First off we love pizza so it’s probably no surprise we love it with wine. Pairing pizza and wine doesn’t have to be complicated. It will almost always be an Italian wine, mostly Chianti, not expensive or another lighter style wine. A pizza with meat might call for a wine more substantial and again you’ll reach for an Italian, a nice inexpensive Barbera or Sangiovese. Without further explanation, Old Line’s wine program director, Carey Callahan, rounded up the best wines to enjoy with your pie!

Prosciutto & Arugula – Chianti – Grunier Veltliner
Good Chianti is savory and spicy, so it’s good with salty cured meats like prosciutto or peppery greens—or both together. A nice alternative is the Austrian white wine Gruner Veltliner. With flavors of green pepper and line it pairs well with the cheese and salty meat.
Try Brunn Gruner Veltliner $14.99 and Banfi Chianti Superiore $16.99

Pepperoni – Montepulciano D’Abruzzo
When it comes to pairings, the Montepulciano is an absolute protagonist, possibly one of the most flexible vine pairing species in the world. This classic, well-rounded, plum-scented Italian red f is easy-drinking wine, can be inexpensive and pairs well with pizza, pasta and meat dishes like meatballs.
Masciarelle at $11.99 and Arche only $9.99 provide great bang for the buck.

Mushrooms - Pinot Noir or Gamay
There’s no better pairing than Pinot and mushrooms—they’re all about earth and spice. A little oregano makes the match even better. Gamay can be a little lighter and is another good choice.
For an Italian Pinot try Esperto Artist Series $11.99 or a central coast Pinot 99 Vines a great bargain at $9.99. A goad medal French Gamay Domaine Cheyson Chiroubles will set you back $20.99.

Vegetables – Rose
A vegetable topping makes for a fairly light slice—even with all that cheese—so go with a lighter style of wine. Rose is a tasty choice. Our wine director’s favorites are from the Cote du Province.
Chateau Montaud has been my summer favorite at $13.99

Margherita Fresh Tomatoes – Mozzarella – Basil - Barbera
Barbera, a medium-bodied red from Italy’s Piedmont, is berry-bright and only moderately tannic—great with fresh tomatoes and herbs.
Boroli Quatro Fratelli Barbera di Alba $15.99

Neapolitan style pizza goes well with lighter wines like Barbera and Frappato.
If you crave bubbles to cut the doughy heaviness of pizza; the perfect solution here is Lambrusco, dry with red fruit and a refreshing tannic grip.
Lini Lambrusco $13.99, Colosi Nero d’ Avola (Frappato) $17.99

Here’s to pizza and wine!

Need help choosing the perfect bottle of wine for a specific occasion? Ask for Carey when you come to Old Line!