5 Best Pizza and Wine Pairings

While beer has traditionally been the go-to beverage for pizza night, a well-chosen wine can elevate your pizza experience to new heights. As a certified sommelier who loves pizza (especially Imo's!), I'm excited to share some exceptional pizza and wine pairings that will transform your next meal into a gourmet experience.

1. Classic Cheese Pizza + Chianti Classico

Our signature thin-crust cheese pizza with its savory, gooey cheese needs a wine that can cut through the richness while complementing the tomato sauce. A medium-bodied Chianti Classico from Tuscany, with its bright acidity and notes of cherry, is the perfect match. The wine's acidity balances the cheese's richness, while its subtle earthy notes complement our signature sauce.

2. Pepperoni Pizza + Zinfandel

The spicy, savory flavors of pepperoni call for a bold, fruit-forward wine that can stand up to its intensity. California Zinfandel, with its jammy fruit flavors and peppery finish, creates a harmonious balance with our pepperoni pizza. The wine's higher alcohol content also helps cut through the pepperoni's richness, while its berry notes provide a pleasant contrast.

"The best wine pairings don't compete with the food – they complete it, creating a sum greater than its parts." – Lisa Chen

3. Veggie Supreme Pizza + Sauvignon Blanc

Our Veggie Supreme pizza, loaded with bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives, pairs beautifully with a crisp, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. The wine's grassy, citrusy notes complement the fresh vegetables, while its acidity provides a refreshing contrast to the cheese. This pairing is particularly delightful during warmer months.

Our Veggie Supreme paired with Sauvignon Blanc

4. BBQ Chicken Pizza + Syrah

The sweet and smoky flavors of our BBQ Chicken pizza call for a wine with similar characteristics. A medium to full-bodied Syrah (also known as Shiraz in Australia) offers notes of blackberry, plum, and smoke that complement the BBQ sauce perfectly. The wine's subtle peppery finish also enhances the grilled chicken flavors.

5. White Pizza (with Garlic and Ricotta) + Pinot Grigio

Our creamy white pizza, with its delicate flavors of garlic, ricotta, and mozzarella, pairs wonderfully with a crisp, light-bodied Pinot Grigio. The wine's subtle notes of pear, apple, and sometimes almonds complement the creamy cheese without overwhelming it. This pairing allows both the wine and the subtle flavors of the white pizza to shine.

Tips for Pizza and Wine Pairing

When creating your own pizza and wine pairings, keep these principles in mind:

• Match intensity with intensity: Bold, flavorful pizzas need bolder wines, while lighter pizzas pair better with lighter wines.
• Consider the sauce: Tomato-based pizzas generally pair well with higher-acid wines that can match the acidity in the tomatoes.
• Think about the dominant topping: Sometimes it's not the base of the pizza but the primary topping that should guide your wine choice.
• Temperature matters: Serve red wines slightly cooled (around 60-65°F) for the best pizza pairing experience, especially in warmer weather.
• Don't break the bank: Pizza is comfortable food, and your wine pairing doesn't need to be expensive to be delicious.

Host a Pizza and Wine Pairing Party

Why not invite friends over for a pizza and wine pairing party? Order several different Imo's pizzas and pair each with a different wine. It's a fun way to explore flavors and discover new favorite combinations. You could even create tasting cards for guests to rate their favorite pairings.