Pizza Wine

Red wine would have to be one of my favorite ingredients for any pizza. Oh yeah, two of my favorite things together! Pizza wine and the wine that goes best with pizza is not the same thing. "Pizza wine" is a term used to describe a cheep table wine that you wouldn't feel guilty for opening on a weekday. It's a wine that is easy drinking and could be enjoyed with fast food.

Now the wine that goes best with pizza is entirely something else. The sauce, cheese, and rich flavorful toppings call for a wine that is much bolder. I do like the idea of a less expensive wine to pair with pizza but that doesn't mean lower quality and taste.

Most people think that an Italian Chianti would be the best choice. I would have to disagree. While it would make since to pair an Italian pizza with an Italian wine, Chianti isn't the best choice. Instead, try a rosso di Montalcino or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. You can find both of these wines for under $20 and they are both great with a slice of your favorite pizza.

Now if you want to look outside of Italy for the best wine to enjoy with your pizza then I would have to say a California zinfandel would be the number one choice.  My favorite wines to pair with pizza would be "Z" by Jeff Runquist ($24), Dillian Zinfandel and Primitivo ($24), and Deaver Zinfandel ($22). Unfortunately, you will probably have to go to the wineries to find these wines and they are likely to be sold out by June.

Don't be sad if you can't get your hands on the wines I just mentioned! These full bodied zins, with some good fruit, pepper, and spice, from Amador and El Dorado counties make a great choice: Perry Creek Zin Man ($12), Karly Pokerville ($13), Boger Estate ($15), and Montevina Terra d'Oro ($13). Seven Deadly Zins ($15) out of Lodi is also a nice choice. All of these wines can be found at most markets and retailers like BevMo.