Best Wine Pairing Guide For Pizza and Pasta

When it comes to pairing wine with pizza and pasta, there are various options that can complement these classic Italian dishes. The right wine can elevate the flavours of the food, providing a satisfying and delicious dining experience. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the best wine options for pizza and pasta, and explore what makes these pairings work so well together.
Pizza and pasta are both staple dishes in Italian cuisine, and they often feature rich, hearty flavours that can be enhanced with the right wine. The key to a successful pairing is finding a wine that complements the flavours of the dish without overpowering them.

Here are some of the best options to consider:

Red Wine

Red wine is a classic pairing for pizza and pasta dishes. The tannins in red wine help to cut through the richness of the food, while the fruit and spice notes can bring out the flavours in the dish. Some of the best red wines to pair with pizza and pasta include:

Chianti: This Tuscan wine is a classic pairing for tomato-based pasta dishes, such as spaghetti bolognese or pizza margherita. The bright acidity and cherry notes of Chianti can complement the tangy tomato sauce, while the tannins provide a counterbalance to the richness of the dish.

Sangiovese: Another Tuscan wine, Sangiovese is a versatile red that can pair well with a range of pizza and pasta dishes. The wine's bold fruit flavours and spicy notes can enhance the flavours of the dish, while the tannins provide structure and balance.

Barbera: This medium-bodied red wine from the Piedmont region of Italy has bright acidity and red fruit flavours that can complement a range of pasta dishes, from carbonara to lasagna. The wine's acidity can also cut through the richness of cheese-based pizzas, making it a great all-purpose option.

White Wine

While red wine is a popular choice for pizza and pasta, white wine can also be a great option, particularly for lighter dishes or those with cream-based sauces. Here are some of the best white wines to pair with pizza and pasta:

Pinot Grigio: This light-bodied white wine has crisp acidity and citrus notes that can pair well with seafood-based pasta dishes, such as linguine alle vongole or shrimp scampi. The wine's lightness also makes it a good choice for vegetable-based pizzas or white pizzas with minimal toppings.

Chardonnay: If you're looking for a white wine that can handle a heartier pasta dish, Chardonnay is a great option. The wine's full body and buttery texture can complement creamy pasta dishes, such as fettuccine alfredo or carbonara. The wine's oakiness can also provide a nice counterpoint to the richness of the dish.

Vermentino: This aromatic white wine from Sardinia has bright acidity and herbal notes that can complement a range of pasta dishes, from pesto to puttanesca. The wine's crispness can also be a nice contrast to the rich, cheesy flavours of pizza.

Sparkling Wine

For a celebratory touch or to lighten up the meal, consider pairing your pizza or pasta with a glass of bubbly wine. The effervescence of sparkling wine can help to cleanse the palate between bites and provide a refreshing counterbalance to the richness of the food. Some of the best options to consider include:

Prosecco: This light and refreshing Italian sparkling wine have crisp acidity and fruity flavours that can pair well with lighter pizzas or pasta dishes. Prosecco's gentle effervescence can also help to highlight the flavours in the dish without overwhelming them.

Lambrusco: can be an excellent wine for pairing with pizza or pasta dishes. Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine that originates from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, and it is known for its fruity, slightly sweet, and refreshing taste. This wine pairs well with a range of pizza and pasta dishes, including those with tomato-based sauces, cheese, and meat toppings. Lambrusco has a low alcohol content and a natural effervescence that can help to cleanse the palate and cut through the richness of cheese and meat-based dishes. It is also a versatile wine that can complement a range of flavours, from spicy to savoury. 

When pairing Lambrusco with pizza or pasta, consider the specific toppings and flavours of the dish. For example, Lambrusco can be an excellent match for a pepperoni pizza or a classic spaghetti bolognese. Alternatively, you can try pairing it with a Margherita pizza or a mushroom risotto for a lighter and more refreshing combination. Overall, Lambrusco is an excellent option for those who enjoy a sparkling and fruity wine that can complement a range of pizza and pasta dishes. Give it a try and see how it enhances the flavours of your favourite dishes!

Romagna has a sweet and fruity flavour that can pair well with spicy or tomato-based pasta dishes, such as arrabbiata or amatriciana. The wine's effervescence can also help to cut through the richness of cheese-based pizzas, making it a great option for those who prefer a sweeter wine.

Rose Wine

Rose wine can be a versatile option for pairing with pizza and pasta dishes, particularly those with lighter flavours. The wine's acidity and fruitiness can complement a range of flavours, making it a great all-purpose option. Here are some of the best rose wines to consider:

Rosato di Toscana: This Tuscan rose wine has bright acidity and notes of strawberry and raspberry, making it an excellent option for tomato-based pasta dishes or veggie pizzas. The wine's lightness and refreshing qualities can also be a nice contrast to heavier, cheese-based dishes.

Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo: This rose wine from Abruzzo has a slightly deeper colour than most rose wines, and it has a slightly more full-bodied flavour as well. This makes it a great option for pairing with heartier pasta dishes, such as those with meat sauces or mushroom-based toppings.

Bardolino Chiaretto: This light and refreshing rose wine from the Veneto region has crisp acidity and notes of cherry and strawberry. It can be a great pairing for lighter pizzas or pasta dishes, particularly those with seafood or vegetable-based toppings.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what kind of wine goes well with pizza and pasta. The best pairing will depend on the specific flavours of the dish and the personal preferences of the diners. That said, by considering the options outlined in this article, you can find a wine that complements your pizza or pasta dish and enhances the overall dining experience. So, go ahead and experiment with different wine pairings and discover the one that suits your taste buds the best. Buon Gusto!