Hey there, pizza lovers!
Christina here, your resident foodie and pizza enthusiast from Mortadella Head
If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing better than the perfect slice of pizza with a big ol’ glass of wine on a Friday night.
Whether it’s a classic Margherita or something more adventurous like our Pig Pen pizza, a slice of Mortadella Head’s famous pies goes down pretty easily with some vino.
And since we offer our incredible Roman pizzas both at the restaurant and now shipped frozen nationwide, I thought it was time I created the ultimate guide to pairing wine with these pies.
Whether you’re ordering from our online store, or picking up delivery from our Somerville spot, here’s how to find the perfect wine pairing for every pizza we offer.
Now, let’s dive into the best matches for our pizzas, using all the wine knowledge I’ve picked up over the years.
And as often as I sip, I’m basically an expert. 😉
Mozzarella & Tomato Roman Pizza: The Classic Margherita Vibe
We can’t start a pizza and wine pairing guide without talking about our Mozzarella & Tomato Roman Pizza. It’s a simple and delicious pizza with heaps of mozzarella cheese, a beautiful tomato sauce, and fresh basil. It’s our version of a classic Margherita pizza.
The tanginess of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the mozzarella call for a wine with good acidity and bright fruit flavors.
The best wine to pair with this classic? A Chianti Classico or Barbera d’Asti would be excellent choices.
Both wines have just the right amount of acidity to complement the acidity of the tomato, and the soft tannins make it a great match for the mozzarella’s rich, creamy texture.
If you’re a fan of white wine, a crisp Pinot Grigio is also a great way to go. This grape offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the pizza.
Pepperoni Roman Pizza: Bold Slices Deserves Bold Reds
Our Pepperoni Roman Pizza is a crowd-pleaser, and for good reason. The spicy pepperoni paired with our homemade tomato sauce is the kind of pizza that begs for a bold red wine.
The slight kick of the spicy pepperoni and the richness of the cheese need something that can stand up to those bold flavors.
My go-to here would be a Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir. The Cabernet Sauvignon has strong tannins and deep, dark fruit flavors that pair perfectly with the meat lovers out there.
For a lighter option, Pinot Noir has just enough fruit-forward notes and soft tannins to bring out the best in the pepperoni without overwhelming the pizza’s flavor.
If you’re a fan of bubbles with your pizza, you can also try a sparkling wine, bubbly champagne, or even a dry rosé for a lighter, more refreshing match.
Bolognese & Pecorino Roman Pizza: Meat Lovers, Meet Your Match
Our Bolognese & Pecorino Roman Pizza is for all you hardcore meat lovers out there. Its rich, savory bolognese sauce and salty Pecorino cheese pairs perfectly with full-bodied red wines.
It goes perfectly with deep flavors — something that can cut through the richness of the bolognese while complementing the cheese.
For this pizza,I recommend a Cabernet Franc or Chianti Classico. The Cabernet Franc has earthy tones and bright acidity, making it an ideal pairing for this meat-heavy pizza.
If you prefer something a little lighter, a Chianti Classico is another great choice, thanks to its fruity undertones and good acidity. These wines will enhance the flavors of the bolognese without overpowering it.
Roasted Onion & Pepper Roman Pizza: Veggie Pizza Lovers, Unite!
For those who prefer a vegetarian pizza, our Roasted Onion & Pepper Roman Pizza is a veggie lover’s dream. The sweet roasted onions and peppers combined with the rich mozzarella cheese call for a wine with some fruitiness and bright acidity.
A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would be my picks here. Both wines have a crisp white finish with enough acidity to cut through the richness of the mozzarella while bringing out the sweetness of the veggies.
If you prefer reds, a light Pinot Noir is another option, as it won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the roasted vegetables.
Buffalo Chicken: Spice Meets Refreshing Wines
Our Buffalo Chicken Pizza packs a punch with its spicy buffalo sauce and tangy blue cheese. When pairing wine with spicy foods, you want something that can cool your palate without clashing with the heat.
I recommend a dry rosé or sparkling rosé. The light, fruity flavors of these wines complement the spice of the buffalo sauce while adding a refreshing balance.
If rosé isn’t your style, Riesling is another great option thanks to its slight sweetness balancing out the heat. For red wine lovers, a Barbera d’Asti has just enough acidity to stand up to the tangy flavors of the buffalo sauce.
The Pig Pen: BBQ Heaven with a Smoky Red
Now, let’s talk about our Pig Pen Pizza—a meaty masterpiece featuring BBQ pulled pork, bacon, onions, pickles, and crispy fried onion strings. This pizza’s smoky, savory, and slightly sweet profile calls for a bold red that can match its intensity.
The best pairing here? A Zinfandel or a Cabernet Sauvignon. Both wines have the depth and richness to stand up to the BBQ sauce and pulled pork while enhancing the pizza’s flavor.
If you’re more into white wines, a Chardonnay with a bit of oak can also work as a surprisingly satisfying match.
Patate & Prosciutto: A Creamy, Savory Combo
Our Patate & Prosciutto Pizza is a unique take with garlic cream sauce, aged mozzarella, thinly sliced potatoes, prosciutto, and rosemary. This pizza’s creamy richness pairs beautifully with a medium-bodied wine.
For a white wine option, a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would be my top picks, as their bright acidity will cut through the richness of the cream sauce and bring out the flavors of the prosciutto and potatoes.
If you prefer a red, a Chianti Classico is another excellent match, with its fruity notes balancing the savory ham and potatoes.
Whether you’re enjoying Mortadella Head’s local delivery or ordering them to be shipped straight to your door, there’s always a perfect wine pairing to elevate your experience.
From pepperoni pizza with a bold red to our Mozzarella & Tomato Roman Pizza with a crisp white wine, the right wine pairing can really turn up your night.
So, next time you’re enjoying one of Mortadella Head’s delicious Roman pizzas—whether it’s the Pig Pen or the Patate & Prosciutto—grab a glass of your favorite wine and find your perfect match.
Cheers to good wine and even better pizza!
