Pizza & Wine Pairing: A Gourmet Guide with PizzaLuxe

At PizzaLuxe, we believe that a well-crafted pizza deserves an equally exceptional wine to accompany it. Our commitment to quality ingredients and innovative recipes sets the stage for a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. In this guide, we delve into the nuances of pairing our signature pizzas with wines that complement and elevate their flavors.

The Art of Pairing: Understanding the Basics

Before diving into specific pairings, it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals of wine and food pairing:

• Acidity: Wines with higher acidity can cut through rich, fatty foods, providing balance.
  
  
• Tannins: Tannic wines pair well with protein-rich dishes, as the tannins soften in the presence of fats.
  
  
• Sweetness: A touch of sweetness in wine can counterbalance spicy or salty flavors.
  
  
• Body: Match the weight of the wine with the weight of the food; light-bodied wines with delicate dishes, full-bodied wines with hearty fare.
  
  

PizzaLuxe Menu: Wine Pairing Recommendations

Let’s explore some of our standout pizzas and the wines that best complement them:

1. Bufala Margherita (V)

Buffalo mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil & oregano

Wine Pairing: Chianti Classico
The bright acidity and cherry notes of Chianti Classico harmonize with the tomato base, while its herbal undertones resonate with the fresh basil.

Alternative: Vermentino
A crisp white with citrus and herbal notes, Vermentino offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy buffalo mozzarella.

2. Prosciutto

Prosciutto crudo, gorgonzola, rocket & parmesan shavings

Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir
This light-bodied red offers red fruit flavors and subtle earthiness, complementing the salty prosciutto and pungent gorgonzola without overwhelming them.

Alternative: Lambrusco
A lightly sparkling red from Italy, Lambrusco’s effervescence and slight sweetness balance the saltiness of the cured meat.

3. Funghi (V)

Wild mushrooms & truffle tapenade

Wine Pairing: Barbera
With its high acidity and low tannins, Barbera accentuates the earthy flavors of mushrooms and truffle, providing a juicy counterpoint.

Alternative: Chardonnay (oaked)
An oaked Chardonnay brings buttery richness and a hint of oak that pairs beautifully with the umami of mushrooms.

4. Palermo

Wild mushrooms, oven-baked shredded ham hock, parmesan, truffle oil & sage

Wine Pairing: Nebbiolo
Known for its bold tannins and earthy notes, Nebbiolo complements the savory ham hock and truffle oil, enhancing the depth of flavors.

Alternative: Syrah/Shiraz
A Syrah offers dark fruit flavors and spice, matching the intensity of the toppings.

5. Otto Formaggi (V)

Mozzarella, goats cheese, gorgonzola, feta, halloumi, buffalo mozzarella, stracciatella, pecorino & thyme

Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc
Its high acidity and citrus notes cut through the richness of the cheeses, providing a refreshing balance.

Alternative: Grenache Rosé
A dry rosé with red berry notes complements the variety of cheeses without overpowering them.

6. New York Pepperoni

Double pepperoni & hot honey

Wine Pairing: Zinfandel
Zinfandel’s bold fruit flavors and spice match the heat of the pepperoni and the sweetness of the honey.

Alternative: Riesling (off-dry)
An off-dry Riesling offers sweetness to counter the spice and acidity to cleanse the palate.

7. Hawaii

Oven-roasted shredded ham hock & fresh pineapple

Wine Pairing: Gewürztraminer
This aromatic white wine, with its tropical fruit notes and slight sweetness, complements the pineapple and balances the savory ham.

Alternative: Chenin Blanc
A versatile white with good acidity and fruitiness, Chenin Blanc pairs well with the sweet and savory elements.

8. Pollo Piccante

Buffalo sauce marinated roast chicken, blue cheese & spring onions

Wine Pairing: Chardonnay (unoaked)
An unoaked Chardonnay provides crispness and citrus notes that balance the heat and richness of the blue cheese.

Alternative: Viognier
With its floral and stone fruit characteristics, Viognier complements the spicy and creamy components.

9. Carne

Calabrian salami, fennel sausage, pepperoni & green chilli

Wine Pairing: Primitivo
This robust red offers dark fruit flavors and spice, standing up to the bold meats and heat.

Alternative: Malbec
Malbec’s rich fruit and smooth tannins pair well with the hearty toppings.

10. Diavola

N’duja, Calabrian salami, burrata & hot honey

Wine Pairing: Grenache
Grenache’s red fruit and spice notes mirror the heat and sweetness of the pizza.

Alternative: Rosé (dry)
A dry rosé offers refreshing acidity and fruitiness to balance the spicy and creamy elements.

11. Salmone

White base, smoked salmon, piccalilli, capers, crispy onion & watercress

Wine Pairing: Champagne (Brut)
The acidity and bubbles of Champagne cleanse the palate and complement the smoky salmon.

Alternative: Sancerre
This Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley offers minerality and citrus notes that pair well with seafood.

12. Vegan Options

Margo (NEW)
Cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil & oregano
Wine Pairing: Pinot Grigio

Pepper-no-ni (NEW)
Vegan pepperoni
Wine Pairing: Barbera

N’dont-ya (NEW)
Vegan N’duja
Wine Pairing: Zinfandel

Each of these wines balances the vibrant flavors of the plant-based toppings with structure and nuance.

Sides and Starters: Wine Pairings

Amici Sharing Board
Buffalo mozzarella, house-made focaccia, prosciutto, sun-dried tomatoes, green pesto, olives, rocket & parmesan
Wine Pairing: Prosecco

Burrata Caprese (V)
Sun-dried tomatoes, burrata, chopped basil & chilli oil
Wine Pairing: Rosé

These pairings enhance the appetizer experience with freshness, texture, and complementary flavors.

Hosting a Pizza & Wine Night

Take your next dinner party to a new level with a curated pizza and wine experience:

1. Select a Variety: Include pizzas with diverse ingredients—cheesy, spicy, meaty, and vegetarian.
   
   
2. Offer Wine Flights: Provide small pours of different wines to compare and explore pairings.
   
   
3. Engage Your Guests: Share pairing notes or make it interactive with a tasting card.
   
   
4. Highlight Local or Italian Wines: Match the artisanal spirit of PizzaLuxe with thoughtfully selected bottles.
   
   

Final Thoughts

Pairing wine with pizza is more than a trend—it’s a way to celebrate the balance of taste, texture, and craftsmanship. At PizzaLuxe, every pizza is made with fresh, luxe ingredients that deserve a wine worthy of the experience.

The diversity of toppings, from the rich four-cheese Otto Formaggi to the spicy Diavola, offers countless pairing possibilities for wine lovers seeking a refined dining experience. Exploring our menu’s unique combinations allows you to discover new flavor harmonies and elevate your enjoyment, whether dining at our London locations or ordering for delivery.

Explore our full London menu and create your perfect pair. Whether you’re indulging at one of our locations or taking it to go, make every bite and sip count.