The Perfect Wine To Pair With Friday Night Pizza

Americans love pizza. Between take-out, dine-in, frozen, and homemade, we spend millions of dollars annually on pizza. According to Techomic's Pizza Consumer Trend Report, 2016 saw the highest level of pizza consumption in the past four years. In fact, Americans now admit to eating pizza at least once a week and a Harris Poll reported Americans claim pizza as their number one comfort food. Whether enjoying New York style, Chicago style, or Neapolitan style, pairing pizza with a good wine elevates the entire dining experience.

The word pizza is first documented in the first century. It was a mainly eaten in central and southern Italy. Throughout history there have been many configurations of pizza seen in Sardinia, ancient Greece, Roman Jews during Passover, Lebanon, and China. Modern pizza began in 16th century Naples as a street food, it later evolved into the many forms of pizza we consume today. While Naples is the origin of pizza, Neapolitan style pizza is found all over Italy.

When looking for a wine to pair with pizza look to Puglia for ideal pairings. Puglia is a fertile, sunny region in southern Italy that stretches from the Italian boot's spur to the heel, along the Adriatic Sea. Puglia is home to bold and fruity red wines that are ideal with pizza. Beginning in 1962, 19 vine growers from San Marzano, Puglia joined forces to craft high quality wines. Over time the cooperative has expanded to 1,200 vine growers who embrace modern wine making techniques with traditional Puglian grapes to craft distinctive wines that are unique to the character of the region.

Focusing on three Puglian varities, here are four wines that are ideal for pizza night:

2013 San Marzano Talo Primitivo di Manduria DOP ($16.99): 100% Primitivo; medium+ ruby; medium aromas of baked black and red fruit, crushed red flowers, baking spice, dusty earth, black currant leaves, balsamic glaze; dark concentrated palate, rich and layered with medium+ grippy tannins, medium+ acidity, mouth-coating, long rich finish

2015 San Marzano Talo Negroamaro Salento IGP ($16.99): 100% Negroamaro; deep ruby with black hues; rich, concentrated nose of balsamic, dried savory herbs, worn leather, stewed blackberries, black plums, and black raspberries, cassis, hint of barnyard and medicinal notes; crushed velvet mouth-feel, juicy fruit takes center stage as rustic earthy notes fade to the background, structured with medium+ tannins and acidity, rich yet elegant and balanced, long juicy, bordering on jammy finish

2014 San Marzano Talo Malvasia Nera Salento IGP ($16.99): 100% Malvasia Nera; deep ruby; pronounced rustic nose of dusty earth, stewed blackberries, plums, pomegranates, black cherries, baking spice, warm asphalt, worn leather, black pepper, cassis, ground espresso beans; palate is lively and fresh, lots of juicy black fruit and spice, rustic nose fades on palate, expressive, plummy, medium+ tannins are well integrated, high acidity, this is a big wine but delivers on every level

2013 San Marzano Talo Salice Salentino DOP ($16.99): 85% Negroamaro & 15% Malvasia Nera; deep ruby; shy aromas of black cherries, blueberries, pomegranates and black raspberries, black licorice, cassis, baking spice, medicinal, sweet tobacco leaves, a touch of Christmas potpourri; high complex wine that continued to evolve, palate is layered and textural with juicy fruit, spice, and dusty earth flavors intertwined; purposeful tension between rustic and elegance; pronounced yet integrating tannins, medium+ acidity, big and powerful yet approachable, long juicy finish