Hawaiian Pizza Wine Pairing: Best Wines for Hawaiian Pizzas

When it comes to pizza, there are countless topping options to choose from.

One of the most divisive toppings is Hawaiian pizza, which is topped with ham and pineapple.

While some people love the sweet and savory combination, others find it unappetizing.

However, if you are a fan of Hawaiian pizza, you may be wondering what the best beverage pairing is.

In this article, we’ll explore the world of Hawaiian pizza wine pairing and provide you with the 15 best wines to enjoy with your pizza.

Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé, we’ve got you covered.

So, sit back, grab a slice of Hawaiian pizza, and get ready to discover your new favorite wine pairing.

But first, what wine goes with Hawaiian pizza?

The best wines to pair with Hawaiian pizza are Riesling and Gewürztraminer. These sweet and aromatic white wines will help balance the sweetness of the pineapple, while highlighting the savory flavors of ham and cheese. For a red option, go for a light-bodied Merlot or Shiraz.

Read Also: The 10 Best Onions for Pizza

The Best Wine Pairings for Hawaiian Pizza

Wine pairing can make or break a meal, and the wrong wine can overpower or clash with the flavors of your food.

However, the right wine can enhance the flavors of your meal and take your dining experience to the next level.

When it comes to Hawaiian pizza, the sweetness of the pineapple and the saltiness of the ham can be a challenge to pair with wine.

But fear not, the perfect pairing exists, and it comes in the form of Riesling.

Riesling is a white wine that originates from Germany and is known for its fruity and floral aroma, high acidity, and ability to complement sweet and savory flavors. Its flavor profile is perfectly suited to Hawaiian pizza, as it can balance the sweetness of the pineapple with the saltiness of the ham, creating a harmonious taste experience.

On the other hand, it’s advisable to steer clear of heavy reds such as Merlot or Shiraz. These wines have a rich flavor that could easily overpower the sweetness of the pizza, making the pairing less enjoyable. Instead, opt for lighter reds, rosés, or whites.

The 5 Best White Wines for Hawaiian Pizza

If you’re looking for a refreshing and crisp wine to pair with your Hawaiian pizza, white wine is an excellent choice.

Here are the top five white wines to complement the flavors of your pizza:

1. Pinot Grigio – This Italian wine has a light and refreshing taste that pairs well with the sweet and salty flavors of Hawaiian pizza. Its acidity and fruity notes create a perfect balance with the pizza’s flavors.
2. Sauvignon Blanc – This wine from New Zealand is known for its crisp and zesty taste, making it an ideal pairing for Hawaiian pizza. Its herbal and citrusy notes can complement the pizza’s sweetness and saltiness.
3. Chenin Blanc – This South African wine has a fruity and floral taste that can enhance the flavors of Hawaiian pizza. Its acidity can cut through the richness of the pizza and refresh the palate.
4. Grüner Veltliner – This Austrian wine has a bright and zesty flavor with notes of green apple and citrus. Its refreshing taste can complement the sweet and salty flavors of the pizza.
5. Vermentino – This Italian wine has a fresh and fruity taste that can balance the sweetness of the pineapple and the saltiness of the ham. Its citrusy and herbal notes can enhance the flavors of the pizza.

The 5 Best Rosé Wines for Hawaiian Pizza

Rosé wine is a versatile option that can pair well with many different types of food, including Hawaiian pizza.

Here are the top five rosé wines to pair with your pizza:

1. Grenache Rosé – This wine has a light and refreshing taste with notes of strawberry and raspberry. Its acidity and fruitiness can complement the sweetness of the pineapple and the saltiness of the ham.
2. Syrah Rosé – This wine has a dry and crisp taste with notes of cherry and raspberry. Its acidity can cut through the richness of the pizza and refresh the palate.
3. Pinot Noir Rosé – This wine has a delicate and fruity taste with notes of strawberry and watermelon. Its light and refreshing taste can balance the sweetness of the pizza.
4. Zinfandel Rosé – This wine has a bold and fruity taste with notes of raspberry and watermelon. Its boldness can complement the strong flavors of the pizza.
5. Sangria Rosé – This Spanish wine has a fruity and refreshing taste that can complement the sweetness of the pineapple and the saltiness of the ham. Its blend of fruit and spices can enhance the flavors of the pizza.

The 5 Best Red Wines for Hawaiian Pizza

While white and rosé wines are more commonly paired with Hawaiian pizza, red wine can also be a delicious and unexpected pairing.

Here are the top five red wines to pair with your pizza:

1. Beaujolais – This French wine has a light and fruity taste with notes of cherry and raspberry. Its acidity and fruitiness can complement the sweetness of the pineapple and the saltiness of the ham.
2. Lambrusco – This Italian wine has a slightly sparkling and fruity taste with notes of cherry and blackberry. Its light and refreshing taste can balance the sweetness of the pizza.
3. Valpolicella – This Italian wine has a medium-bodied and fruity taste with notes of cherry and plum. Its smoothness can complement the creaminess of the cheese and the saltiness of the ham.
4. Zinfandel – This California wine has a bold and fruity taste with notes of blackberry and raspberry. Its richness can complement the strong flavors of the pizza.
5. Chianti – This Italian wine has a medium-bodied and earthy taste with notes of cherry and tomato. Its acidity can cut through the richness of the pizza and refresh the palate.

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Wine for Hawaiian Pizza

Choosing the right wine to pair with your Hawaiian pizza can be a challenge.

Here are five tips to help you make the best choice:

1. Consider the sweetness of the pizza – Since Hawaiian pizza has a sweet component from the pineapple, it’s important to choose a wine that can balance the sweetness. A wine with some acidity can cut through the sweetness and create a more harmonious pairing.
2. Think about the saltiness of the pizza – The saltiness of the ham in Hawaiian pizza can make the wine taste bitter or acidic. Choosing a wine with some sweetness can help balance the saltiness and enhance the flavors of the pizza.
3. Consider the cheese – Cheese is a crucial component of pizza, and its creaminess can affect the wine pairing. If the cheese is creamy and rich, choosing a wine with some acidity can help cut through the richness and refresh the palate.
4. Consider your personal taste – Wine pairing is subjective, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to choose a wine that you personally enjoy, even if it’s not the traditional pairing.
5. Experiment with different wines – Don’t be afraid to try different wines with your Hawaiian pizza. You may discover a new favorite pairing that you never would have considered before.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hawaiian pizza can be a challenging dish to pair with wine, but the right wine can elevate the flavors of the pizza and create a more enjoyable dining experience.

So, what wine pairs well with Hawaiian pizza?

Riesling is the ideal choice for Hawaiian pizza, but there are also excellent white, rosé, and red wine options that can complement the flavors of the pizza. Pinot Grigio, Grenache Rosé, and Beaujolais are some of the top choices for wine pairing with Hawaiian pizza.

However, it’s important to consider your personal taste and experiment with different wines to find your perfect pairing.

By following the tips outlined in this article, you can choose the best wine to pair with your Hawaiian pizza and impress your guests with your wine knowledge.