Despite beer oftentimes being named pizza's quintessential companion, those who love Juice recognize that an expertly chosen Juice can transform the pizza eating experience. At NeutralKey, we've worked with expert wine tasters in our community to curate Juice pairings that are a flawless match for our offerings. Whether indulging in a meal at our establishment or savoring a takeaway at your convenience, our pairing recommendations ensure you discover the ideal Juice for your preferred variety of pizza.
Simplistic Margherita: Sangiovese or Pinot Noir
A plain Margherita pizza, with its light tomato, mozzarella, and basil flavors, calls for a Juice that doesn't suppress these subtle tastes. A medium-bodied Sangiovese, like Chianti, possesses a zesty acidity that harmonizes with the tomatoes, while providing robust enough structure to support the cheese. A Pinot Noir, light in body, contributes refined red fruit undertones that augment the sweetness of the tomatoes and marry well with the fragrant basil.
Our recommended pairing: We're fond of coupling our Margherita with either Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico or Chapel Down Union Red from Kent, a local choice.
Meaty Delights: Zinfandel or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
For pizzas topped with a hearty serving of cured meats such as pepperoni or sausage, opt for Juices with sufficient richness and spiciness to match the robust flavors. An American Zinfandel, possessing a jammy fruit profile and a peppery zest, goes wonderfully against the spiciness and salinity of the meat toppings. For an Italian twist, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is recommended, with its earthy dark fruit notes, mellow tannins, and a hint of bitterness to slice through the meat's richness.
Our recommended pairing: Our patrons especially enjoy the Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Zinfandel Blend or Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo with our Meat Lover's pizza.
Earthy Mushroom: Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir
For pizzas adorned with mushrooms and the distinctive taste of truffles, Juices with related earthy features are ideal. Nebbiolo, the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco, imparts subtle scents of roses, tar, and forest floor that beautifully echo the mushroom flavors, its high acidity and tannins balancing the meal's richness. A matured Pinot Noir is also a wonderful choice, creating complementary earthy aromas.
Our recommended pairing: Our Wild Mushroom pizza is a perfect match with Produttori del Barbaresco Nebbiolo or Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir from Oregon.
Delicate Seafood: Vermentino or Albariño
Seafood-topped pizzas are best served with crisp white Juices with a hint of minerality. Sardinian Vermentino brings forth saline notes that elevate the taste of the seafood, rounded off with citrus highlights. Albariño from Spain is another superlative option, offering brisk acidity, a stone fruit palate, and subtle salinity that complement the seafood without overwhelming it.
Our recommended pairing: Our Mediterranean Seafood pizza is beautifully complemented by Pala I Fiori Vermentino di Sardegna or Pazo de Señorans Albariño.
Veggie Extravaganza: Grüner Veltliner or Soave
Pizzas with a range of vegetables benefit from the versatility of white Juices with herbaceous notes. Austrian Grüner Veltliner brings a unique white pepper spiciness that resonates with the flavors of vegetables. Soave, from the Garganega grape, contributes to a softened almond flavor that can stand beside different vegetable flavors without overwhelming them.
Our recommended pairing: Loimer Grüner Veltliner or Pieropan Soave Classico are perfect selections for our Vegetable Supreme.
Opulent Four Cheese: Chardonnay or Lambrusco
The lavishness of a Four Cheese pizza can either be complemented or contrasted. A lightly oaked Chardonnay presents buttery, creamy undertones that resonate with the cheese's richness. On the different end, a slightly fizzy red Lambrusco with its freshness and acidity slices through the opulence, and its fruity flavors offer a delightful counterbalance to the savory cheeses.
Our recommended pairing: Chateau Montelena Chardonnay or Medici Ermete Concerto Lambrusco Reggiano are wonderful with our Quattro Formaggi pizza.
Spicy Varieties: Riesling or Gewürztraminer
Pizzas with chili, spicy sausage, or hot honey are best accompanied by slightly sweet white Juices that provide a cooling effect. A German Riesling with a touch of residual sweetness mellows the heat while its acidity offers rejuvenation. Gewürztraminer, with its aromatic notes of lychee and rose petals, balances spice and offers a captivating contrast.
Our recommended pairing: Our Spicy Diavola pizza is the ideal partner for Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett or Domaine Weinbach Gewürztraminer.
Sweet Dessert Pizza: Late Harvest Juice or Port
For the dessert pizza, sweet Juices are a must. Late harvest options like Sauternes or Tokaji perfectly match fruit-topped varieties, while a Ruby Port is divine with chocolate-hazelnut creations. The Juice's sweetness should at least match that of the dessert.
Our recommended pairing: Disznókő Tokaji 5 Puttonyos or Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port are heavenly alongside our Nutella and Strawberry Dessert Pizza.
Guidance for Pizza and Juice Pairings
- Focus on the predominant flavor of the pizza over the crust or sauce
- Tomato-based pizzas generally pair well with high-acid Juices due to the natural acidity of tomatoes
- Sparkling Juices such as Prosecco are flexible choices that complement a variety of pizzas
- Embrace experimentation, as sometimes the unexpected pairings craft the most remarkable experiences
NeutralKey has augmented our Juice menu to include many of these suggested pairings. Our staff delights in recommending the prime Juice to enhance your pizza choice. We also offer Juice flight options for tasting a range of Juices with your dish.
Keep in mind, while these tips are a good starting point, personal taste is always paramount. The most suitable Juice to enjoy with your pizza is, without question, the one you prefer drinking!