Which wine for a pizza? Find the perfect pairing in 2 minutes.

Pizza is the perfect companion for our evenings with friends, spontaneous dinners, or Sunday brunches. And because it comes in a thousand variations, it deserves a carefully chosen wine to elevate it. Fruity red, crisp white, indulgent rosé, or festive bubbles: which wine should you choose for pizza? Follow this guide to pair each pizza with the perfect bottle!

Why choosing the right wine for your pizza makes all the difference

Pizza is the ultimate symbol of conviviality: crispy crust, melted cheese, flavorful tomato sauce… But which wine should accompany it? First rule: it’s not only about red! Depending on the toppings, a crisp white or a well-chilled rosé can enhance your pizza just as much as a fruity red.

Second rule: think balance. Pizza doesn’t like wines that are too tannic or too oaky, which can overwhelm its flavors. It’s better to favor smooth and generous wines for classic pizzas, and livelier wines for richer cheese or seafood versions. More specifically:

• Tomato sauce calls for freshness and acidity.
• Cheese and rich toppings love wines that refresh the palate.
• Spicy flavors prefer smooth wines that don’t add extra heat.

Finally, the most natural pairing is to choose an Italian wine since pizza and wine share the same origins: a Chianti for a Margherita, a Primitivo for a Diavola… But that’s not the only option! Wines from around the world also offer wonderful pairings, as long as you respect the rules of freshness and balance.

Classic pairings: which pizza goes with which wine

Margherita – Italian simplicity
Tomato base, mozzarella, basil… the Margherita is all about balance. A light and fruity red like Chianti, Valpolicella, or Gamay will highlight the freshness of the tomato without overpowering the cheese. For example, Chianti Riserva 2021 from Rocca delle Macie is elegant and refined.
A crisp white like Vermentino also works beautifully for a lighter touch.

Reine / Ham and Mushroom – balance and softness
Here, the charcuterie and cheese are more pronounced. Opt for a Pinot Noir or a Barbera for a light red with soft tannins. Rosé lovers can go for a dry Provençal rosé. We recommend the Pinot Nero from Poderi Colla, with its lovely red fruit notes and smooth tannins.

Pepperoni / Diavola – for spice lovers
These spicy pizzas go well with reds that have character but remain smooth: Syrah/Shiraz, Grenache, or Primitivo. We recommend the PietraPura Mandus Primitivo di Manduria DOC 2022, an intense and spicy red that perfectly complements the pepperoni heat.
A powerful rosé can also balance the Diavola’s fire.

Four Cheese – richness calls for freshness
Mozzarella, gorgonzola, emmental, parmesan… to cut through the richness, choose an aromatic white like Chenin or Sauvignon Blanc. A light, acidic red like Pinot Noir can also work well.
Our favorite: Catalina Sounds Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Vegetarian – fresh and light
With grilled vegetables or arugula, veggie pizza likes crisp, mineral wines: a white based on Riesling or Vermentino, or a dry rosé that complements the vegetables.

White Pizza – subtlety without tomato
Here, rounder wines shine. A lightly oaked Chardonnay or a Viognier will reveal the creamy flavors of a white pizza. Red lovers can opt for a light Pinot Noir.

Anchovy Pizza – for lovers of marine flavors
With its saline notes, it loves dry, briny whites: Picpoul de Pinet, Vermentino from Italy or Corsica, or even a very crisp rosé.

For the adventurous: bubbles and wines from around the world

Want to surprise your guests? Try sparkling wines! An Extra Dry Prosecco, a Brut Champagne, or a Crémant de Loire will make your pizza nights sparkle. Ideal for Margheritas or seafood pizzas.

For world wines, dare to try more original pairings:

• An Argentine Malbec for a meat-heavy pizza.
• A New Zealand Pinot Noir for a Margherita.
• An Australian Shiraz for a spicy Diavola.

Do you always need a red wine with pizza?

No, and this is a common misconception. Red wine is often a safe choice, but pizzas rich in cheese or vegetables also love whites for their freshness. A dry rosé remains a versatile companion for most toppings.

FAQ – Your questions about wine and pizza

Do pizza and wine go well together?

Yes, as long as you choose the right wine. A proper pairing will elevate the pizza instead of weighing it down.

Which red wine with pizza?

A light, fruity red like Chianti, Pinot Noir, or Grenache.

Which white wine with pizza?

A crisp white for tomato-based pizzas (Vermentino, Sauvignon) and a rounder white for white pizzas (Chardonnay, Viognier).

Which Italian wine to choose for pizza?

Chianti, Valpolicella, Barbera… Italian wines are often the best allies for pizza.

Which wine for a spicy pizza?

A smooth, spicy red like Syrah or Primitivo to avoid accentuating the heat.

Can you drink champagne with pizza?

Yes! A Brut Champagne or Extra Dry Prosecco adds lightness and a festive touch.

👉 Ready to take action? Browse our selection of Italian wines, from Pinot Nero to Primitivo.