How to Pair Wine With Pizza

Pizza is one of those foods that can be eaten at any time of day for any type of occasion. What might be enjoyed as a quick lunch on one day is transformed into a romantic dinner for two with the addition of a good bottle of wine. 

Let's discuss the wine that best compliments different styles of pizza and pair a few of them with pizza from Spinato's Pizzeria and Family Kitchen

Wines for Meat-Centric Pizzas

Pizza that is heavy on meat requires a bold red wine to balance things out. Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec are both good choices for a meaty pizza. The full-bodied Cab is usually dry with medium-high acidity and notes of black cherry or black currant, while the Malbec will be fruitier with a smoky finish.

Both of these grape varieties lend themselves well to the robust flavor of meat and would pair well with a Get Meaty Pizza from Spinato's that's filled with Italian sausage, Italian beef, pepperoni, and smoked Canadian bacon.

Veggie Heavy Pizzas

Vegetable main dishes are best with white or lighter red wines. Prosecco, Chardonnay, or Lambrusco would nicely compliment, without overpowering, the flavors of a vegetarian pizza such as Spinato's Veg Out; mushrooms, black olives, red onion, mixed bell peppers, and mozzarella, or the classic Margherita pizza; Roma tomato, fresh basil, mozzarella, pecorino Romano, and olive oil.

Prosecco is a sparkling white wine that is usually served chilled. Chardonnay is a medium to light-bodied white wine with flavors of green plum, apple, or pear. Designed to be drunk young, Lambrusco is a red wine that ranges from dry to sweet to very sweet.

Cheese Heavy Pizzas

Pizza that is covered with only or mostly cheese requires a wine that can both complement and neutralize the oiliness and intense flavor of cheese. A dark red Pinot Noir or dry Chianti both handle this job very well. Pinot Noir has a fruity, earthy profile that pairs nicely with flavorful cheeses. The iconic Italian wine, Chianti, is a medium-bodied high acidity red wine with notes of floral, cherry, and nuts. 

Pick up an Over a Cheeser pizza from Spinato's topped with generous portions of mozzarella, pecorino Romano, ricotta, and basil pesto, to go with either of these types of wines. 

Classic Pepperoni Pizzas

Sometimes, a good bottle of wine goes best with a simple pizza. A classic pepperoni pizza would be nicely complimented by an Italian Sangiovese wine or a French Cabernet Franc. The Sangiovese is bold, with fruity flavors of sour red cherries and a little spiciness. Lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc is a pale red wine that may be slightly peppery and robust. 

Create your own Classic Pepperoni Pizza at Spinato's and have it delivered!

Find the Best Pizza to Pair with Your Wine in Phoenix

One of the best ways to enjoy a good bottle of wine is to have it with your favorite pizza. Spinato's Pizzeria of Arizona has six locations in the Metro Phoenix area to provide you with the best pizza for pairing with your wine.

Crust options include:

  • Regular
  • Gluten-free
  • Cauliflower
  • Zero-carb chicken

Our zero-carb pizza crust is a low-carb, high-protein crust made from chicken, olive oil, salt, and spices. This is a great option for keto dieters, diabetics, and those with celiac disease.

Visit one of our locations today in Central Phoenix, North Phoenix, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, or Gilbert to discover your new favorite pizza for having with the perfect bottle of wine and enjoy half-off bottles of wine all day long every Wednesday! Call us for pick-up or to have your order hand-delivered.


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