Celebrating National Pizza Day alongside Super Bowl Sunday creates a unique opportunity for culinary revelry. This year, pizza doesn’t just act as a great game-day staple, but also as a delicious centerpiece for social gatherings. While traditional party favorites like chicken wings, nachos, and chili often take the limelight, pizza remains an undeniable crowd-puller. From the classic Margherita to loaded meat lovers, it’s a dish that adapts well to any palate. However, selecting the right wine to enhance this experience can elevate any pizza night from ordinary to extraordinary.
Wine pairing may seem daunting, but the chemistry between wine and pizza is less about rigid rules and more about enjoying flavors that complement one another. When it comes to pizza, the key is to balance the dish’s flavor profile with the right wine accompaniment. Red wines are often favored for their ability to cut through cheese and complement tomato-based sauces, and when we focus on Italian wines, the selection opens up an array of choices that can suit any type of pizza.
Every Friday night, I indulge in a couple of slices as a personal treat after a long week. My consistent choice is Italian red wine, which complements the joy of pizza. Whether incorporating classic Chianti or newer varietals, the following selections add that extra layer of enjoyment, especially during high-stakes events like the Super Bowl.
One cannot discuss Italian wine without mentioning Chianti, particularly when enjoying dishes laden with tomato sauce and cheese. The 2021 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico DOCG stands out with its organic Sangiovese grapes. With notes of cooked strawberries and subtle cedar hints, it pairs seamlessly with both classic pizzas and more elaborate toppings. Similarly, the Carpineto 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG offers an earthy nose with herbal undertones, making it ideal for pizza night but versatile enough for roasted meats or hearty vegetables.
For a more refined flavor experience, consider the Castello di Fonterutoli Mazzei Siepi 2018 Toscana IGT, a blend that brings together the characteristics of Sangiovese and Merlot. With its chocolatey, spiced finish, this wine is perhaps better suited for pizza topped with bold flavors like spicy sausage or prosciutto.
Italy’s diverse wine regions produce an excellent array of choices for the pizza lover. For a more contemporary option, look to the Donnafugata “Fragore” Contrada Montelaguardia 2019, Etna Rosso DOC, where dark fruits and a spicy, balsam note create a bold pairing with pizzas rich in toppings. The Garofoli Rosso Piancarda 2022, Conero DOC offers ripe Morello cherries and plum flavors—an accessible choice for any gathering due to its crowd-pleasing profile and affordability.
Equally enticing is the Librandi Segno Cirò DOC Rosso Classico, with its easy-going character making it the quintessential pizza wine. Medium-bodied with fruity notes of cranberry and blueberry, it is charmingly uncomplicated. For those looking for something special, the Librandi “Duca Sanfelice” 2021 Cirò DOC Riserva is a captivating option, offering a palate of soft red fruits and floral nuances, perfect for moments when finer wines are called for.
Diving deeper into the world of Italian wines leads to exceptional finds like the Sella & Mosca Tanca Farra Alghero Rosso 2019 from Sardinia, which presents tart, dark fruit notes alongside a chocolate finish, harmonizing beautifully with pizza styles that shine with herbs and spices. Moreover, the Planeta Frappato 2021 Vittoria Sicilia DOC sings with bright red fruits and is delightful slightly chilled, standing out as a refreshing choice for warm gatherings.
Lastly, if you’re searching for a truly comforting experience while enjoying pizza, the Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2020 is an opulent indulgence. Its lush strawberry notes encapsulate the essence of casual yet sophisticated dining, promising a perfect companion to your favorite slice.
As pizza takes center stage this Super Bowl Sunday, consider how these Italian wine selections can amplify your enjoyment. From classic Chiantis to unique regional offerings, the right wine can transform each bite into a delightful experience, creating lasting memories with friends and family. No matter the game’s outcome, the warmth of good food and great wine makes every gathering a victory worth celebrating!