While soda has often been considered the standard companion to pizza, those who adore juice understand how the right non-alcoholic beverage pairing can enhance the pizza dining experience. At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, in cooperation with regional connoisseurs, we've devised juice suggestions that harmonize seamlessly with our pizza varieties. Whether you're savoring a meal in our establishment or indulging in takeaway at your abode, these recommendations will assist you in selecting the ultimate juice to accompany your preferred pizza variety.
Classic Margherita: non-alcoholic Sangiovese or Pinot Noir
The understated elegance of a Margherita pizza, with its ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, necessitates a juice that will not dominate these subtle tastes. An intermediate-bodied non-alcoholic Sangiovese delivers brilliant acidity to align with the tomatoes while offering sufficient structure to handle the cheese. Or, a lighter-bodied non-alcoholic Pinot Noir carries notes of refined red fruits that bolster the tomatoes' sweetness and blend well with the basil's flavor.
Our specific suggestion: We enjoy complementing our Margherita with a non-alcoholic Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico or a local alternative, Chapel Down Union Red from Kent.
Pepperoni and Meat Lovers: non-alcoholic Zinfandel or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Pizzas laden with salami, sausage, or prosciutto demand juices with ample body and spice to contend with their robust tastes. A non-alcoholic American Zinfandel, noted for jammy berries and a pepper-laden finish, admirably copes with the saline and spicy flavors of the meat toppings. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, offering rustic dark fruit hints, moderate tannins, and a satisfying bitter finish, slices through the meats' richness.
Our specific suggestion: Our patrons particularly favor Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys non-alcoholic Zinfandel Blend or Umani Ronchi non-alcoholic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo for our Meat Feast pizza.
Mushroom and Truffle: Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir
For pizzas with earthy mushrooms and truffles, go for juices that mirror these umami-rich essences. Nebbiolo, found in Barolo and Barbaresco, offers delicate fragrance of roses, tar, and forest floor that marry well with the flavors of fungi. Its robust acidity and tannins slice through the richness. An aged non-alcoholic Pinot Noir is also quite suitable, as it develops complementary characteristics of mushrooms and forest floor that resonate with the pizza.
Our specific suggestion: Try our Wild Mushroom pizza with non-alcoholic Produttori del Barbaresco Nebbiolo or Domaine Drouhin non-alcoholic Pinot Noir from Oregon.
Seafood Pizza: Vermentino or Albariño
Crisp juices with mineral notes are the ideal accompaniment for pizzas topped with prawns, clams, or other seafood. A non-alcoholic Vermentino from Sardinia reveals saline notes that amplify seafood tastes, together with citrus overtones that lighten the meal. Spanish non-alcoholic Albariño is another fine option, with its high acidity, stone fruit accents, and a hint of salinity that doesn't overshadow the delicate seafood.
Our specific suggestion: Our Mediterranean Seafood pizza is a fantastic match with non-alcoholic Pala I Fiori Vermentino di Sardegna or Pazo de Señorans non-alcoholic Albariño.
Vegetable Supreme: Grüner Veltliner or Soave
Pizzas covered with a range of vegetables pair well with adaptable, herb-forward white juices. Austrian non-alcoholic Grüner Veltliner, characteristically spiced with white pepper and vegetal elements, echoes and enhances the flavors of bell peppers, artichokes, and more. The Garganega-based non-alcoholic Italian Soave presents discreet almond hints and a medium build that hold up against the assorted vegetable textures.
Our specific suggestion: Our Garden Harvest pizza pairs impeccably with non-alcoholic Loimer Grüner Veltliner or Pieropan Soave Classico.
Four Cheese Pizza: Chardonnay or Lambrusco
A four-cheese pizza's depth of flavor requires either a complementary or contrasting juice match. A softly oaked non-alcoholic Chardonnay offers matching buttery, creamy profiles that highlight the cheese blend's similar features. For a contrast, attempt a non-alcoholic Lambrusco—its bubbles and acidity cut through the opulence, with its fruity zest presenting a delightful foil to the savory cheeses.
Our specific suggestion: Our Quattro Formaggi pizza blends wonderfully with non-alcoholic Chateau Montelena Chardonnay or Medici Ermete Concerto non-alcoholic Lambrusco Reggiano.
Spicy Pizzas: Riesling or Gewürztraminer
Confronted with pizzas that include chili sprinkles, hot sausage, or fiery honey, slightly sweet white juices provide respite. German non-alcoholic Riesling, with a trace of sweetness, cools the taste buds while its sharp acidity reinvigorates. A non-alcoholic Gewürztraminer, brimming with lychee and rose petal notes and a dash of sweetness, copes admirably with the spice while offering an appealing aromatic contrast.
Our specific suggestion: Our Spicy Diavola pizza meets its match with Dr. Loosen non-alcoholic Riesling Kabinett or Domaine Weinbach non-alcoholic Gewürztraminer.
Dessert Pizza: Late Harvest Juice or Port
For the daring who sample our Nutella and fruit dessert pizzas, sweet juices are a must. Late harvest types like a non-alcoholic Sauternes or Tokaji suit fruit-topped dessert pizzas, while non-alcoholic Ruby Port is heavenly with chocolate-hazelnut versions. The juice must be at least as sweet as the dessert.
Our specific suggestion: Our Nutella and Strawberry Dessert Pizza is divine with non-alcoholic Disznókő Tokaji 5 Puttonyos or non-alcoholic Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port.
Guidelines for Pizza and Juice Pairing
- Reflect on the primary flavor of the pizza rather than focusing solely on crust type or sauce
- Juices with high acidity typically marry well with tomato-based pizzas, complementing the tomatoes' inherent acid
- Versatile sparkling juices like non-alcoholic Prosecco match with nearly any pizza type
- It's fine to experiment—occasionally, the most surprising combinations yield the most extraordinary taste experiences
At Crust & Craft Pizzeria, our juice selection now encompasses many of these suggested pairings. Our team is eager to recommend the finest juice match for your pizza choice. We also present juice flight choices for sampling diverse kinds alongside your meal.
Remember, while these tips serve as a guide to balanced pairings, your individual liking is paramount. The finest juice for your pizza is, plain and simple, the one you most enjoy sipping!