While a fizzy drink has often been seen as pizza's go-to companion, those passionate about juices know that a thoughtfully chosen juice can enhance the enjoyment of pizza to whole new levels. At SunnyBench, we've teamed up with local beverage experts to curate juice suggestions that are the perfect match for our menu offerings. No matter if you're savoring a meal in our bistro or partaking in a to-go order at your abode, these curated picks will guide you to the ideal juice blend for your preferred type of pizza.
Traditional Margherita: Sangiovese or Pinot Noir
A Margherita pizza's pure flavors of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil demand a juice that can complement without dominating their subtlety. A Sangiovese displaying lively tartness parallels the tomato's zest while providing a robust framework to support the cheese. Alternatively, a lighter Pinot Noir offers refined notes of red berries that play up the tomatoes' sweetness and provide a harmonious match with the aromatic basil.
Our specific recommendation: We suggest coupling our Margherita with a glass of Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico or, for something from closer to home, Chapel Down Union Red from Kent.
Pepperoni and Meat Lovers: Zinfandel or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Heavy on toppings like pepperoni, sausage, or prosciutto, these pizzas call for robust, spicy juices. A Zinfandel characterized by sweet berry flavors and a peppery kick can hold its own against the salt and spice of the meat. An Italian alternative, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, brings forward rustic dark berry tastes, balanced tannins, and a hint of bitter that skillfully cuts through the meats' savory depth.
Our specific recommendation: Patrons particularly relish the combination of our Meat Feast pizza with Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Zinfandel Blend or Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.
Mushroom and Truffle: Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir
The deep, savory tones of mushrooms and truffles work well with juices bearing similar earthy qualities. Nebbiolo, the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco, delivers nuanced scents of roses, tarry notes, and hints of the forest floor that splendidly echo mushroom flavors. Its bright acidity and tannic structure help balance the richness. An aged Pinot Noir will also shine, as it garners complex undertones of mushrooms and earth which mirror the pizza's ingredients.
Our specific recommendation: Enjoy our Wild Mushroom pizza with a glass of Produttori del Barbaresco Nebbiolo or Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir from Oregon.
Seafood Pizza: Vermentino or Albariño
When indulging in pizzas adorned with seafood like prawns or clams, light, mineral-forward white juices are the ideal partners. Vermentino from Sardinia exudes a salty zest that amplifies seafood notes, coupled with lemony accents that lift the dish. Albariño from Spain, known for its vibrant acidity, stone fruit essence, and delicate salinity, complements without overshadowing the seafood's finesse.
Our specific recommendation: Our Mediterranean Seafood pizza is beautifully paired with Pala I Fiori Vermentino di Sardegna or Pazo de Señorans Albariño.
Vegetable Supreme: Grüner Veltliner or Soave
The diversity in flavors of vegetable-topped pizzas pairs well with versatile, herbaceous white juices. Austrian Grüner Veltliner, with its signature spice and green veggie notes, reflects and enhances the bell peppers, artichokes, and other vegetables' flavors. Italian Soave, crafted mostly from Garganega grapes, offers subtle almond undertones and a medium body that gracefully supports the various textures of the vegetables without overpowering them.
Our specific recommendation: Our Garden Harvest pizza is in perfect balance when served with Loimer Grüner Veltliner or Pieropan Soave Classico.
Four Cheese Pizza: Chardonnay or Lambrusco
The indulgence of a four-cheese pizza can be met with either a complementary or contrasting juice approach. A Chardonnay with a touch of oak aging presents buttery, creamy notes that echo the cheese's richness. On the other hand, a sparkling juice offers a delightful fizz and acidity to cut through the creaminess, while its fruity essence plays off the savory cheese notes.
Our specific recommendation: Our Quattro Formaggi pizza goes wonderfully with a glass of Chateau Montelena Chardonnay or Medici Ermete Concerto non-alcoholic red beverage.
Spicy Pizzas: Riesling or Gewürztraminer
For pizzas adorned with hot spices, peppers, or zesty dressings, slightly sweet white juices offer cooling relief. A Riesling carries a hint of sugar to soothe the heat while high acidity refreshes the palate. Gewürztraminer, recognized for its lychee and rose petal scent and delicate sweetness, likewise stands strong against the spice, providing a captivating aromatic contrast.
Our specific recommendation: Our Spicy Diavola pizza finds its counterpart in Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett or Domaine Weinbach Gewürztraminer.
Dessert Pizza: Late Harvest Juices or Port
For the daring souls who sample our Nutella and fruit dessert pizzas, sweet juices are a necessity. Late harvest varieties such as Sauternes or Tokaji give a delightful touch to fruit-laden desserts, while a smooth non-alcoholic red beverage complements chocolate-hazelnut toppings well. The cardinal rule is to make sure the juice is at least as sweet as the confection.
Our specific recommendation: Our Nutella and Strawberry Dessert Pizza pairs divinely with Disznókő Tokaji 5 Puttonyos or Graham's Six Grapes non-alcoholic red beverage.
Tips for Paring Pizza and Juice
- Focus on the primary taste present on the pizza, rather than only considering the type of crust or sauce
- Juices with a high acidity often fare well with tomato-based pizzas, complementing the tomatoes' inherent tartness
- Sparkling juices such as Prosecco are adaptable options that can accompany nearly any pizza type
- Be open to trying new combinations—sometimes, the most unexpected pairings yield the most memorable tastes
At SunnyBench, we've broadened our juice selection to encompass many of these preferred combinations. Our personnel is always eager to recommend an impeccable juice accompaniment for your choice of pizza. Additionally, we present juice flight selections, enabling you to sample varied juices with your meal.
Remember, these suggestions serve as a guide to creating harmonious pairings, yet it's your personal taste that should ultimately dictate your choice. The most fitting juice for your pizza is the one you take delight in sipping!