Margherita pizza is simplicity itself — tomato, mozzarella, basil and olive oil on a charred crust. The bright acidity of the tomato and the milky cheese call for a wine that matches that acidity and stays light and refreshing. Medium-bodied Italian reds are the classic, their savoury cherry fruit echoing the tomato, while a crisp white or sparkling wine suits a lighter mood. The wine should be fresh and unpretentious; high acidity is key to matching the tomato sauce.
Sommelier quick take
#1 pick — Sangiovese or a bright Barbera is #1: tomato acidity needs matching acidity in the glass.
If you only buy one — If you only buy one: a $12–18 Chianti, Barbera d'Asti, or dry Lambrusco. Splurge: Barolo for a special pizza night is overkill but fun.
Skip these
- Tannic young Cabernet
- Flabby cheap Merlot
- Dessert wines
Our sommelier's picks
Save to Pinterest#1Savoury Italian red
15–17°C (59–63°F)Sangiovese · Tuscany, Italy
Chianti's high acidity and savoury cherry mirror the tomato and stand up to the charred crust — a classic pizza red.
If you only buy one: a $12–18 Chianti, Barbera d'Asti, or dry Lambrusco. Splurge: Barolo for a special pizza night is overkill but fun.
Juicy southern red
15–17°C (59–63°F)Nero d'Avola · Sicily, Italy
Ripe fruit and Mediterranean herbs flatter the tomato and basil.
Great value.
Dry sparkling
6–8°C (43–46°F)Prosecco Glera · Veneto, Italy
Prosecco's fresh bubbles cut the cheese and refresh between bites, a fun, casual match.
Inexpensive and crowd-pleasing.
Crisp white
8–11°C (46–52°F)Vermentino · Sardinia, Italy
A zesty, saline white refreshes against the mozzarella and olive oil.
Affordable coastal white.
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Questions about pairing Margherita Pizza
What wine goes with margherita pizza?
A medium-bodied, high-acid Italian red like Chianti — its savoury cherry echoes the tomato and stands up to the crust. Crisp whites and Prosecco also work.
Why does acidity matter with pizza?
The tomato sauce is acidic, so the wine needs matching acidity to taste balanced rather than flat or sour.
Red or white with margherita?
Both — a savoury red for a classic match, or a crisp white or sparkling for a lighter, refreshing option.
Does mozzarella vs buffalo change the pairing?
Buffalo mozzarella is richer — lean slightly more structured (Chianti Riserva). Fresh fior di latte stays lighter; Barbera or a dry rosé shines.