PIZZA AND WINE!
Are you still a "pizza and beer" type of person? That’s a bit old-school. Of course, if you’re a die-hard fan and pair it with good company, football matches, and all those classic traditions, I completely get it and respect it if only for the ritual!
On the other hand, strictly off the record, I can’t help but urge you to think a bit outside the box and DARE to pair your favorite pizza with wine. The right pairings can elevate the taste experience to VIP status, and below you’ll find a few matches you’ll thoroughly enjoy after a long day (delivery, a cozy movie, a glass of wine you get the picture). Naturally, we’ve tested them ourselves first so you don’t have to guess.
1. Which wine pairs with the classic Margherita pizza?
Pizza Margherita is the epitome of simplicity. It’s the pizza you eat "before you eat pizza." Featuring fresh tomato sauce, basil, and mozzarella, it is the ultimate embodiment of the phrase "simplicity is no simple matter". A proper Margherita pizza must strike the ultimate balance between the acidity of the tomato, the rich texture of the mozzarella, and the freshness of the basil.
On the other hand, Malagouzia Gitane from Akriotou Microwinery matures for about 4 months in stainless steel tanks, preserving the variety's elegance and freshness, while 30% passes through amphorae, enhancing its texture and complexity. Thus, while a simple Malagouzia might seem "empty" alongside such a pizza, Gitane possesses the acidity to balance that of the tomato and the richness to embrace that of the dish. The icing on the cake is the wine's botanic profile combined with the pizza's basil.
2. Which wine pairs with a rich 4-Cheese pizza?
Without a trace of tomato, this pizza is an ode to the luscious essence of cheese! If you don't care about calories and know how to enjoy life, there is no better combination than rich cheeses and lively acidity. Gorgonzola, mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone take center stage and melt in your mouth. Here, things are a bit clearer: the dish demands a wine with an acidity that cuts through the fat like a knife.
Gavi Palas by Michele Chiarlo is the elegant yet refreshing time-out you need between bites. Crisp, lemony acidity with notes of green apple and wet stone instantly cleanses the palate of the rich cheeses, immediately inviting your next bite.
Alternatively, try it with Anemomylia Vidiano from Lyrarakis Winery. The Sitia vineyards and lees-aging result in a medium (+) body wine with a slightly creamy texture that fits rich dishes like a glove. Try it on its own first to appreciate its salty touch and see exactly why it makes the perfect match for this pizza.
3. Which wine pairs with an earthy mushroom pizza (or with truffle oil)?
For something more gastronomic and earthy, yet with a gourmet twist, mushroom pizza is the only way to go. The earthy tones and the intensity of aromas and flavors demand wines with personality, acidity, and structure.
Rose de Xinomavro by Apostolos Thymiopoulos boasts an intensely gastronomic character it's a food wine that truly pairs with (almost) everything! Crisp acidity, subtle tannins, and notes of sun-dried tomato, spices, and strawberry blend magically with the earthy character of the mushrooms as well as the tomato sauce.
On the exact opposite end of the spectrum, Goliardo Tintos del Mar by Forjas del Salnes arrives with its ocean breeze and juicy red fruit! Its refreshing acidity, silky tannins, and botanical notes align beautifully with the umami and earthy character of the dish.
4. Which wine pairs with a spicy pepperoni pizza?
Rich, packed with intense flavor and spicy cured meat, this classic choice of pizza lovers has a devoted fan base, and for good reason. The combination of extra fat from the baked salami with that of the mozzarella creates a perfectly caramelized crust a sacred marriage of fats and carbs that triggers a massive release of dopamine! The tomato, in turn, amplifies the need for red wines with acidity, fruitiness, and peppery notes. Try it with Ultreia Saint Jacques by Raul Perez if you’re looking for something more explosive yet elegant!
On the flip side, if you want to play it clever, opt for Queen Rose by Iordanis Michaelidis a rich, exotic take on the Merlot-Syrah blend. It carries a hint of sweetness alongside an explosive profile of cherry, strawberry, and lychee, leading to a striking gastronomic contrast that works brilliantly and makes the pairing hugely enjoyable!
5. Which wine pairs with a BBQ chicken pizza?
And finally, we arrive at the legendary pairings! Sweet-and-sour elements, smoky sauces, tender chicken, and cheese: a heaven of textures and flavors featuring sweet and umami notes. On the other side of the equation, we automatically write down fruit, soft tannins, a smoky edge, and a botanical profile.
We uncork a bottle of Kaleidoscope Kaapzicht, the ultimate ally for BBQ sauce. The wine's dark berries, smoke, and spice lock in perfectly with the smoky sweetness of the sauce, while silky tannins create a velvety finish.
Alternatively, try Pet Nat 2025 by Bosinakis Winery, which directly answers the flavor demands of the dish. The explosive fruit and botanical hints of lemongrass from the Moschofilero variety match the umami, sweet, and smoky intensity of the sauce perfectly, while its light body stays in complete harmony with the texture of the chicken. Crucially, its sharp acidity and natural effervescence act as the ultimate palate cleanser against the richness of the cheeses!
We officially declare the opening of pizza season!
Christina Tsogka
Wine Specialist at botilia.gr
