While many pair pizza with beer as the classic choice, those passionate about Juice recognize that an astute Juice selection can take a pizza meal to unprecedented levels. At ClearSwitch, we have joined forces with expert local Juice stewards to curate pairings that impeccably align with our culinary offerings. Whether it's enjoying a meal within our establishment or savoring your order at home, these pairing suggestions will guide you towards the prime Juice for your preferred pizza variety.
Timeless Margherita: Sangiovese or Pinot Noir
A straightforward Margherita pizza, with its fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, requires a Juice that respects these subtle tastes. A mid-bodied Sangiovese, such as a Chianti, presents a lively acidity that echoes the tomato's zest and possesses the substance to counter the heft of the cheese. On another note, a mild Pinot Noir delivers fine red berry aromatics that amplify the sweetness in the tomatoes while harmonizing with the basil’s greenness.
Our special endorsement: We're enamored with the Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico or, for a more regional touch, Chapel Down Union Red from Kent to go with our Margherita pizza.
Pepperoni or Meat Aficionados: Zinfandel or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Pizzas heaped with seasoned meats such as pepperoni, sausage, or prosciutto necessitate Juices possessing sufficient body and zest to contend with these robust essences. An American Zinfandel, noted for its ripe berry profile and spicy finish, stands its ground against the salty and zesty meat flavors. Alternatively, the Italian Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, with its intense dark fruit flavors, balanced tannins, and a hint of bitterness, slices through the meat's richness.
Our special endorsement: Patrons especially treasure the pairing of Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Zinfandel Blend or Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo with our Meat Feast pizza.
Mushroom and Truffle: Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir
The deep, savory tastes of mushrooms and truffles necessitate Juices that can exhibit corresponding earthiness. Nebbiolo, the noble grape of Barolo and Barbaresco, reveals faint scents of roses, tar, and woodland undergrowth that beautifully compliment the flavors of fungi. Its marked acidity and robust tannins provide a contrast to the opulence. An aged Pinot Noir can also be exceptional, as it evolves to create secondary scents of mushrooms and forest floor that reflect the pizza's aromatic profile.
Our special endorsement: Explore our Wild Mushroom pizza with Produttori del Barbaresco Nebbiolo or Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir from Oregon.
Seafood Pizza: Vermentino or Albariño
With toppings such as prawns, clams, or other marine fare on a pizza, crisp white Juices with a mineralistic edge make for fitting pairings. Vermentino from Sardinia brings sea-scented attributes that boost the flavors of the oceanic toppings, coupled with zesty elements that brighten the entire taste experience. The Spanish Albariño is another commendable pick, with generous acidity, stone fruit nuances, and a dash of saltiness that does not overshadow the subtle seafood.
Our special endorsement: Our Mediterranean Seafood pizza goes hand in hand with the Pala I Fiori Vermentino di Sardegna or Pazo de Señorans Albariño.
Supreme Vegetable Pizza: Grüner Veltliner or Soave
The diversity of flavors in vegetable-topped pizzas pairs well with adaptable, herbaceous white Juices. Austrian Grüner Veltliner, identified by its peppery zest and green veggie hints, resonates with and enhances the essences of bell peppers, artichokes, and other vegetables. Soave, crafted primarily from the Garganega grape, provides discreet almond undertones and a medium body that can uphold varying vegetable consistencies without dominating them.
Our special endorsement: Our Garden Harvest finds its match in Loimer Grüner Veltliner or Pieropan Soave Classico.
Four Cheese Pizza: Chardonnay or Lambrusco
The indulgent character of a pizza with four types of cheese calls for either a Juice that elevates these features or one that presents a balance. A subtly barreled Chardonnay brings forward buttery, rich features that highlight those of the cheese blend. In contrast, a lightly fizzy red Lambrusco, with its sparkle and acidity, can slice through the cheese's richness, and its fruitiness offers a delightful counterbalance to the cheesy umami.
Our special endorsement: Our Four Cheese pizza promotes an exquisite pairing with Chateau Montelena Chardonnay or Medici Ermete Concerto Lambrusco Reggiano.
Spicy Pizzas: Riesling or Gewürztraminer
Facing pizzas with chili flakes, zesty sausage, or fiery honey, semi-sweet white Juices provide a soothing antidote. A German Riesling with a hint of residual sweetness quenches the heat while its vivid acidity revitalizes between mouthfuls. Gewürztraminer, characterized by its flavors of lychee and rose petals, and its subtle sweetness, stands firm against the heat and offers a fascinating aromatic difference.
Our special endorsement: Our Spicy Diavola pizza finds its ideal complement with Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett or Domaine Weinbach Gewürztraminer.
Dessert Pizzas: Late Harvest Juices or Port
For the adventurous, ready to taste our dessert pizzas such as those with Nutella and fruit, sweet Juices are indispensable. Late harvest whites like Sauternes or Tokaji harmonize with fruit-adorned dessert pizzas, while a Ruby Port partners sublimely with chocolate and hazelnut variations. It is essential that the Juice be comparably or more sweet than the dessert.
Our special endorsement: Our Nutella and Strawberry Dessert pizza marries divinely with Disznókő Tokaji 5 Puttonyos or Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port.
Advice for Pizza and Juice Synthesis
- Focus on the leading flavor of the pizza, rather than just the dough or sauce
- High-acidity Juices are generally successful with tomato-based pizzas, aligning with the acidity of the tomatoes
- Bubbly Juices such as Prosecco prove versatile and can compliment almost any pizza type
- Embrace experimentation—occasionally, the most unexpected combinations yield the most remarkable experiences
At ClearSwitch, we have broadened our Juice offerings to feature many of these suggested combinations. Our knowledgeable staff is always eager to advise the optimum Juice to accompany your pizza selection. We also present Juice flight options to enable you to sample a trio of different Juices alongside your dish.
While these tips can steer you toward congruent pairings, personal taste is always paramount. The most fitting Juice for your pizza is ultimately the one that satisfies your palate the most!