Though beer has traditionally been the go-to drink with pizza, those who adore juice recognize that the appropriate juice pairing can take your pizza indulgence to unparalleled levels. At SmoothLine, in concert with local wine connoisseurs, we've devised recommendations for juice pairings that flawlessly suit our cuisine. Our pairing suggestions are ideal whether you're having a meal inside our establishment or savoring takeout in your own abode, guiding you to the quintessential juice for any preferred pizza variety.
Classic Margherita: Sangiovese or Pinot Noir
A Margherita pizza's unembellished taste profile of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil yearns for a juice that doesn't suppress these understated flavors. A Sangiovese with medium body, akin to a Chianti, contributes vibrant acidity that coincides with the tomato's tartness and possesses sufficient structure to pair with the cheese. In turn, a light Pinot Noir introduces refined tones of red fruits that amplify the tomato's inherent sweetness and match the basil's herbal essence.
Our specific recommendation: We're partial to the combination of our Margherita with a Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico or, for a domestic selection, Chapel Down Union Red from Kent.
Pepperoni and Meat Lovers: Zinfandel or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Heavily topped meat pizzas such as those with pepperoni or sausage demand juices with the amplitude and spiciness to equal such intense flavors. An American Zinfandel, characterized by its full-bodied fruit quality and spicy finish, can stand up to the toppings' saltiness and spice. Alternatively, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo from Italy provides a hearty dark fruit profile, modest tannins, and a touch of bitterness on the finish that nicely slices through the meat's fat.
Our specific recommendation: Patrons particularly enjoy our Meat Feast pizza alongside Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Zinfandel Blend or Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.
Mushroom and Truffle: Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir
Mushrooms and truffles, with their deep umami tastes, necessitate juices with congruent flavors. Nebbiolo, the essence of Barolo and Barbaresco, reveals subdued scent hints of roses, tar, and the woodland, which splendidly complement mushroom flavors. Its pronounced acidity and tannins provide a counterpoint to the dish's creaminess. An aged Pinot Noir works just as wonderfully, developing secondary scents of forest floor and mushrooms, thus reflecting the pizza's earthy characteristics.
Our specific recommendation: Our Wild Mushroom pizza aligns precisely with Produttori del Barbaresco Nebbiolo or Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir from Oregon.
Seafood Pizza: Vermentino or Albariño
Seafood-topped pizzas like those with shrimp or clams pair immaculately with crisp white juices that possess mineral undertones. The Sardinian Vermentino, with its maritime nuances, elevates the taste of seafood while its lemony notes brighten the overall palate. The Spanish Albariño also makes for a prime choice with its bracing acidity, stone fruit essence, and a hint of minerality that doesn't overshadow the seafood's subtle taste.
Our specific recommendation: Our Mediterranean Seafood pizza is exquisitely complemented by Pala I Fiori Vermentino di Sardegna or Pazo de Señorans Albariño.
Vegetable Supreme: Grüner Veltliner or Soave
The assorted flavors presented by pizzas crowned with vegetables are best supported by versatile, herb-flavored white juices. The Austrian Grüner Veltliner, noted for its peppery spice and vegetative notes, mirrors and accentuates the flavors of bell peppers and other veggies. Soave from Italy, primarily made from the Garganega grape, offers a gentle almond undertone and a median body that can cope with an assortment of vegetable textures without overpowering them.
Our specific recommendation: Our Garden Harvest pizza coincides neatly with Loimer Grüner Veltliner or Pieropan Soave Classico.
Four Cheese Pizza: Chardonnay or Lambrusco
The lushness of a pizza with four types of cheese calls for either a complementary or contrasting juice selection. A faintly oaked Chardonnay exhibits buttery and creamy profiles that magnify the same characteristics in the combination of cheeses. As a contrasting option, a bubbly red Lambrusco, with its vivacity and crispness, slices through the richness, and its fruity hints offer a pleasing counterbalance to the savory cheese.
Our specific recommendation: Our Quattro Formaggi pizza resembles divinity when accompanied by Chateau Montelena Chardonnay or Medici Ermete Concerto Lambrusco Reggiano.
Spicy Pizzas: Riesling or Gewürztraminer
Confronted with pizzas adorned with hot chilies, spicy sausage, or fiery honey, off-dry white juices serve as a soothing reprieve. German Riesling, with a sweet kiss, calms the taste buds whilst its vibrant acidity rejuvenates. Likewise, Gewürztraminer, with its perfumed lychee and rose petal scents, can bravely tackle the spice while offering an alluring aromatic distinction.
Our specific recommendation: Our Spicy Diavola pizza is perfectly balanced by Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett or Domaine Weinbach Gewürztraminer.
Dessert Pizza: Late Harvest Juices or Port
Those brave enough to sample pizzas such as Nutella and fruit for dessert will find that sweet juices are a requisite pairing. Late harvest whites like Sauternes or Tokaji harmonize fruit-topped dessert pizzas, while Ruby Port is an exquisite match with chocolate and hazelnut variations, ensuring that the juice sweetness equals or surpasses that of the dessert.
Our specific recommendation: Our Nutella and Strawberry Dessert Pizza is divine with Disznókő Tokaji 5 Puttonyos or Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port.
Tips for Pizza and Juice Pairing
- Reflect on the most prominent flavor of the pizza, rather than the type of crust or sauce alone
- High-acidity juices typically pair splendidly with tomato-centric pizzas, echoing the inherent tartness of the tomato
- Bubbly juices like Prosecco offer a flexible match for almost any pizza variety
- Embrace experimentations – occasionally the most unexpected matches yield the most unforgettable experiences
At SmoothLine, we've broadened our juice menu to incorporate many of these pairing propositions. Our crew is ever-ready to suggest the ideal juice for your pizza platter. Furthermore, we provide juice flight packages enabling you to taste an array of juices with your meal.
While these guidelines can provide direction towards agreeable pairings, always let personal taste prevail. The most satisfying juice to pair with your pizza is invariably the one that brings you the most pleasure when drinking.