Category: Wine Pairings

Your Wine and Pizza Pairing Guide

There are few pleasures in life more satisfying than a slice of pizza and a glass of good wine. But when these two classics are paired together, they reach new heights.

The classic rule of thumb to use when pairing food and wine is to pair a wine from the same country as the food you’re eating. However, pizza is a universal food, made all over the world in different styles, shapes and flavours, which can make using this rule a little tricky.

So, we’ve put together a Majestic wine and pizza pairing guide, so you can be sure to find the perfect match, every time.

Pizza & Wine pairing tips

Lighter pizzas need lighter wines; heavier, meatier pizzas need bigger wines.

Tomato sauce is high in acid, so go with wines that can match it without clashing.

If your pizza is spicy (like jalapeños or hot sausage), steer clear of high-alcohol reds and try a semi-sweet white like Riesling or a chilled Lambrusco.

Classic Italian Pizza (Neapolitan or Roman)

Italian pizzas are all about simplicity and high-quality ingredients: think San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a drizzle of olive oil on a thin base with a pillowy, charred crust.

Pair it with: Chianti, Barbera, or a dry Lambrusco

These medium-bodied Italian reds have just the right amount of acidity to balance the tomato sauce and cut through the richness of the cheese. Lambrusco’s slight fizz is especially refreshing.

Definition by Majestic Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

Mushroom and truffle Sourdough Pizza

Sourdough bases add a tangy, chewy character that plays well with earthy and funky flavors like wild mushrooms, truffle oil, or goat cheese.

Pair it with: Pinot Noir or Chardonnay

A light-bodied Pinot Noir complements the sour tang without overwhelming subtle toppings, while a creamy Chardonnay works wonderfully with white pizzas or those with mushroom and herb profiles.

Meaty New York Style

This foldable favorite is often topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and a variety of meats and veggies. Its balance of crust, cheese, and toppings makes it incredibly versatile.

Pair it with: Primitivo/Zinfandel or Merlot

Zinfandel has enough fruit-forward power to stand up to pepperoni or sausage, while Merlot's soft tannins pair smoothly with cheese and tomato-based pies.

Chicago Deep Dish

Thick, rich, and indulgent, deep-dish pizza layers cheese, meats, and chunky tomato sauce on a buttery crust.

Try it with: Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon

You need a bold wine to hold its own to match this style of pizza. Syrah offers spicy, smoky notes that are fantastic with sausage-heavy pies, while a robust Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure and depth to match the dish’s intensity.

Two Hands 'Tenacity' Old Vine Shiraz, Australia

Vergelegen ‘Mill Race’ Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, Stellenbosch

Detroit or Sicilian Style

These square, pan-baked pizzas have a thick crust with crispy edges and are often loaded with cheese and robust toppings.

Pair it with: Nero d’Avola or Montepulciano

These full-bodied Italian reds bring dark fruit and earthy flavors that complement the caramelized crust and savory toppings.

Spicy Pizza

Regardless of what style of pizza you get, if there’s a lot of spice on the pizza, you need to be mindful about what you’re pairing it with.

Pair it with: Off-Dry Riesling, Lambrusco (semi-sweet or dry), Grenache (Garnacha)

High-alcohol or tannic wines can intensify spice, so it’s better to go with something fruity, low in tannin, or slightly sweet to balance the heat.

Sweet Pistachio Pizza

Sweet pizzas are often made with toppings like Nutella and Pistachio cream, so they need a wine with a touch of sweetness.

Pair it with: Moscato d’Asti, Vin Santo, Late Harvest Gewürztraminer

Nut-based sweets like pistachio pair well with wines that offer complementary richness, floral notes, and a bit of balancing acidity.