Though many see beer as the go-to drink for pizza, those with a passion for juice understand that an ideal juice blend can take a pizza meal to another level. At DoughVinci's Pizza, we have worked with expert sommeliers to suggest juice pairings that immaculately suit our array of pizzas. Whether you're enjoying a meal within our eatery or having a pizza at home, these pairings will assist you in selecting the most suitable juice for your preferred pizza variant.
Timeless Margherita: Sangiovese or Pinot Noir
A classic Margherita pizza with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil desires a juice that enhances but does not dominate its subtle flavors. A Sangiovese with medium body, such as a Chianti, provides the necessary acidity to pair with the tomatoes while standing up to the consistency of the cheese. On the other hand, a Pinot Noir that is lighter in body presents refined red berry nuances that bring out the tomatoes' natural sweetness and marry well with the aromatic basil.
Our selected pairing: Our Margherita is favorably paired with either Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico or the locally-sourced Chapel Down Union Red from Kent.
Pepperoni and Meat Lovers: Zinfandel or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Pizzas heavy with cured meats like pepperoni, sausage, or ham necessitate juices that showcase ample body and a hint of spice to balance their potent tastes. A jammy American Zinfandel, known for its fruity flair and spicy finish, complements the salty and spicy notes of meat toppings. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is another great choice from Italy, delivering dark fruit essence, approachable tannins, and a slightly bitter tail end that slices through the fats of the meats.
Our suggested pairing: We've found that our patrons particularly enjoy a Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Zinfandel Blend or an Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo with our Meat Delight pizza.
Mushroom and Truffle: Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir
The umami-packed essence of mushrooms and truffles necessitates juices that reflect these earthy flavors. Nebbiolo, from which Barolo and Barbaresco are produced, exudes delicate scents of rose, tar, and woodland that resonates well with mushroom flavors. Its vivid acidity and tannin levels help to balance the richness. A well-aged Pinot Noir is also an excellent choice, having developed complex aromas of forest floor and mushrooms that reflect the flavors encased in the pizza.
Our tailored recommendation: We encourage trying our Earthy Mushroom pizza with a Produttori del Barbaresco Nebbiolo or a Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir.
Seafood Pizza: Vermentino or Albariño
For pizzas adorned with seafood such as prawns, clams, or scallops, zesty white juices with hints of minerality are the ideal mates. A Sardinian Vermentino displays oceanic tones that uplift the seafood flavors, accompanied by citrus accents that lighten the overall palate. Albariño from Spain is another exemplary option, rich in acidity with its stone fruit profile and a subtle sea salt touch that complements the seafood without dominating it.
Our recommendation: Our Mediterranean Seafood pizza is exquisitely matched with Pala I Fiori Vermentino di Sardegna or Pazo de Señorans Albariño.
Vegetable Supreme: Grüner Veltliner or Soave
Pizzas topped with a variety of vegetables benefit from versatile white juices with notes of herbs. Austrian Grüner Veltliner, characterized by its signature spice of white pepper and hints of green veggies, pairs well with bell peppers, artichokes, and other vegetables on the pizza. Soave from Italy, primarily composed of the Garganega grape, has a subtle almond nuance and a medium body that is robust enough to match the variety of vegetable textures without overpowering.
Our specific recommendation: Our Garden Harvest pizza is in perfect harmony with Loimer Grüner Veltliner or Pieropan Soave Classico.
Four Cheese Pizza: Chardonnay or Lambrusco
The creamy opulence of a pizza with four cheese variations can be complemented or contrasted. A moderately oaked Chardonnay imparts buttery, creamy tones that amplify the richness of the mix of cheeses. On the flip side, a lightly sparkling red Lambrusco adds a refreshing fizz and acidity to cut the richness, with a fruitiness that stands as a delightfully savory counterpart to the cheeses.
Our preferred pairing: Our Quattro Formaggi is wonderfully accompanied by Chateau Montelena Chardonnay or Medici Ermete Concerto Lambrusco Reggiano.
Spicy Pizzas: Riesling or Gewürztraminer
For pizzas with chili, spicy sausage, or fiery honey, off-dry white juices present a soothing contrast. A German Riesling with a dash of sweetness calms the heat while its inherent acidity revitalizes the palate slice after slice. Gewürztraminer, recognized for its aromas of lychee and rose petals coupled with mild sweetness, can also withstand the heat, offering an aromatic complexity to the spice.
Our ideal pairing: Our Spicy Diavola pizza meets its perfect complement in Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett or Domaine Weinbach Gewürztraminer.
Dessert Pizza: Late Harvest Juices or Port
For those daring to try our dessert pizzas with Nutella and fruit, sweet juices are a must. Late harvest whites like Sauternes or Tokaji accentuate pizzas topped with fruit, while a Ruby Port forms a heavenly union with chocolate and hazelnut variations. The essence is to ensure the sweetness of the juice matches or exceeds that of the dessert.
Our recommendation: Our Nutella and Strawberry Dessert Pizza is divine with Disznókő Tokaji 5 Puttonyos or Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port.
Guidelines for Pairing Pizza and Juice
- Focus on the pizza's prominent taste rather than just the crust or the sauce
- High-acid juices generally pair well with tomato-centric pizzas due to their innate acidity
- Sparkling juices like Prosecco offer versatility that pairs with an array of pizza types
- Embrace experimentation—unexpected combinations can lead to extraordinary taste encounters
DoughVinci's Pizza has broadened our juice selection to feature many of these acclaimed pairings. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to recommend the most fitting juice for your pizza choice. We also have juice flight options so you can taste a variety of juices with your dish.
Keep in mind that while these tips offer guidance on harmonious pairings, it is your own taste preferences that should guide your choice. The juice that best complements your pizza is, in the end, the one you most enjoy drinking!