Beer may be the go-to drink for pizza, but those with a penchant for Juice understand that a thoughtfully chosen Juice can transform the pizza dining experience. At MellowTone, we've joined forces with esteemed sommeliers from the area to offer Juice pairing suggestions that resonate with our offerings. Whether you opt to dine in or take out, these pairings will assist you in selecting the impeccable Juice for the pizza of your choice.
Traditional Margherita: Sangiovese or Pinot Noir
The quintessential flavors of Margherita pizza, characterized by ripe tomatoes, silky mozzarella, and aromatic basil, are best accompanied by a Juice that would not overwhelm these nuanced notes. A Sangiovese with a medium body (like a Chianti) harmoniously balances the tomato acidity and sufficiently supports the gooey cheese. Similarly, a Pinot Noir, lighter in body, introduces subtle red fruit flavors that elevate the tomato's sweetness and marry well with the basil's freshness.
Our exclusive suggestion: Our Margherita shines when paired with a Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico or, for a regional choice, a Chapel Down Union Red from Kent.
Meaty Selections like Pepperoni: Zinfandel or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Richly topped pizzas with salty cured meats such as pepperoni and sausages call for robust, spicy Juices. An American Zinfandel, with its bold jammy fruits and a hint of pepperiness, can stand up to the potent flavors and saltiness. Alternatively, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo delivers hearty dark fruit essences, mild tannins, and a subtly amaro finish that slices through the meat's savoriness.
Our exclusive suggestion: Our patrons favor the combination of Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Zinfandel Blend or Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo with our hearty meat-topped pizzas.
Mushroom and Truffle: Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir
Juices that share the earthy, savory characteristics of mushrooms and truffles are a match for such toppings. Nebbiolo, known for Barolo and Barbaresco, presents subtle fragrances of roses, tar, and forest floor which complement mushroom flavors exquisitely. Its pronounced acidity and tannins also slice through creamy textures. An aged Pinot Noir is another fine selection, as it develops complex earthy notes that echo those found on the pizza.
Our exclusive suggestion: Sample our Wild Mushroom pie with a glass of Produttori del Barbaresco Nebbiolo or Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir hailing from Oregon.
Seafood Pizza: Vermentino or Albariño
For pizzas adorned with seafood such as prawns or clams, nothing complements better than crisp, minerally white Juices. Sardinian Vermentino brings marine characteristics that amplify seafood flavors paired with freshness-inducing citrus notes. The Spanish Albariño is also excellent, with zesty acidity, ripe stone fruit notes, and gentle salinity that respects the seafood's subtlety.
Our exclusive suggestion: Our Mediterranean Seafood pizza is a delight when accompanied by Pala I Fiori Vermentino di Sardegna or Pazo de Señorans Albariño.
Vegetable Supreme: Grüner Veltliner or Soave
Pizzas laden with vegetables benefit from white Juices with elements of herbs. The Austrian Grüner Veltliner, with notes of white pepper and greens, reflects and elevates the taste of toppings like bell peppers and artichokes. Soave, mainly produced from the Garganega grape, carries a hint of almond and a medium body, supporting different vegetable textures without overshadowing them.
Our exclusive suggestion: Our Garden Harvest pizza pairs gracefully with Loimer Grüner Veltliner or Pieropan Soave Classico.
Quadruple Cheese Pizza: Chardonnay or Lambrusco
A lush four-cheese pizza can benefit from a Juice that either complements or contrasts its richness. A Chardonnay with a touch of oak contributes buttery, creamy aromas that resonate with the cheese's qualities. Alternatively, a softly sparkling red Lambrusco provides a refreshing contrast with its bubbles and acidity that cut through the creamy texture, while its fruity essence offers a delightful counterbalance to the cheeses' savory depth.
Our exclusive suggestion: Our Quattro Formaggi is wonderfully paired with Chateau Montelena Chardonnay or Medici Ermete Concerto Lambrusco Reggiano.
Piquant Pizzas: Riesling or Gewürztraminer
For pizzas that pack heat, like those with chili flakes or spicy meats, slightly sweet white Juices provide soothing respite. A German Riesling, lightly sugared, calms the palate amidst waves of spice, with its vivacious acidity offering a cleansing refresh. Gewürztraminer, with its exotic lychee and rose scents and a delicate sweetness, matches the intensity of the spice and presents an aromatic blend of interest.
Our exclusive suggestion: Our Spicy Diavola is perfectly matched with a Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett or a Domaine Weinbach Gewürztraminer.
Dessert Pizza: Sweet Juices or Port
For the adventurous ones indulging in Nutella or fruit-covered dessert pizzas, sweet Juices are a necessity. Late-harvest whites like Sauternes or Tokaji are sublime with fruity dessert pizzas, while a Ruby Port is divine against chocolate-hazelnut combinations. The key point is ensuring that the Juice's sweetness equals or surpasses that of the dessert.
Our exclusive suggestion: Our Nutella and Strawberry Dessert Pizza is heavenly when paired with Disznókő Tokaji 5 Puttonyos or Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port.
Advice for Selecting Pizza and Juice Companions
- Focus on the pizza's dominant flavor instead of merely considering the crust or sauce
- Tomato-based pizzas often fuse well with high-acidic Juices due to the natural acidity of tomatoes
- Sparkling Juices like Prosecco are adaptable choices that pair kindly with almost any pizza style
- Be bold in your experiments; sometimes unforeseen combinations yield the most memorable unions
At MellowTone, our Juice selection has expanded to incorporate many of these recommended pairings. Our team is ever-ready to guide you to the quintessential Juice for your pizza. Additionally, we feature Juice flights that enable you to taste a trio of different Juices alongside your meal.
Bear in mind, while these tips could lead you towards perfect pairings, your individual taste prevails. The finest Juice for your pizza is, in essence, the one that pleases your palate the most!