, known for its notes of orange blossom, honeysuckle, peach, and pear, is a perfect match for dessert pizzas. To keep the flavors balanced, make sure the wine is sweeter than the toppings.
Here are a few topping ideas to try:
- Fruity Option: Add fresh peach slices to your pizza for a burst of sweetness.
- Chocolate Treat: Pair bitter chocolate-dipped strawberries with your dessert pizza.
- Caramelized Delight: Use thinly sliced poached pears for a rich, caramelized flavor.
“Moscato is an often misunderstood grape, discounted for being too sweet or too fruity. In the hands of a talented winemaker, Moscato is pretty memorable.” – Matthew Lorman [6]
Conclusion
Wine and pizza come together to turn an ordinary meal into a special date night. As beautifully put:
“Wine, or vino, is, after all, from the word venas, which means ‘to love.’ And there’s a lot to love about a wine and pizza union.” – Giordanos [1]
Whether it’s a vibrant Pinot Noir complementing a classic Margherita or a sweet Moscato paired with a dessert pizza, each combination brings its own charm. These flavor matches are waiting to be explored in a romantic, cozy setting.
At Simone on Sunset in Houston’s Rice Village, the thoughtfully selected wines and specialty pizzas provide the perfect atmosphere for couples to enjoy these delicious pairings. The restaurant’s European-style ambiance adds to the magic of the evening.
Relish each slice and sip, and enjoy the essence of a truly memorable night.
