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The favorite beverage Italians pair with pizza may surprise you
When it comes to Italian cuisine, one of the most iconic and beloved dishes is pizza. Whether it’s a classic margherita or a loaded meat pie, pizza has captured the hearts (and appetites) of people around the world. But have you ever wondered what Italians prefer to drink with their beloved pizza? The answer may surprise you.
It’s not all about wine
Italy is famous for its wine culture, and it’s no secret that Italians love their vino. Pre-dinner aperitifs and post-dinner digestifs often include wine. In fact, Italy ranked second in per capita wine consumption in 2020, with each Italian over the age of 15 reportedly drinking an average of 46.6 liters of wine (according to BK Wine Magazine). When it comes to pizza, however, Italians deviate from their wine-loving tradition.
Contrary to expectations, Italians prefer to pair their pizza with beer rather than wine. While beer is growing in popularity in Italy, the main reason for this choice is more practical. Pizza, especially the traditional Neapolitan style, is often loaded with cheese and other dairy products. The epic amounts of dairy in pizza require some help to go down smoothly, and Italians believe that carbonated beverages aid in digestion. That’s why beer and even Coke are the preferred pairings with pizza, as they provide the desired carbonation to complement the cheesy goodness of the pie (via Food52).
Picking the right beer for your pizza
Just as Italians think about pairing wine with different dishes, they also think about the perfect beer to go with their pizza. The choice of beer depends on the type of pizza and its toppings, as different flavors interact in unique ways. Here are some guidelines for choosing the ideal beer to enhance your pizza experience:
1. Spicy pizzas: If you’re indulging in a spicy pizza topped with meats like pepperoni, opt for a pale ale. The hoppy bitterness of the beer complements the spiciness of the pizza, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
2. Pineapple pizzas: For those who enjoy the controversial pineapple topping on their pizza, equally fruity beers are a great choice. The fruity notes in the beer pair well with the tropical sweetness of the pineapple, balancing the overall flavor.
3. Classic Margherita: A simple and timeless Margherita pizza pairs well with floral ales or hoppy IPAs that bring out the basic flavors of the pizza without overpowering them. These beer styles allow the fresh ingredients to shine.
4. Cheesy pizzas: For ultra-rich, cheesy pizzas like Quattro Formaggi, opt for lighter beers to balance the richness of the cheese. Light lagers or pilsners work well here and provide a refreshing contrast.
5. Meat Pizzas: Pizzas loaded with savory meats benefit from darker beers. The maltiness and slightly bitter notes of darker beers complement the saltiness of the meats, creating a satisfying combination.
6. Mushroom Pizzas: Mushroom pizzas have earthy flavors that can be enhanced by pairing with stouts. The toasty and chocolatey notes in stouts enhance the earthiness of the mushrooms and help balance the overall flavor.
7. Veggie Pizzas: For pizzas topped with a medley of fresh vegetables, pilsners are a great choice. Their clean and crisp flavors complement the vibrant and varied flavors of the vegetables.
8. Sparkling wine pairings: While beer is the preferred choice for pairing with pizza, Italians still enjoy pairing wine with their favorite dish, as long as it’s sparkling. Sparkling wines such as Prosecco, Gragnano, or Lettere are excellent companions to pizza, providing the desired carbonation and a touch of elegance.
Keep in mind that the art of pairing beer with pizza is subjective, and personal preference plays an important role. These guidelines can serve as a starting point to enhance your pizza experience, but don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect combination.
In conclusion
Italians have a deep appreciation for both pizza and beverages, and their choice to pair beer with this beloved dish may surprise some. The combination of beer’s carbonation and the richness of pizza’s cheese and toppings creates a delightful harmony of flavors. Whether you prefer a pale ale with a spicy pizza or a stout with a mushroom pie, there’s a beer waiting to take your pizza experience to new heights.
So the next time you enjoy a slice of pizza, consider grabbing a cold beer to go with it. Embrace the Italian tradition and enjoy the deliciousness of this unexpected pairing. Buon appetito!
FAQS
What is the favorite drink Italians pair with pizza?
Contrary to expectations, Italians prefer to pair their pizza with beer rather than wine.
Why do Italians choose beer over wine with pizza?
Italians typically eat pizza for dinner, and the substantial amounts of dairy in pizza require some help to aid digestion. Italians believe that carbonated beverages such as beer and even Coke aid in this process.
Can wine go with pizza?
Yes, Italians still enjoy wine with pizza, as long as it’s sparkling. Sparkling wines such as Prosecco, Gragnano or Lettere are excellent with pizza.
How do Italians choose the right beer to go with their pizza?
Italians consider the type of pizza and its toppings when choosing the ideal beer. Spicy pizzas go well with pale ales, pineapple pizzas go well with fruity beers, and classic margherita pizzas can be complemented by floral ales or hoppy IPAs.
Are there specific beer recommendations for different types of pizza?
For ultra-rich, cheesy pizzas like Quattro Formaggi, lighter beers like lagers or pilsners work well. Meat pizzas go better with darker ales, and mushroom pizzas can be enhanced by pairing them with stouts. Pilsners shine next to veggie pizzas topped with fresh vegetables.
Is beer-pizza pairing subjective?
Yes, the art of pairing beer with pizza is subjective, and personal preference plays an important role. These guidelines can serve as a starting point, but feel free to experiment and find your own perfect pairing.