California is celebrated worldwide for two culinary treasures: its innovative pizza styles and its exceptional wines. At Salvatore Pizza, we believe that finding the perfect wine to complement your pizza can elevate the entire dining experience. As a certified sommelier with a particular passion for California wines, I'm excited to share some pairing principles and specific recommendations that will enhance your next pizza night.
Why Wine and Pizza Make Perfect Partners
Wine and pizza share similar Mediterranean origins, and they've evolved together over centuries. The acidity in wine helps cut through the richness of cheese, the tannins can balance fatty meats, and the fruit notes can either complement or contrast with various toppings. When done right, a thoughtful wine pairing can transform a casual pizza dinner into a remarkable culinary experience.
California's wine regions offer incredible diversity, from the cool-climate wines of Sonoma Coast to the bold reds of Paso Robles. This variety means there's a perfect California wine for every pizza style – you just need to know how to match them.
Basic Pairing Principles
Before diving into specific pairings, here are some general principles to keep in mind:
- Match intensity levels: Delicate pizzas pair best with lighter wines, while robust pizzas need fuller-bodied wines
- Consider the sauce: Tomato-based sauces have high acidity and pair well with acidic wines
- Think about the dominant flavor: Is your pizza dominated by cheese, vegetables, or meat? Let the primary flavor guide your wine choice
- Regional pairings often work: Italian wines naturally complement pizza, but California produces excellent Italian-style varietals
- Contrast can be effective: Sometimes opposites attract – a sweet element can balance spice, for example
Classic Margherita Pizza
The Margherita is the purist's pizza – fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil. Its simplicity makes it a perfect canvas for showcasing wine pairings.
Best California pairings:
- Sangiovese from the Sierra Foothills – Its bright acidity mirrors the tomato sauce while its moderate tannins don't overwhelm the delicate flavors
- Barbera from Amador County – Another Italian varietal that thrives in California, offering cherry notes and refreshing acidity
- Dry Rosé from Sonoma County – Particularly in summer, a crisp rosé provides refreshing acidity and subtle red fruit notes
Why it works: These wines have enough acidity to match the tomato sauce but remain light enough to let the fresh basil and creamy mozzarella shine through.
Pepperoni Pizza
America's favorite topping adds spicy, savory depth to pizza, requiring wines that can stand up to its bold flavors.
Best California pairings:
- Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley – California's signature red varietal offers spicy notes that echo the pepperoni while providing enough fruit to balance the spice
- Syrah from Santa Barbara County – Its peppery qualities naturally complement the spices in pepperoni
- Petite Sirah from Lodi – For those who prefer bolder wines, this intense varietal can handle the richness and spice
Why it works: The spicy, meaty qualities of pepperoni need wines with enough backbone and character to stand up to them without clashing.
White Pizza (Bianca)
Without tomato sauce, white pizzas showcase creamy cheeses, often with garlic, ricotta, and sometimes a drizzle of olive oil.
Best California pairings:
- Chardonnay from Russian River Valley – The subtle oak and buttery notes complement the creamy cheese beautifully
- Vermentino from Central Coast – This Italian varietal grown in California offers bright acidity that cuts through the richness
- Sparkling Wine from Anderson Valley – The effervescence and acidity of California sparkling wines make them excellent partners for creamy pizzas
Why it works: White pizzas need wines that can either complement their creaminess (like Chardonnay) or provide a refreshing contrast (like sparkling wine).
BBQ Chicken Pizza
This California creation features sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, chicken, red onions, and often cilantro – creating a unique flavor profile.
Best California pairings:
- Grenache from Paso Robles – Its juicy red fruit flavors work beautifully with BBQ sauce, and its moderate tannins don't clash with the chicken
- Merlot from Napa Valley – Smooth and fruit-forward, it complements the sweet elements of the BBQ sauce
- Zinfandel from Amador County – The jammy fruit qualities echo the sweetness in the sauce while the spice notes add complexity
Why it works: The sweet-tangy profile of BBQ sauce needs wines with enough fruit presence to complement it without being overwhelmed.
Vegetable Pizza
California's abundant produce makes vegetable pizzas especially popular here. These might feature artichokes, bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or seasonal farmers market finds.
Best California pairings:
- Sauvignon Blanc from Lake County – Its herbaceous qualities complement vegetable flavors while providing refreshing acidity
- Pinot Noir from Santa Lucia Highlands – A lighter red that won't overwhelm vegetable flavors, with earthy notes that echo roasted vegetables
- Albariño from Edna Valley – This Spanish varietal grown in California offers citrusy notes and minerality that enhance vegetable flavors
Why it works: Vegetable pizzas often have subtle, earthy flavors that pair best with wines that have similar qualities or bright acidity to lift the overall experience.
Spicy Pizza (Diavola or Jalapeño)
Heat-lovers enjoy spicy pizzas topped with calabrian chilies, hot soppressata, or fresh jalapeños.
Best California pairings:
- Off-dry Riesling from Anderson Valley – The slight sweetness tames the heat while the acidity refreshes the palate
- Grenache Blanc from Santa Barbara County – Its fuller body stands up to spice while its stone fruit notes provide pleasant contrast
- Rosé of Syrah from Paso Robles – Offers enough body for spicy food with refreshing qualities that soothe the palate
Why it works: Spicy foods generally pair best with wines that have some sweetness, lower alcohol, or cooling effects to balance the heat rather than intensify it (high alcohol can make spicy food taste even spicier).
Dessert Pizza
Sweet pizzas with Nutella, fresh fruit, mascarpone, or other dessert toppings have become increasingly popular.
Best California pairings:
- Late Harvest Zinfandel from Amador County – Its sweet berry notes complement fruit toppings beautifully
- Muscat from Central Coast – Aromatic and sweet with floral notes that enhance fruit flavors
- Sparkling Rosé from Carneros – The combination of bubbles and subtle sweetness makes it versatile with many dessert pizzas
Why it works: When pairing with desserts, the wine should generally be at least as sweet as the food to avoid tasting sour by comparison.
Host a Pizza and Wine Pairing Party
One of our favorite recommendations is to host a pizza and wine pairing party. Order several different styles of pizza from Salvatore's and open 3-4 different California wines. Have your guests try different combinations and discuss which pairings they enjoy most. It's a fun, interactive way to discover your personal preferences while enjoying great food and wine.
Final Thoughts
While these guidelines offer a starting point, remember that personal preference always trumps rules. The best pairing is ultimately the one you enjoy most. California's wine diversity means you can find excellent options at every price point, from affordable everyday wines to special occasion splurges.
At Salvatore Pizza, we're passionate about creating food experiences that bring people together. Next time you order from us, consider adding a bottle of California wine to complete your meal. Your taste buds will thank you!
What's your favorite wine and pizza pairing? Share your discoveries in the comments below!
