Despite beer being historically linked as the go-to drink for pizza, those passionate about juices understand that the appropriate juice selection can significantly enhance the pizza dining experience. At UrbanHaven, we've worked hand-in-hand with local wine experts to devise juice pairings that are the perfect match for our offerings. Regardless of whether you're relishing our dishes inside our venue or preferring takeout at your place, these suggestions will guide you to the ideal juice partner for your chosen pizza variant.
Timeless Margherita: Sangiovese or Pinot Noir
A Margherita pizza with its straightforward ingredients – fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil – necessitate a juice that doesn't overshadow these subtle tastes. A Sangiovese with a medium body, such as a Chianti, brings forth a lively acidic touch in congruence with the tomatoes without compromising the melding with the cheese. Conversely, a Pinot Noir, being light-bodied, contributes fine red berry nuances that amplify the tomato sweetness and blend harmoniously with the aromatic basil.
Our selected favorite: We're fond of pairing our Margherita pizza with Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico, or for a more local vibe, Chapel Down Union Red from Kent.
Pepperoni and Meat Hearty Selections: Zinfandel or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
For pizzas brimming with cured meats like pepperoni, sausage, or prosciutto, you'll want juices with a robust body and a punch of spice to counter the dominant flavors. An American Zinfandel, with its full berry profile and spicy finish, stands strong against the salt and spice of meat toppings. Alternatively, the Italian Montepulciano d'Abruzzo presents a rustic dark fruit profile, balanced tannins, and a refreshing bitter edge that slices through the meat's succulence.
Our selected favorite: Our patrons particularly savor Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Zinfandel Blend or Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo when enjoying our Meat Feast pizza.
Mushroom and Truffle Aroma: Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir
The deep earthy and umami qualities presented in mushrooms and truffles seek out juices with analogous flavor notes. Nebbiolo, the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco, emanates subtle scents of roses, tar, and the woodland floor, which resonates with the fungal elements. Its pronounced acidity and tannins provide a balance to the creamy textures. An aged Pinot Noir is equally fitting as it evolves to acquire secondary aromas of mushrooms and underbrush, reflecting those found on the pizza itself.
Our selected favorite: For our Wild Mushroom pizza, we recommend Produttori del Barbaresco Nebbiolo or Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir from Oregon.
Seafood Delight: Vermentino or Albariño
Seafood pizzas adorn themselves with ingredients like prawns and clams, thriving alongside crisp white juices that express mineral undertones. A Sardinian Vermentino embeds a salinity that complements the seafood, paired with zesty notes to enhance the dining experience. The Spanish Albariño is a stellar choice as well, delivering high acidity and juicy stone fruit flavors with a hint of salinity that pairs without overshadowing the delicate seafood tastes.
Our selected favorite: Our Mediterranean Seafood pizza forms an exquisite pairing with Pala I Fiori Vermentino di Sardegna or Pazo de Señorans Albariño.
Ultimate Veggie: Grüner Veltliner or Soave
Vegetable-laden pizzas present a mosaic of tastes that thrive with adaptive, herb-infused white juices. The Austrian Grüner Veltliner, known for its white pepper zest and vegetal undertones, echoes the bell peppers, artichokes, amongst other vegetable flavors. The Garganega-based Italian Soave offers nuanced almond touches and a balanced body that maintains the vegetable textures without domineering them.
Our selected favorite: Our Garden Harvest pizza aligns perfectly with Loimer Grüner Veltliner or Pieropan Soave Classico.
Quintessential Four Cheese: Chardonnay or Lambrusco
The opulence of a four-cheese pizza can be met with either a complementary or contrasting juice. A Chardonnay with subtle oak aging furnishes buttery and creamy elements that resonate with the cheese blend. Alternatively, a sparkling Lambrusco brings a vibrant acidity and buoyancy that cuts through the dense cheese, all while its fruity essence presents a delightful contrast to the savory cheeses.
Our selected favorite: Our Quattro Formaggi pizza marries beautifully with Chateau Montelena Chardonnay or Medici Ermete Concerto Lambrusco Reggiano.
Fiery Flavors: Riesling or Gewürztraminer
For pizzas with a kick – be it chili flakes, zesty sausage, or flavorful honey – slightly sweet white juices provide a cooling reprieve. A German Riesling with just a hint of sweetness quenches the palate, while its vibrant acidity rejuvenates after each mouthful. Gewürztraminer, known for its floral lychee and rose character with a trace of sweetness, counters the spiciness and introduces an invigorating aromatic divergence.
Our selected favorite: Our Spicy Diavola pizza meets its match with Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett or Domaine Weinbach Gewürztraminer.
For the Sweet Tooth: Luscious Late Harvest Juices or Port
For those intrigued by our Nutella and fruit dessert pizzas, sweet juices are mandatory. Late harvest whites such as Sauternes or Tokaji match fruit-topped dessert pizzas, while a Ruby Port aligns divinely with chocolate-nutty variations. The crucial detail is that the juice should parallel the dessert's sweetness or exceed it.
Our selected favorite: Our Nutella and Strawberry Dessert Pizza pairs sublimely with Disznókő Tokaji 5 Puttonyos or Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port.
Insights for Combining Pizza with Juices
- Focus primarily on the pizza's prevailing flavor, rather than solely on crust or sauce
- Acidic juices align well with tomato-centric pizzas, mirroring the tomatoes' inherent acidity
- Bubbly juices like Prosecco provide versatile pairings for nearly any pizza choice
- Exploration is encouraged – occasionally, the most unexpected matches yield extraordinary gastronomic moments
At UrbanHaven, our juice catalog now hosts many of these expert-recommended combinations. Our knowledgeable team is ever-ready to recommend the optimal juice for your pizza preference. We also feature juice flights that afford the chance to explore diverse juices with your meal.
Be mindful that these guidelines serve as a navigational aid towards harmonious matches, yet individual taste perceptions prevail. The ultimate juice to accompany your pizza is, without question, the juice you most enjoy sipping!