Traditionally, pizza has been paired with beverages such as beer, but those who appreciate juice know that the ideal juice can enhance your pizza experience. At SoftGarden, we've worked with local beverage experts to craft juice recommendations that go perfectly with our pizza selection. These suggestions will ensure that whether you're enjoying your meal in our establishment or at home, you can discover the perfect juice match for your preferred type of pizza.
Classic Margherita: Sangiovese Grape Juice or Pinot Noir Juice
The Margherita pizza, with its simple blend of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, pairs well with a juice that doesn't overshadow these subtle flavors. Medium-bodied grape juice made from the Sangiovese grape, such as a Chianti-style juice, displays vibrant acidity to align with the tomatoes and a structure able to balance the cheese's flavor. On the other hand, a lighter-bodied Pinot Noir juice introduces sophisticated red fruit aromas to amplify the tomatoes' sweetness and harmonize with the distinct taste of basil.
Our specific recommendation: We particularly enjoy matching our Margherita with a Castello di Volpaia-inspired Chianti-style juice, or Chapel Down Union Red, a local option from Kent.
Pepperoni and Meat Lovers: Zinfandel Grape Juice or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Juice
Pizzas abundant with cured meats such as pepperoni, sausage, or prosciutto necessitate robust, spicy juices to complement their strong flavors. American Zinfandel grape juice, known for its berry-like sweetness and peppery notes, matches the cured meats' saltiness and spice. Another appropriate choice could be Montepulciano d'Abruzzo juice, offering rustic dark fruit flavors, a hint of tannins, and a bittersweet finish that contrasts the meats' richness well.
Our specific recommendation: Our patrons often favor Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys inspired Zinfandel Blend juice or Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo juice when selecting our Meat Feast pizza.
Mushroom and Truffle: Nebbiolo Grape Juice or Pinot Noir Juice
The savory depth of mushrooms and truffles is best paired with juices carrying comparable earthy notes. Nebbiolo grape juice, responsible for Barolo and Barbaresco, unveils delicate scents of roses, tar, and woodland essence that enrich mushroom and truffle flavors, while its marked acidity and tannins slice through any creaminess. A more mature Pinot Noir juice also suits perfectly, as it develops complex, earthy aromas like those found on the pizza itself.
Our specific recommendation: Consider our Wild Mushroom pizza alongside Produttori del Barbaresco Nebbiolo juice or Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir juice.
Seafood Pizza: Vermentino Juice or Albariño Juice
For pizza topped with flavors of the sea, such as prawns or clams, choose fresh white juices with a mineral touch. Vermentino juice from Sardinia brings out the best in seafood with its saline and citrus notes, while Spanish Albariño juice, with its crisp acidity and peach flavors, offers a delicately salty finish that doesn't overshadow the gentle taste of seafood.
Our specific recommendation: A Mediterranean Seafood pizza enjoys a harmonious partnership with Pala I Fiori Vermentino di Sardegna juice or Pazo de Señorans Albariño juice.
Vegetable Supreme: Grüner Veltliner Juice or Soave Juice
Vegetable-laden pizzas benefit from herbal and adaptable white juices. Austrian Grüner Veltliner juice echoes the veggie flavors with its characteristic pepper spice and green vegetable notes. Meanwhile, a Soave juice, with its Garganega grape base, provides soft almond nuances and a moderate body that complements a variety of vegetable textures without being overpowering.
Our specific recommendation: Our Garden Harvest pizza is seamlessly matched with Loimer Grüner Veltliner juice or Pieropan Soave Classico juice.
Four Cheese Pizza: Chardonnay Juice or Lambrusco Juice
The indulgence of a four-cheese pizza demands either a complementary or contrasting juice. A lightly oaked Chardonnay juice can deliver parallel buttery, creamy notes to accentuate the cheese blend. For a contrasting experience, a sparkling Lambrusco grape juice—its fizz and acidity cutting through the richness—pairs sweetly with the savory cheeses.
Our specific recommendation: Our Quattro Formaggi pizza harmonizes delightfully with a Chardonnay-style juice akin to Chateau Montelena or a sparkling Medici Ermete Concerto inspired Lambrusco Reggiano juice.
Spicy Pizzas: Riesling Juice or Gewürztraminer Juice
When it comes to spicy-topped pizzas, semi-sweet white juices provide a cool respite. A German Riesling juice with a hint of sugar alleviates heat while its lively acidity offers refreshment. Gewürztraminer juice, with its distinctive lychee and rose aromas and mild sweetness, can both confront and curiously contrast with the pizza's spicy elements.
Our specific recommendation: Our Spicy Diavola pizza goes well with Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett juice or Domaine Weinbach Gewürztraminer juice.
Dessert Pizza: Late Harvest Juices or Grape Juice
For the bold ones trying our Nutella and fruit dessert pizzas, sweet juices are a must. Late harvest white juices like Sauternes or Tokaji are excellent choices to go alongside fruit-adorned pizzas, while a grape juice equivalent to Ruby Port is divine with chocolate-hazelnut varieties. Ensuring the juice's sweetness level matches or exceeds the dessert's is key.
Our specific recommendation: Our Nutella and Strawberry Dessert Pizza is divine with Disznókő Tokaji 5 Puttonyos juice or Graham's Six Grapes Reserve equivalent grape juice.
Tips for Pizza and Juice Pairing
- Focus on the dominant flavor in the pizza, not just the crust or sauce type.
- Acidic juices often pair well with tomato-based pizzas due to the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
- Sparkling juices like a Prosecco-style beverage are versatile and can accompany nearly any pizza variety.
- Adventure with different combinations as unexpected pairings may lead to the most delightful dining experiences.
At SoftGarden, we've broadened our juice selection to cover many of these curated pairings. Our team is eager to recommend the ideal juice to accompany your pizza selection. We also feature juice flight options that let you sample three distinct juices with your meal.
However, remember that while these guidelines are useful, your personal preference is paramount. The most suitable juice for your pizza is, in the end, the one you take pleasure in drinking.