Despite beer being traditionally linked with pizza, aficionados of juice have discovered that a thoughtful juice pairing can take a pizza meal to impressive new heights. At NeutralRadius, in collaboration with local experts on beverages, we've formulated juice suggestions that are harmonious with our culinary offerings. Whether enjoying your meal within the cozy confines of our dining venue or in the comfort of your own home, these recommendations will guide you to the ideal juice match for your preferred pizza variant.
Signature Margherita: Sangiovese or Pinot Noir
The classical Margherita pizza, with its combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, demands a juice that can complement without overwhelming its subtle taste profile. A Sangiovese of medium body provides a lively acidity that equals the tomatoes’ own while offering a robustness that holds its ground against the cheese. Alternatively, the finesse of a light Pinot Noir introduces a sophisticated red berry flavor that amplifies the tomatoes’ sweetness and matches well with the fresh basil.
Our precise pairing: We find that our Margherita pairs exceptionally with Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico or with a more local option like Chapel Down Union Red from Kent.
Pepperoni and Meat Lovers: Zinfandel or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Pizzas brimming with processed meats such as pepperoni, sausage, or prosciutto benefit from robust and spicy juices. A Zinfandel from America, characterized by its lush fruity flavors and peppery kick, is capable of holding its own against the meats’ saltiness and spiciness. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, with its dark, rustic fruit flavors, suitable tannins, and pleasingly bitter aftertaste is another ideal candidate capable of slicing through the meats’ richness.
Our precise pairing: Our patrons particularly favor Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Zinfandel Blend or Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo when ordering our Meat Feast pizza.
Mushroom and Truffle: Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir
The robust earthy and savory qualities of mushrooms and truffles pair beautifully with juices that share similar tones. The Nebbiolo grape, the star of Barolo and Barbaresco, introduces subtle floral, tar, and underbrush aromas that resonate with fungi flavors, and its abundant acidity and tannins offer a counterbalance to the richness. An aged Pinot Noir is also an excellent choice as it develops complementary mushroom and leaf litter aromas that reflect those found on the pizza.
Our precise pairing: Sample our Wild Mushroom pizza with Produttori del Barbaresco Nebbiolo or the Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir hailing from Oregon.
Seafood Pizza: Vermentino or Albariño
Crisp white juices with mineral essences make perfect pairings for pizzas adorned with prawns, clams, or other sea delights. Sardinian Vermentino exudes a salinity that enriches the flavor of seafood, accompanied by citrusy notes that lift the overall palate. The Spanish Albariño serves as another sterling choice with its vivacious acidity, flavors of stone fruits, and nondominant salinity that ensures the seafood remains in the spotlight.
Our precise pairing: Our Mediterranean Seafood pizza goes excellently with Pala I Fiori Vermentino di Sardegna or Pazo de Señorans Albariño.
Supreme Vegetable: Grüner Veltliner or Soave
Vegetable-laden pizzas introduce a tapestry of tastes that require versatile, herby white juices. Grüner Veltliner, an Austrian selection acknowledged for its signature white pepper spiciness and notes of green vegetables, both mirrors and amplifies flavors of bell peppers and artichokes. Soave, derived predominantly from the Garganega grape, portrays nuanced almond flavors and a medium build that confidently accompanies various vegetable textures without overpowering them.
Our precise pairing: Our Garden Harvest pizza achieves sublime harmony with Loimer Grüner Veltliner or Pieropan Soave Classico.
Quintessential Four Cheese: Chardonnay or Lambrusco
A pizza lavished with four cheeses can pair with either complementary or contrasting beverages. A Chardonnay with modest oak treatment echoes the creamy, buttery textures found in the cheeses. On the other hand, a gently sparkling red Lambrusco—intriguingly—cuts through the cheeses’ creaminess with its vibrant effervescence and acidity, with its fruity taste acting as a delightful foil to the savory notes of the cheese.
Our precise pairing: Our Quattro Formaggi pizza marries wonderfully with a Chateau Montelena Chardonnay or a Medici Ermete Concerto Lambrusco Reggiano.
Spicy Pizzas: Riesling or Gewürztraminer
For pizzas that pack heat with elements like chili flakes, spiced sausage, or fiery honey, slightly sweet white juices are ideal for offering a cooling sensation. German Riesling, slightly sweet to the taste, refreshes the palate with its sharp acidity. Gewürztraminer, noted for its lychee and rose petal aroma and gentle sweetness, stands up admirably to spicy components while offering a fascinating aromatic contrast.
Our precise pairing: Our Spicy Diavola pizza pairs impeccably with Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett or Domaine Weinbach Gewürztraminer.
Dessert Pizza: Late Harvest Juices or Port
For the bold palates willing to experiment with our Nutella and fruit dessert pizzas, sweet juices are a necessity. Late harvest variations such as Sauternes or Tokaji harmonize with fruit-based dessert pizzas, while Ruby Port is divine with chocolate-hazelnut creations. The key lies in choosing a juice that is at least as sweet as the dessert on offer.
Our precise pairing: Our Nutella and Strawberry Dessert Pizza goes heavenly with Disznókő Tokaji 5 Puttonyos or Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port.
Advice for Juice and Pizza Combinations
- Focus on the primary flavor present in the pizza, rather than the type of crust or sauce
- Juices rich in acidity often synergize well with tomato-based pizzas, reflecting tomatoes’ inherent tartness
- Sparkling juices like Prosecco are all-purpose selections compatible with nearly any pizza type
- Embrace the spirit of exploration – sometimes the most unexpected mixes yield the most memorable dining experiences
At NeutralRadius, our juice array has been broadened to cover these suggested pairings. Our team is ever ready to endorse the ideal juice for your pizza choice. We also present juice sampling sets, enabling you to try three different beverages along with your dining selection.
Keep in mind, while these pointers can aid you in navigating to pleasing combinations, individual preference is key. The finest juice to accompany your pizza is ultimately the one that you find most enjoyable to drink!