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We know a thing or two about being a favorite– we make 'America's Favorite Chardonnay', after all. But when it comes to America's favorite food, it's hard to contend with one of the most popular answers: pizza. From the classic New York-style slices to the Chicago deep dish to Neopolitan pies, and yes, even California-style, the creativity of this culinary delight knows no bounds. Whether you're ordering from your local pizza shop, tossing your own dough and firing up your very own personal pizza oven, or simply heating up a frozen pie (no judgment!), we rounded up our favorite pizza and wine pairings. So the next time you reach for a slice, pour one of these sips.
Classic Pizza and Wine Pairings
You'll never go wrong when pairing these favorite pizza styles and traditional toppings with these easy-to-drink and easy-to-find wines.
Pepperoni
Pepperoni boasts a bold, spicy flavor profile that comes from a blend of spices, including cayenne, aniseed, and garlic. This savory pizza demands a wine that can match its intensity, making a jammy wine that can stand-up to the sometimes greasy slices of ‘roni.
Wine Type Suggestion: Zinfandel or Cabernet Franc
Recommended Pairing: Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Zinfandel
Mushroom
The earthy taste of mushrooms, combined with gooey mozzarella, creates a savory and satisfying experience that pairs well with a light-bodied red wine. The umami-rich profile of this pizza enhances the flavors without overwhelming them.
Wine Type Suggestion: Pinot Noir
Recommended Pairing: Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Pinot Noir
Hawaiian
The sweet and savory contrast of ham and pineapple makes Hawaiian pizza a unique choice that pleases the palate. This delightful combination calls for a wine that complements both the sweetness and the saltiness of the toppings. Whether you find this choice controversial or not, a wine with tropical notes pairs perfectly with the pineapple.
Wine Type Suggestion: Sauvignon Blanc
Recommended Pairing: Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
Veggie
A colorful array of vegetables– like a base of red sauce topped with kale, carmelized onion, and ricotta cheese, with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes – delivers fresh, vibrant flavors while keeping it light and healthy. The variety of textures and tastes from the veggies pairs nicely with a crisp white wine.
Wine Type Suggestion: Pinot Gris
Recommended Pairing: Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Pinot Gris
Meat Lovers
A carnivore’s dream, the Meat Lovers pizza is loaded with various meats like sausage, pepperoni, and bacon, providing a hearty and indulgent feast. The rich and savory flavors of the meats pair well with a full-bodied red wine that can hold its own against the intensity.
Wine Type Suggestion: Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah
Recommended Pairing: Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Four Cheese or White Pizza
Rich and indulgent this pizza forgoes tomato sauce in favor of an olive oil and garlic base with a creamy blend of ricotta, and mozzarella. The creaminess of the cheese requires a wine with a balance of oak and a rich mouthfeel to highlight the buttery crust, garlic, and mix of creamy flavors.
Wine Type Suggestion: Chardonnay
Recommended Pairing: Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay
Chicago Deep Dish
Known for its thick crust and hearty filling of cheese and toppings, this pizza is a meal in itself. The robust flavors pair well with a medium to full-bodied red wine that can stand up to the richness of the dish while complementing the tomato sauce.
Wine Type Suggestion: Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot
Recommended Pairing: Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Calzone
A folded pizza filled with cheese and various toppings, calzones offer a gooey and satisfying bite. The combination of savory fillings pairs well with a wine that complements the cheese and richness without overpowering it.
Wine Type Suggestion: Merlot
Recommended Pairing: Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Merlot
Margherita
The Margherita pizza showcases the fresh flavors of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, making it a timeless classic. The sweetness of the tomatoes and creaminess of the cheese pair beautifully with a refreshing white wine that enhances these simple yet vibrant ingredients.
Wine Type Suggestion: Chardonnay or Pinot Noir
Recommended Pairing: Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay
Gourmet-style Pizza and Wine Pairings
If you're looking to get more adventurous with your toppings and your wines, look no further. Here at the Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens, we have our very own wood-fired pizza oven. We're also lucky to have around four acres of gardens that give us an abundance of flavors. When it comes to wood-fired pizzas, there's nothing better than using in-season ingredients that can intertwine with the sauce and perfect char of the crust. Here are just a few of our favorite creations our culinary team has created and served to guests who come in for a visit, each paired with our Jackson Estate wines.
Greek
Topped with feta, olives, tomatoes, and spinach, Greek pizza is vibrant and packed with Mediterranean flavors. The salty feta and briny olives call for a crisp wine like a Rosé or Viognier.
Wine Type Suggestion: Rosé
Recommended Pairing: Kendall-Jackson Jackson Estate Rosé
BBQ Chicken
Featuring tender grilled chicken and tangy BBQ sauce, this pizza brings a smoky sweetness to the table. The bold flavors of the BBQ sauce require a wine that can match its intensity and complement the savory elements.
Wine Type Suggestion: Pinot Noir
Recommended Pairing: Kendall-Jackson Jackson Estate Pinot Noir
Buffalo Chicken
Spicy buffalo chicken drizzled with a creamy sauce makes this pizza a bold and flavorful choice. The heat from the buffalo sauce and richness from the cheese call for a wine that balances the spice.
Wine Type Suggestion: Chardonnay
Recommended Pairing: Kendall-Jackson Jackson Estate Chardonnay
Pesto Chicken
This pizza combines zesty pesto sauce with tender chicken and melted mozzarella, offering a deliciously fresh flavor profile. The herbaceous notes of the pesto pair nicely with a wine that brings out the freshness of the ingredients.
Wine Type Suggestion: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris
Recommended Pairing: Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Pinot Gris
Seafood
You either love it or you hate it. This pizza is topped with shrimp, crab, or anchovies, seafood pizza presents a unique flavor that combines ocean freshness with rich toppings. The briny seafood flavors pair well with a crisp white wine that enhances the taste of the ocean.
Wine Type Suggestion: Chardonnay or Albariño
Recommended Pairing: Kendall-Jackson Jackson Estate Albariño
Pizza and Wine Pairings by Toppings
When it comes to pizza, the toppings can significantly influence the flavor profile, making wine pairings an exciting adventure. Check out our list of some of the most popular pizza toppings and suggested wines to help enhance and complement each flavor.
Olives:
- Olive toppings introduce a briny and slightly bitter flavor to pizzas, which can be complemented by wines with good acidity and fruitiness.
- Recommended Wine Pairings: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Blanc
Sausage
- Sausage pizzas are hearty and flavorful, often seasoned with herbs and spices. A wine that can stand up to the robust flavors is essential.
- Recommended Wine Pairings: Merlot
Vegetables (Bell Peppers, Spinach, etc.)
- Vegetable-topped pizzas offer a fresh and vibrant profile. The natural sweetness and crunch of the veggies pair nicely with crisp, refreshing wines.
- Recommended Wine Pairings: Pinot Gris or Rosé
Pineapple
- Pineapple adds a sweet and tropical note to pizzas, creating a delightful contrast with savory elements. This sweet-sour flavor can be well matched with fruity wines.
- Recommended Wine Pairings: Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling
Anchovies
- Anchovies bring a bold, salty, and umami-rich flavor to pizza. Their intensity is best balanced with wines that have a bit of acidity to cut through the saltiness.
- Recommended Wine Pairings: Albariño or Pinot Gris
Prosciutto
- Prosciutto adds a salty, savory flavor with a delicate texture. The richness of the prosciutto pairs well with wines that offer a balance of fruit and acidity.
- Recommended Wine Pairings: Pinot Noir
Artichokes
- Artichokes have a unique, slightly nutty flavor that can be challenging to pair. A crisp and aromatic wine can enhance the experience.
- Recommended Wine Pairings: Sauvignon Blanc
3 Tips for the Best Wine & Pizza Pairings
When it comes to choosing the best wine with pizza, a few thoughtful strategies can help elevate your experience.
1. Experiment and Taste
Wine and pizza pairing is a personal journey, and the best way to discover what you love is to experiment. Everyone has unique tastes, so it’s important to be mindful of individual preferences and dietary restrictions when pairing wine with pizza. Don’t be afraid to try different wines with various pizza toppings. Keep an open mind, as what works for one person may not resonate with another. When hosting a pizza night, it’s a good idea to offer a range of wines to accommodate different tastes, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience. You might just find a new favorite combination that surprises you!
2. Consider the Whole Meal
When planning your pizza and wine pairings, it’s essential to think about the entire meal rather than just the pizza itself. If you’re serving sides, salads, or appetizers, consider how they might interact with your chosen wine. For example, if you’re having a fresh arugula salad as a starter, you might want to select a wine that complements both the salad and the pizza. By keeping the whole meal in mind, you can create a harmonious dining experience that enhances the flavors of each dish.
3. Temperature Matters
The serving temperature of both wine and pizza can greatly impact your overall enjoyment. Generally, red wines are best served slightly below room temperature, while whites and rosés are most enjoyable when chilled. As for pizza, it’s best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the oven. To optimize your wine tasting experience, as a general rule pull your white wines out of the fridge 10 minutes before serving and put your red wines in the fridge 15 minutes before serving. Taking these temperature considerations into account can elevate the flavors and enhance your pizza and wine pairing adventure.
Have a favorite pizza and wine pairing that we missed? Let us know in the comments or share it with us on social @KJWines on Facebook or Instagram. 
