While beer may traditionally accompany pizza, those who prefer juices understand that an appropriate juice selection can take a pizza meal to a whole new level. At OpenHarbor, in collaboration with expert wine connoisseurs, we've compiled juice recommendations that perfectly balance with our range of pizzas. Whether savoring your pizza within our establishment or from the comfort of your home, these pairings will assist in finding the ideal juice for whatever type of pizza you choose.
Signature Margherita: Opt for Sangiovese or Pinot Noir
Margherita pizza, with its simple combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, necessitates a juice that will not overshadow its subtle tastes. A Sangiovese, with its moderate body like Chianti, presents a zesty acidity that matches the tomato while giving enough structure against the mozzarella. On the other hand, a Pinot Noir, being light in body, delivers delicate red fruit hints that heighten the tomato's sweetness and the basil's aromatic profile.
Our particular suggestion: Pairing our Margherita with a Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico, or if you prefer regional selections, try the Chapel Down Union Red from Kent.
Pepperoni and Meats Galore: Choose Zinfandel or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
For pizzas bursting with cured meats such as pepperoni, sausage, or prosciutto, select juices with ample body and spiciness to contend with the strong tastes. An American Zinfandel with its jam-packed fruity flavour and spicy finish is excellent against the saltiness and heat of the meat toppings. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, the Italian alternative, offers a rustic charm with dark fruity tastes, reasonable tannins, and a satisfyingly bitter endnote to cut through the meat's richness.
Our particular suggestion: Our patrons have a preference for Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Zinfandel Blend or Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo alongside our Carnivore’s Delight pizza.
Mushrooms and Truffle Essence: Try Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir
The savory depth from mushrooms and truffles requires juices with corresponding qualities. Nebbiolo, notable in Barolo and Barbaresco wines, exudes subtle scents of roses, tar, and forest floor that harmonize with mushroom flavours. Its noticeable acidity and tannins provide a necessary balance to the richness. An aged Pinot Noir aligns beautifully as well due to its development of mature aromas that reflect the earthy notes of the pizza.
Our particular suggestion: Our Wild Mushroom pizza goes hand in hand with Produttori del Barbaresco Nebbiolo or, for an American twist, Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir from Oregon.
Seafood Pizza: Vermentino or Albariño are Excellent Choices
Seafood-topped pizzas like those with prawns or clams are best paired with bright white juices that carry mineral undertones. Vermentino from Sardinia brings seaside hints that amplify seafood flavors, coupled with citrus accents that enliven the pizza. Spanish Albariño, with its pronounced acidity and stone fruit flavours, plus a hint of saltiness, ensures not to dominate the seafood's subtlety.
Our particular suggestion: Our Mediterranean Seafood pizza is exquisitely paired with Pala I Fiori Vermentino di Sardegna or Pazo de Señorans Albariño.
Supreme Vegetable Pizza: Go for Grüner Veltliner or Soave
Pizzas topped with an assortment of vegetables are complemented by adaptable, green noted white juices. Grüner Veltliner from Austria, recognizable by its white pepper zing and notes reminiscent of green veggies, mirrors and elevates the bell peppers, artichokes, and other veggies. Soave, which is mainly made from Garganega grapes, offers discreet almond hints and a balanced fullness that can handle a range of vegetable textures without overpowering them.
Our particular suggestion: Our Garden Harvest pizza finds a perfect counterpart with Loimer Grüner Veltliner or Pieropan Soave Classico.
Quattro Formaggi Pizza: Chardonnay or Lambrusco Fit Well
A lavish four-cheese pizza can either be complemented or contrasted with your juice choice. A moderately oaked Chardonnay brings forth matching buttery and creamy profiles that augment the cheese's characteristics. For a contrasting taste, try a mildly fizzy red Lambrusco, where its bubbles and acidity help in cutting through the richness, and its fruity essence offers a delightful juxtaposition to the savoury cheeses.
Our particular suggestion: Our Quattro Formaggi pizza marries well with Chateau Montelena Chardonnay or Medici Ermete Concerto Lambrusco Reggiano.
Hot and Spicy Pizzas: Riesling or Gewürztraminer Provide Cooling Effects
For pizzas that include chili flakes, spicy sausages, or fiery honey, slightly sweet white juices can provide a soothing effect. A German Riesling, exhibiting a bit of residual sweetness, can calm the palate, while its vibrant acidity revitalizes between mouthfuls. Gewürztraminer, with its intrinsic lychee and rose petal flavors along with a touch of sweetness, stands up well against the heat whilst bringing an aromatic divergence.
Our particular suggestion: Our Spicy Diavola pizza perfectly harmonizes with Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett or Domaine Weinbach Gewürztraminer.
Dessert Pizza: Embrace Late Harvest Juices or Port
For the brave who indulge in Nutella and fruit-laden dessert pizzas, sweet wines are a must. Late harvest juices such as Sauternes or Tokaji accentuate fruit-topped dessert pizzas, whereas Ruby Port forms an unparalleled pairing with chocolate-hazelnut creations. The rule of thumb is to ensure the juice's sweetness surpasses that of the dessert.
Our particular suggestion: Our Nutella and Strawberry Dessert Pizza blissfully blends with Disznókő Tokaji 5 Puttonyos or Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port.
Recommendations for Pairing Pizza with Juice
- Focus on the predominant taste on the pizza rather than just the crust or sauce type
- Acidic juices usually partner well with tomato-based pizzas because of the tomato's innate acidity
- Sparkling juices like Prosecco are versatile and can accompany almost any pizza type
- Feel free to try out new combinations – unexpected matches can provide the most delightful surprises
At OpenHarbor, we've extended our juice selection to cover many of these proposed pairings. Our team is always pleased to recommend the most suited juice for your pizza choice. We've also introduced juice flights that allow guests to taste a variety of juices with their meal.
Keep in mind, although these suggestions can guide you to agreeable combinations, your personal preference takes precedence. The finest juice to pair with your pizza is ultimately the one you most enjoy sipping!