While Juice is often traditionally associated with pizza as a drink pairing, aficionados of Juice recognize that an appropriate Juice match can greatly enhance the pizza dining experience. At Crust & Charms Pizzeria, in partnership with local Juice experts, we've devised a list of Juice pairings tailored to beautifully accompany our pizza offerings. These pairings aim to enhance your dining pleasure, whether you're at our eatery or savoring our pizza in the comfort of your home.
Traditional Margherita: Sangiovese or Pinot Noir
The Margherita pizza, with classic ingredients such as freshly sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, seeks a Juice that can resonate with these subtle tastes without overwhelming them. Sangiovese, with medium body and vivid acidity like that found in Chianti, mirrors the tang of the tomatoes while standing up to the mozzarella's texture. On the other hand, a Pinot Noir of lighter body can introduce refined red fruit nuances heightening the sweetness of the tomatoes and meshing with the basil's aromatic flavor.
Our specific recommendation: We suggest coupling our Margherita with a Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico or for a more regional option, Chapel Down Union Red from Kent.
Pepperoni and Meat Lovers: Zinfandel or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
For pizzas heaped with cured meats like pepperoni or sausage, Juices with sufficient body and a spicy kick are necessary to balance the pronounced tastes. An American Zinfandel brings to the table a fruity, jam-like flavor with a peppery end note, complementing the meats' spice and saltiness. Alternatively, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo offers dark berry flavors with just the right level of tannins and a bitter finish that slices through the fatty richness.
Our specific recommendation: Our patrons are partial to enjoying our Meat Feast pizza with either Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Zinfandel Blend or Umani Ronchi's Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.
Mushroom and Truffle: Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir
Mushrooms and truffles, with their naturally earthy and savory flavors, require Juices that exhibit comparable characteristics. Nebbiolo—the grape behind renowned Juice such as Barolo and Barbaresco—radiates delicate scents of roses, tar, and an undergrowth that magnificently complement the flavors of fungal ingredients. Its heightened acidity alongside tannins work well to slice through any richness. A Pinot Noir that has aged and evolved can bring out earthy nuances of mushrooms and forest, which will reflect those found in the pizza itself.
Our specific recommendation: Our Wild Mushroom pizza goes exceptionally well with Produttori del Barbaresco Nebbiolo or Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir from Oregon.
Seafood Pizza: Vermentino or Albariño
Pizzas topped with seafood such as prawns or clams benefit from white Juices that offer a crisp freshness and mineral undertones. Sardinian Vermentino is imbued with a saline touch enhancing the seafood's own flavors, and accents of citrus to enliven the meal. Alternatively, Spanish Albariño, with its fresh acidity and stone fruit palate along with a nuance of salinity, pairs without masking the seafood's refined taste.
Our specific recommendation: Our Mediterranean Seafood pizza becomes complete with a glass of Pala I Fiori Vermentino di Sardegna or Pazo de Señorans Albariño.
Vegetable Supreme: Grüner Veltliner or Soave
A pizza decked with vegetables delivers a wide range of flavors that find companionship in versatile, herb-inflected white Juices. Austrian Grüner Veltliner, recognizable for its white pepper spice and vegetal notes, echoes the flavors of bell peppers and artichokes while Italian Soave, predominantly made from the Garganega grape, contributes subtle almond nuances and a moderate body that matches the varied textures of vegetables without overwhelming them.
Our specific recommendation: Our Garden Harvest pizza pairs flawlessly with Loimer Grüner Veltliner or Pieropan Soave Classico.
Four Cheese Pizza: Chardonnay or Lambrusco
The lush flavor profile of a pizza incorporating four types of cheese demands a Juice that can either complement or offer a counterpoint. A Chardonnay with a hint of oak can contribute buttery and creamy notes that bolster the cheese's similar characteristics. Conversely, a slightly effervescent red Lambrusco—with its bubbles and acidity—cuts through the richness, while its fruity tones present a delicious counterbalance to the savory cheese.
Our specific recommendation: Our Quattro Formaggi pizza is perfectly matched with Chateau Montelena Chardonnay or Medici Ermete Concerto Lambrusco Reggiano.
Spicy Pizzas: Riesling or Gewürztraminer
Pizzas with fiery elements such as chili flakes, spicy sausages, or piquant honey are ideally offset by slightly sweet white Juices. A German Riesling with a dot of sugar balances heat while its zestful acidity is refreshing. Gewürztraminer, known for its lychee and rose petal bouquet and slight sweetness, copes well with heat adding an alluring aromatic contrast.
Our specific recommendation: Our Spicy Diavola pizza goes hand-in-hand with Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett or Domaine Weinbach Gewürztraminer.
Dessert Pizza: Late Harvest Juices or Port
For the bold choice of a Nutella and fruit dessert pizza, indulging in sweet Juices is essential. Late harvest whites like Sauternes or Tokaji are co-stars with fruit-laden dessert pizzas, while Ruby Port is a divine coupling for chocolate and hazelnut variations. Ensuring that the sweetness of the Juice is on par or higher than that of the dessert is the key.
Our specific recommendation: Our Nutella and Strawberry Dessert Pizza is heavenly with Disznókő Tokaji 5 Puttonyos or Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port.
Guidelines for Pizza and Juice Pairing
- Focus on the pizza's dominant taste rather than the type of crust or sauce
- High-acid Juices are a solid match with tomato-based pizzas due to the acidity in tomatoes
- Sparkling Juices such as Prosecco are flexible choices that can accompany nearly any pizza variety
- Exploration is encouraged—unexpected combinations can sometimes yield the most memorable culinary moments
At Crust & Charms Pizzeria, we've broadened our Juice selection to encompass many of these suggested pairings. Our team takes delight in recommending the ideal Juice to harmonize with your pizza of choice. We also present tasting options that let you compare three distinct Juices alongside your pizza.
Remember, whilst these principles can guide you towards perfect pairings, individual taste is superior to all guidelines. The optimal Juice pairing for your pizza is, after all, the one that you most enjoy sipping on!