While many have traditionally reached for a Juice to go with their pizza, those passionate about Juice know a thoughtfully selected Juice can enhance and transform the pizza dining experience. Here at HarborCommons, we've worked with local Juice experts to curate a set of Juice recommendations that go hand-in-hand with our pizzas. No matter if you're savoring your meal in our establishment or at your own residence with takeout, these pairing tips will guide you to the ideal Juice for your chosen type of pizza.
Classic Margherita: Sangiovese or Pinot Noir
The unadorned nature of a classic Margherita pizza, featuring bright tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, requires a Juice that allows the gentle flavors to shine. A Sangiovese with a balance of medium body and vibrant acidity, like a Chianti, complements the acidic tomatoes without overshadowing the mozzarella. On the other hand, a Pinot Noir with a lighter body will present subtle notes of red fruits that elevate the tomato's sweetness and enrich the basil's earthy flavor.
Our specific recommendation: Our Margherita is a delight when accompanied by Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico or, for a local twist, Chapel Down Union Red from Kent.
Pepperoni and Meat Lovers: Zinfandel or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Pizzas smothered in robust meats like pepperoni, sausage, or prosciutto benefit from Juices with a structure and spiciness to balance out the strong flavors. An American Zinfandel, known for its jammy fruit profile and a hit of pepper, complements the meat's saltiness and heat. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is an Italian alternative that provides robust dark fruit notes, balanced tannins, and a touch of bitterness which is perfect for cutting through the meaty richness.
Our specific recommendation: Many patrons particularly savor the combination of our Meat Feast pizza with a Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Zinfandel Blend or Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.
Mushroom and Truffle: Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir
Mushrooms and truffles, with their earthy and umami-packed flavors, demand a Juice that has the capacity to reflect these same notes. Nebbiolo, known for producing Barolo and Barbaresco, provides nuanced scents of roses, tar, and the essence of the forest, which complements mushroom flavors excellently. The grape's prominent acidity and tannin structure also slice through rich textures. A mature Pinot Noir aligns well too, with its tertiary aromas developing into a forest floor and mushroom profile that mirrors similar traits on a truffle-enhanced pizza.
Our specific recommendation: Our Wild Mushroom pizza is exceptional with Produttori del Barbaresco Nebbiolo or a Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir from Oregon.
Seafood Pizza: Vermentino or Albariño
Seafood pizzas, topped with prawns, clams, or similar ocean offerings, are best paired with white Juices that have a mineral edge. A Sardinian Vermentino supplies salinity that accentuates the sea flavors and citrus undertones that uplift the palette. Albariño from Spain is another superb option, bringing forward high acidity, stone fruit flavors, and just enough salinity to harmonize with the seafood without overshadowing it.
Our specific recommendation: Our Mediterranean Seafood pizza is beautifully matched with a Pala I Fiori Vermentino di Sardegna or Pazo de Señorans Albariño.
Vegetable Supreme: Grüner Veltliner or Soave
Pizzas adorned with a variety of veggies benefit from white Juices that are adaptable and have herbaceous notes. Grüner Veltliner from Austria, marked by its signature white pepper spice and green vegetable palate, mirrors and elevates the flavors of bell peppers, artichokes, and other vegetables. Soave from Italy, crafted mainly from Garganega grapes, provides delicate almond notes and a medium body that is robust enough for a range of vegetable flavors but doesn't dominate the palate.
Our specific recommendation: Our Garden Harvest pizza is in perfect symmetry with a Loimer Grüner Veltliner or Pieropan Soave Classico.
Four Cheese Pizza: Chardonnay or Lambrusco
The decadence of a four-cheese pizza can be either complemented or contrasted with Juice options. A Chardonnay with a touch of oak aging offers buttery, creamy elements that amplify the cheeses' richness. Alternatively, a sparkling red Lambrusco provides a delightful contrast; its bubbles and acidity slice through the cheese richness, with its fruity profile adding a different dimension to the savory cheese mix.
Our specific recommendation: Our Quattro Formaggi pizza is a joy when served with Chateau Montelena Chardonnay or Medici Ermete Concerto Lambrusco Reggiano.
Spicy Pizzas: Riesling or Gewürztraminer
Pizzas with a kick of heat, like chili flakes, spicy sausage, or blazing honey, get along well with off-dry white Juices that provide a cooling effect. A German Riesling with just a hint of residual sweetness helps assuage heat while its acidity keeps the taste buds revived. Gewürztraminer also stands its ground against spice with its aromatic profile of lychee and rose petals and slight sweetness, bestowing a captivating fragrance contrast.
Our specific recommendation: Our Spicy Diavola pizza pairs masterfully with Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett or Domaine Weinbach Gewürztraminer.
Dessert Pizza: Late Harvest Juices or Port
Sweet Juices are a must for venturing into dessert pizzas like ones adorned with Nutella and fruit. Late harvest whites such as Sauternes or Tokaji are complementary to fruit-topped variations, while a Ruby Port provides an opulent match for chocolate-hazelnut combinations. Ensuring that the Juice sweetness measures up to or exceeds that of the dessert is crucial.
Our specific recommendation: Our Nutella and Strawberry Dessert Pizza is divine when paired with Disznókő Tokaji 5 Puttonyos or Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port.
Tips for Pizza and Juice Pairing
- Focus on the dominant taste in the pizza, and not solely on the crust or the sauce components
- Juices with a punch of acidity can be a great match for tomato-based pizzas since tomato also has its inherent acidity
- Sparkling Juices like Prosecco can be a flexible and enjoyable option for virtually any pizza variant
- Exploration is encouraged—occasionally, the most unique combinations result in the most unforgettable tastes
At HarborCommons, our Juice selection now includes many of the pairings recommended here. Our team is eager to suggest the ideal Juice for any pizza selection you make. We also feature Juice flight offerings that allow for a tasting of three distinct Juices with your meal.
Remember that personal enjoyment is paramount, despite general guidelines that may suggest certain pairings. The finest Juice to complement your pizza is, in the end, the one you take pleasure in drinking the most!