In life, there is a sacred union of wine and pizza. Whether you’re planning a simple Friday get-together or a game night with friends, the right wine can elevate the flavours of a pizza, creating an extra memorable experience.
But how do you choose the perfect pairing? This guide will walk you through the art of pairing Canadian wine with pizza.
A Match Made in Heaven
Diverse flavours and textures are part of the tasting experience for both wine and pizza. This means you can find the right wine to enhance the taste of your pizza by complementing its components: toppings, sauce, and crust.
Plus, there is no need to travel to Italy when it comes to wine and pizza. Canadian wine, from Ontario’s Niagara region to British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, offers delicious options for every palate.
How to Pair Wine with Pizza: The Guide
1. The Sauce
Because the sauce is the heart of pizza, it’s crucial to consider the flavour profile when choosing a wine.
Tomato Sauces: The acidity of tomato pairs with red wines like a medium-bodied merlot or sangiovese. These wines balance the tartness of the tomato while enhancing the overall richness.
Cream-based Sauces: For a creamy garlic or Alfredo sauce, opt for a white wine like chardonnay or sauvignon blanc. These wines provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce.
Pesto-based Sauces: A crisp Canadian white wine, such as riesling, complements pesto’s herbaceous and nutty flavour.
2. The Toppings
Next, consider the pizza toppings to determine the best wine pairing:
Margherita: A light-bodied red like pinot noir or a crisp rosé enhances the classic combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
Pepperoni and/or Meat: Hearty, savoury toppings call for a robust red like syrah or cabernet sauvignon. For a Canadian twist, try a rich meritage blend from the Okanagan Valley or Niagara Peninsula.
Vegetables: A zesty sauvignon blanc or a dry rosé will highlight the fresh, garden flavours.
BBQ Chicken: The smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce pairs well with a bold zinfandel or a fruit-forward Canadian gamay noir.
Hawaiian (Pineapple and Ham): A slightly off-dry riesling complements this sweet and salty flavour combination.
3. The Crust
Don’t overlook the crust! Thin-crust pizzas pair well with lighter wines, while deep-dish or stuffed-crust can handle fuller-bodied options.
Canadian Wine Regions for Your Pizza Night
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario: Due to the cool-climate, varietals such as riesling, chardonnay, gamay noir, pinot noir and cabernet franc are produced here. Thus, this region offers versatile wines that shine with various pizza styles.
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia: Well-known for their chardonnay, riesling, sparkling wines, and pinot gris, the Okanagan Valley is also the home to bolder versions of syrah and merlot.
Prince Edward County, Ontario: Because of Prince Edward County’s irregular topography, limestone bedrock, and lake breezes, they produce smaller yields with concentrated flavours. With common varietals like pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot gris, and cabernet franc, you can count on bold flavours from this region.
Nova Scotia: Known for their “Tidal Bay” white wine that pairs well with seafood-topped pizzas or Margherita slices.
Pairing wine with pizza isn't as hard as you might think. Just think about the sauce, toppings, and crust, and you'll find a wine that tastes great with every bite.
With so many amazing Canadian wines, the perfect pizza night is just a few clicks away.
