While beer may traditionally be the go-to drink for pizza, connoisseurs of juice know that a carefully chosen juice can take a pizza meal to an elevated level. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we've worked with local juice experts to craft a list of juice pairing recommendations that are a perfect match for our offerings on the menu. Whether you're savoring a meal at our establishment or relishing our takeout at your abode, these suggestions will aid you in selecting the ideal juice for your preferred type of pizza.
Traditional Margherita: Sangiovese or Pinot Noir
The unassuming nature of a classic Margherita pizza, teeming with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, appeals for a juice that doesn't overshadow these subtle nuances. A Sangiovese of medium body, such as a Chianti, brings a bright acidity that marries well with the tomatoes but is robust enough to balance the cheese. On the other hand, Pinot Noir, light in body, introduces floral red berry nuances that amplify the tomato's sweetness and flatter the basil's green character.
Our specific recommendation: We take great pleasure in coupling our Margherita with either a Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico or, if seeking a more locale selection, Chapel Down Union Red from Kent.
Pepperoni and Meat-Lovers: Zinfandel or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
For pizza adorned with robust meats such as pepperoni, sausage, or prosciutto, juices with a substantial body and spice truly shine. The jam-like characteristic and peppery finale of American Zinfandel seamlessly battles the zest and salt of meaty toppings, while Montepulciano d'Abruzzo presents dark fruit flavors, moderate tannins, and an invitingly bitter aftertaste that slices through the meat's unctuousness.
Our specific recommendation: Particularly, our clientele finds delight in the Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Zinfandel Blend or Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo to accompany our Meat Feast pizza.
Mushroom and Truffle: Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir
Mushrooms and truffles, rich in earthiness and umami, call for juices with complementary undertones. Nebbiolo, the star grape of Barolo and Barbaresco, discloses gentle scents of roses, tar, and woodland that gorgeously echo fungi flavors, while its pronounced acidity and tannins cleanse the palate. A more mature Pinot Noir equally thrives, as it evolves to reveal tertiary notes reminiscent of mushrooms and damp earth that reflect those found atop the pizza.
Our specific recommendation: Our Wild Mushroom pizza is sublimely matched with Produttori del Barbaresco Nebbiolo or an Oregonian Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir.
Seafood Pizza: Vermentino or Albariño
A pizza garnished with prawns, clams, or assorted seafood pairs splendidly with zesty white juices that manifest mineral undertones. Vermentino, notably from Sardinia, brings forth oceanic affinities that accentuate seafood, as well as citrus freshness that enlivens the entire dining experience. Albariño from Spain is another superb option, its sharp acidity, peach nuances, and subtle brininess harmonize with delicate seafood without dominating it.
Our specific recommendation: Our Mediterranean Seafood pizza goes hand in hand with a Pala I Fiori Vermentino di Sardegna or Pazo de Señorans Albariño.
Vegetable Supreme: Grüner Veltliner or Soave
A vegetable-laden pizza presents a variety of taste notes that are well-supported by adaptable, herbaceous white juices. Grüner Veltliner from Austria, distinguished by its trademark white pepper zest and vegetal qualities, mirrors and elevates the flavors found in bell peppers, artichokes, and other vegetable toppings. Soave, crafted chiefly from the Garganega grape, endows subtle almond overtones and a medium body that holds its ground against varied vegetable textures without overshadowing them.
Our specific recommendation: Our Garden Harvest pizza is in perfect sync with Loimer Grüner Veltliner or Pieropan Soave Classico.
Four-Cheese Pizza: Chardonnay or Lambrusco
The opulence of a pizza with a quartet of cheeses invites a juice that either complements or stands in contrast. A Chardonnay with a touch of oak aging offers buttery, creamy dimensions that magnify the cheeses' own lush properties. Conversely, opt for a gentle sparkling Lambrusco where its fizz and acidity slice through the richness and its fruity profile offers an appealing contrast to the savory cheeses.
Our specific recommendation: Our Quattro Formaggi pizza becomes truly extraordinary when served with Chateau Montelena Chardonnay or Medici Ermete Concerto Lambrusco Reggiano.
Spicy Pizzas: Riesling or Gewürztraminer
Confronted with pizzas laced with chili flakes, fiery sausage, or hot honey, off-dry white juices provide a soothing relief. German Riesling, slightly sweet, pacifies the heat while its lively acidity readies the palate for the following forkful. Gewürztraminer, with its aromatic profile of lychee and rose petals and a hint of sweetness, not only withstands the spice but also offers a captivating aromatic diversity.
Our specific recommendation: Our Spicy Diavola pizza encounters its ideal counterpart in Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett or Domaine Weinbach Gewürztraminer.
Dessert Pizza: Late Harvest Juices or Port
Those daring enough to indulge in our dessert pizzas, such as the Nutella and fruit variations, will find sweet juices indispensable. A late harvest white like Sauternes or Tokaji pairs exquisitely with fruit-topped desserts. Ruby Port, on the other hand, forms a divine duo with chocolate and hazelnut laden varieties. It's crucial that the juice and dessert sweetness are well-matched.
Our specific recommendation: Our Nutella and Strawberry Dessert Pizza is divinely paired with Disznókő Tokaji 5 Puttonyos or Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port.
Guidelines for Pizza and Juice Combinations
- Focus on the pizza's prominent flavors rather than merely the type of crust or sauce.
- Juices with high acid profiles generally mesh well with tomato-heavy pizzas owing to the natural acidity of tomatoes.
- Bubbly juices like Prosecco prove to be versatile and can accompany nearly any variety of pizza.
- Embrace experimentation—as unexpected duos can result in the most unforgettable dining moments.
At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, we've broadened our juice selection to encompass many of these advised pairings, and our team relishes the chance to recommend the quintessential juice to go with your pizza preference. We also feature juice flight choices, allowing you to taste a trio of different juices with your meal.
Recall, while these tips aim to guide you to harmonious pairings, it's always your personal taste that should dictate your choice. The premier juice to accompany your pizza is, in essence, the one that pleases your palate the most!