Wine pairing
What wine goes with pizza?
Pizza’s tomato sauce is acidic, so the wine needs to be too, or it’ll taste flat and flabby. That points straight at Italy’s bright, food-friendly reds — though the perfect bottle shifts a little with your toppings.
The best wines for pizza
- Chianti (Sangiovese) Top matchMedium red
The all-rounder — its tangy acidity loves tomato sauce and melted mozzarella.
- BarberaMedium red
Juicy, low-tannin and high-acid: a fantastic, easy match for almost any pizza.
- LambruscoSparkling red
Lightly fizzy and dry — its bubbles refresh your palate against rich, cheesy slices.
- Pinot GrigioWhite
For a white or veggie pizza, a crisp Pinot Grigio keeps it light.
One to avoid
Heavy, oaky reds overwhelm a simple Margherita — save them for a meaty, smoky pizza.
Sommelier’s shortcut
Match intensity: a Margherita loves a light Chianti, while a pepperoni or sausage pizza can handle a bolder Primitivo.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best wine to drink with pizza?
A high-acid Italian red like Chianti or Barbera is the best all-round pizza wine — its acidity matches the tomato sauce and cuts through the cheese.
Does white wine go with pizza?
Yes, especially with white, veggie, or seafood pizzas. A crisp Pinot Grigio or a dry sparkling wine keeps lighter pizzas fresh.