Pepperoni Pizza Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Pepperoni Pizzas

Are you looking for the perfect drink to pair with your pepperoni pizza?

Look no further than the world of wine!

The right wine can enhance the flavors of your pizza and take your dining experience to a whole new level.

In this article, we’ll explore the art of pepperoni pizza wine pairing and reveal the best red, white, and rosé wines to complement this classic dish.

Whether you’re planning a casual dinner party or a romantic evening in, these wine recommendations are sure to impress.

Let’s raise a glass to the delicious combination of pepperoni pizza and wine!

So, what wine goes with pepperoni pizza?

Enhance the strong and spicy flavors of Pepperoni Pizza by pairing it with medium-bodied red wines that have high acidity. Merlot, Chianti, Baco Noir, Cabernet Franc, Barbera, and Menica are ideal options.

Read Also: The 10 Best Onions for Pizza

Why Consider Serving Wine With Pepperoni Pizza?

Pizza and wine have been a classic combination for decades, and for good reason.

While beer is often the go-to beverage for pizza, wine can offer a more sophisticated and elevated experience.

When it comes to pairing wine with pizza, the right selection can enhance the flavors of the dish and provide a new level of enjoyment.

Pepperoni pizza, in particular, is an excellent choice for wine pairing due to its rich and bold flavors.

The high acidity and medium-bodied nature of red wines make them ideal for pairing with pepperoni pizza.

These wines can cut through the richness of the cheese and pepperoni while complementing the tomato sauce.

In contrast, white wines can sometimes clash with the bold flavors of the pizza, but certain varieties can work well, especially if they have high acidity.

Aside from the flavor benefits, serving wine with pizza can also add an element of sophistication to your meal.

It can be a great way to impress guests or create a special occasion with a loved one.

Plus, the variety of wines available means there’s something for everyone’s taste and budget.

The 7 Best Red Wines For Pepperoni Pizza

When it comes to pepperoni pizza wine pairing, red wines are the most popular choice. Medium-bodied red wines with high acidity are the perfect complement to the rich and bold flavors of pepperoni pizza.

Here are seven of the best red wines to pair with your next slice:

1. Merlot: This smooth and fruity wine has a medium body and pairs well with the richness of the cheese and tomato sauce on a pepperoni pizza.
2. Chianti: The high acidity of Chianti makes it an excellent pairing for the acidity in tomato sauce, while its bold flavors can stand up to the spicy pepperoni.
3. Baco Noir: This lesser-known wine has a bold and earthy flavor that complements the saltiness of the pepperoni, making it a perfect choice for pairing.
4. Cabernet Franc: This wine has a medium body with a herbaceous and spicy flavor profile that pairs well with the bold flavors of pepperoni pizza.
5. Barbera: With its high acidity and fruity notes, Barbera is an excellent match for the tomato sauce on pepperoni pizza. Its medium body can also stand up to the saltiness of the pepperoni.
6. Menica: This versatile wine has a medium body with bold fruit flavors and a smooth finish, making it a great pairing for pepperoni pizza.
7. Pinot Noir: While Pinot Noir is typically a lighter-bodied wine, it can still make a great pairing for pepperoni pizza. Its acidity and fruity notes complement the tomato sauce, while its light body can balance out the richness of the cheese.

The 7 Best White Wines For Pepperoni Pizza

While red wines are typically the go-to choice for pizza pairing, certain white wines can also work well with pepperoni pizza.

Here are seven of the best white wines to pair with your next slice:

1. Sauvignon Blanc: This crisp and refreshing wine has high acidity that can complement the tomato sauce on pepperoni pizza.
2. Chardonnay: With its buttery notes and medium body, Chardonnay can balance out the spiciness of the pepperoni while enhancing the creaminess of the cheese.
3. Pinot Grigio: This light and refreshing wine has subtle fruity notes that can complement the tomato sauce and cut through the richness of the cheese.
4. Vermentino: This Italian white wine has high acidity and a mineral character that can balance out the bold flavors of the pepperoni and cheese.
5. Riesling: The sweetness of Riesling can contrast with the spiciness of the pepperoni while its high acidity can balance out the richness of the cheese.
6. Gavi: This Italian wine has a crisp and clean flavor profile that can complement the bold flavors of the pepperoni while cutting through the richness of the cheese.
7. Albariño: This Spanish white wine has high acidity and a slightly salty taste that can complement the saltiness of the pepperoni while cleansing the palate between bites.

While white wines may not be the obvious choice for pepperoni pizza wine pairing, these seven wines can work well with this classic dish. Their high acidity and subtle flavors can complement the boldness of the pepperoni and cheese, providing a unique and delicious pairing experience.

The 5 Best Rosé Wines For Pepperoni Pizza

Rosé wines can be a refreshing and surprising choice for pizza pairing, particularly for those who prefer a lighter wine.

Here are five of the best rosé wines to pair with your next pepperoni pizza:

1. Provence Rosé: This French wine is known for its light and refreshing flavor profile, with notes of berries and citrus that can complement the richness of the cheese and cut through the spiciness of the pepperoni.
2. White Zinfandel: This pink-hued wine has a slightly sweet flavor that can contrast with the saltiness of the pepperoni while enhancing the creaminess of the cheese.
3. Dry Rosé: With its medium body and high acidity, dry rosé can balance out the bold flavors of pepperoni pizza while providing a refreshing and crisp taste.
4. Grenache Rosé: This light and fruity wine has a crisp and clean flavor profile that can complement the tomato sauce on pepperoni pizza while cutting through the richness of the cheese.
5. Syrah Rosé: This wine has a medium body and a subtle fruitiness that can complement the spiciness of the pepperoni while balancing out the richness of the cheese.

3 Other Wines To Pair With Pepperoni Pizza

In addition to the classic red, white, and rosé wines, there are other types of wines that can work well with pepperoni pizza.

Here are three additional wines to consider:

1. Lambrusco: This sparkling Italian red wine has a light and effervescent quality that can refresh the palate between bites of pepperoni pizza. Its fruitiness and acidity can also complement the tomato sauce and cut through the richness of the cheese.
2. Sangria: This fruity and refreshing wine cocktail can be a fun and festive choice for a pizza party. Its sweetness can contrast with the saltiness of the pepperoni, while the addition of fruit and spices can add a new layer of flavor to the pizza pairing experience.
3. Beaujolais: This light-bodied red wine has a fruity and slightly floral flavor profile that can complement the tomato sauce on pepperoni pizza while balancing out the richness of the cheese. Its low tannins and high acidity also make it an easy-drinking wine that can pair well with a variety of pizza toppings.

5 Tasty Dinner Serving Ideas

While wine is an important component of pepperoni pizza pairing, the meal is not complete without some tasty side dishes.

Here are five serving ideas to consider when serving pepperoni pizza and wine:

1. Caesar salad: The creamy and tangy dressing of a Caesar salad can complement the saltiness of the pepperoni while providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese. The high acidity of the dressing can also complement the acidity in the tomato sauce.
2. Garlic bread: Garlic bread is a classic side dish for pizza that can enhance the flavors of the dish while providing a satisfying crunch. The garlic and buttery notes can also complement the cheese and tomato sauce.
3. Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, can add a new layer of flavor to the pizza pairing experience. The earthy and savory notes of the vegetables can complement the spiciness of the pepperoni and cut through the richness of the cheese.
4. Meatballs: Meatballs are a classic Italian dish that can pair well with pepperoni pizza. The meaty and savory flavor of the meatballs can complement the bold flavors of the pizza while providing a satisfying protein source.
5. Chocolate cake: For dessert, a rich and decadent chocolate cake can be the perfect ending to a pepperoni pizza and wine pairing meal. The chocolate notes can complement the fruity and earthy flavors of the wine while providing a satisfying sweet finish.

Serving Temperature And Glassware

Proper serving temperature and glassware can enhance the flavor and aroma of the wine, making the pepperoni pizza pairing experience even more enjoyable.

Here are some tips for serving wine with pepperoni pizza:

• Serving temperature: Red wines should be served at room temperature, between 60-68 degrees Fahrenheit, to allow their flavors and aromas to fully develop. White wines and rosé wines should be served chilled, between 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit, to enhance their refreshing and crisp qualities.
• Glassware: The type of glassware used can also impact the wine tasting experience. Red wines should be served in glasses with a wider bowl, which allows the wine to breathe and enhances its aroma. White wines and rosé wines should be served in glasses with a more narrow bowl, which helps to preserve their crispness and freshness.
• Decanting: Decanting red wines can also help to enhance their flavors and aromas. Pouring the wine into a decanter and allowing it to breathe for 30 minutes to an hour can soften the tannins and bring out the fruitiness of the wine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pepperoni pizza wine pairing is a classic and sophisticated dining experience that can be enjoyed by wine enthusiasts and pizza lovers alike.

Whether you prefer red, white, rosé, or even sparkling wine, there are plenty of options to choose from when pairing with pepperoni pizza.

So, what wine pairs well with pepperoni pizza?

Medium-bodied red wines with high acidity such as Merlot, Chianti, Baco Noir, Cabernet Franc, Barbera, and Menica are recommended to complement the strong and savory flavors of Pepperoni Pizza.

By considering the flavor profiles of both the wine and pizza, you can create a delicious and satisfying combination that’s sure to impress.

From Caesar salad to chocolate cake, there are also plenty of serving ideas to explore and enhance the overall meal experience. So, next time you’re planning a pizza night, consider trying one of the recommended wines and see how it can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level. Cheers to pepperoni pizza and wine!