Pizza and wine – two of life's greatest pleasures that, when paired correctly, can elevate each other to new heights. Australia is blessed with both exceptional pizzerias (like Crust!) and world-class wine regions, making it the perfect place to explore this delicious combination.

In this guide, we'll take you through the art of pairing different pizza styles with complementary Australian wines, helping you create the perfect dining experience at home.

The Basics of Pizza and Wine Pairing

Before diving into specific pairings, it's helpful to understand some general principles:

• Match intensity levels: Bold, flavorful pizzas work best with fuller-bodied wines, while lighter pizzas pair nicely with lighter wines.
• Consider the sauce: Tomato-based pizzas have acidity that pairs well with acidic wines, while white or cream-based pizzas generally match with richer, buttery wines.
• Think about toppings: Often the dominant flavors come from toppings – meat, vegetables, or cheese – which can guide your wine selection.
• Regional pairings often work: Italian wines traditionally pair well with pizza for a reason – they evolved together!

Now, let's explore some specific pairings with our Crust Pizza menu and exceptional Australian wines.

Classic Margherita & Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir

The Margherita pizza – with its simple combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil – is the perfect canvas to appreciate the nuances of a medium-bodied wine. An Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir offers bright red fruit flavors and subtle earthy notes that complement the sweet tomato sauce without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

Why it works: The acidity in both the tomato sauce and the Pinot Noir create harmony, while the wine's silky tannins complement the creamy mozzarella. The herbaceous notes in the wine also echo the fresh basil.

Recommended bottle: Shaw + Smith Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir

Pepperoni Pizza & Barossa Valley Shiraz

The spicy, slightly smoky character of pepperoni calls for a bold, robust wine that can stand up to these flavors. Enter Barossa Valley Shiraz – Australia's flagship red wine with its rich fruit profile, peppery notes, and substantial body.

Why it works: The full-bodied nature of Shiraz matches the intensity of pepperoni, while its peppery notes complement the spices in the meat. The wine's tannins help cut through the richness of the cheese and meat.

Recommended bottle: Henschke 'Henry's Seven' Barossa Shiraz Blend

BBQ Chicken Pizza & McLaren Vale GSM Blend

BBQ sauce brings sweet, smoky, and tangy elements to this popular pizza. A McLaren Vale GSM blend (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvèdre) offers the perfect balance of fruit-forward flavors, spice, and structure to complement these complex flavors.

Why it works: The Grenache component brings ripe, juicy red fruit flavors that match the sweetness in the BBQ sauce, while the Shiraz and Mourvèdre add spice and earthiness that complement the smoky elements and chicken.

Recommended bottle: d'Arenberg 'The Stump Jump' GSM

Seafood Pizza & Tasmanian Riesling

Our seafood pizzas, featuring prawns, calamari, and other delicate ocean treasures, pair beautifully with the crisp, citrusy profile of a cool-climate Tasmanian Riesling. The wine's minerality evokes the ocean, creating a perfect sensory match.

Why it works: The high acidity and citrus notes in Riesling act like a squeeze of lemon on seafood, enhancing its flavors. The wine's clean finish refreshes the palate between bites without overpowering the delicate seafood.

Recommended bottle: Josef Chromy Tasmanian Riesling

Vegetarian Supreme & Yarra Valley Pinot Gris

The medley of vegetables on our Vegetarian Supreme – bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, onions, and more – creates a symphony of flavors that pairs wonderfully with an aromatic Yarra Valley Pinot Gris. This wine offers enough body to stand up to the various components while maintaining a fresh, clean profile.

Why it works: The wine's pear and apple notes complement the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while its subtle spice notes enhance the earthy mushrooms. The wine's texture balances the various vegetables without dominating any particular element.

Recommended bottle: Innocent Bystander Yarra Valley Pinot Gris

White Pizza with Truffle & Margaret River Chardonnay

Our white pizzas featuring creamy sauces, especially those with truffle, call for a rich, complex white wine. A Margaret River Chardonnay, with its perfect balance of fruit, oak, and acidity, creates a luxurious pairing experience.

Why it works: The buttery, creamy elements in the Chardonnay mirror those in the pizza's white sauce, while the wine's complexity stands up to the distinctive truffle flavors. The natural acidity helps cut through the richness, refreshing your palate.

Recommended bottle: Leeuwin Estate 'Prelude Vineyards' Chardonnay

Spicy Diavola & King Valley Prosecco

Sometimes the unexpected pairing creates magic. Our spicy Diavola pizza, with its hot chili components, pairs surprisingly well with a crisp, refreshing King Valley Prosecco. The bubbles and slight sweetness provide the perfect counterpoint to the heat.

Why it works: The effervescence of the Prosecco acts as a palate cleanser between spicy bites, while its slight sweetness helps tame the heat. The wine's bright acidity also cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat.

Recommended bottle: Brown Brothers Prosecco

Elevate Your Pizza Night

Next time you order from Crust Pizza, consider adding a bottle of wine to create a complete dining experience. These pairings aren't strict rules but rather suggestions to enhance your enjoyment. The best pairing ultimately is the one you enjoy the most!

For special occasions, Crust offers curated pizza and wine packages in select areas – check our app or website for availability in your location.

Remember to enjoy responsibly, and cheers to your next pizza and wine adventure!