Pizza is one of the great democratic foods — it works with almost anything. But "almost anything" isn't the same as "everything works equally well." The right bottle turns a Tuesday night into something worth remembering. Here's what we'd reach for, and why.
This is the no-brainer move, and we mean that as a compliment. Southern Rhône blends — typically Grenache-forward with Syrah and Mourvèdre — have the ripe red fruit, savory herb notes, and just enough acidity to cut through tomato sauce and melted cheese without overwhelming either. The Les Clefs du Caladas is juicy and approachable but not simple. Margherita, pepperoni, sausage and peppers — this bottle handles all of it. At $25, it's also exactly what you want to be opening on a weeknight without thinking twice.
White pies — think ricotta, roasted garlic, maybe some truffle — need something with brightness and a little bitterness to keep things from going too rich. The Arancino is a Sicilian bitter aperitif made with blood orange, and it's genuinely one of the more food-friendly bottles we carry. Serve it over ice with a splash of sparkling water alongside a bianca or a mushroom pizza and you'll wonder why you've been drinking soda with takeout this whole time. The citrus and herbal notes mirror what's already happening on the pie. It's a lateral move that pays off.
If you're going all-out — dinner party, wood-fired situation, a pizza that took real effort — step up to the Les Clefs du Caladas Châteauneuf-du-Pape ($55). Same producer as the Côtes du Rhône, but with more depth, more structure, and a long finish that earns its place next to something genuinely great. Aged cheeses, cured meats, a proper Neapolitan crust — this is where that bottle shines.
This one's a bonus, not a pairing — but hear us out. In Argentina, Fernet with Coke is practically a food group. In Italy, a small pour of Fernet after a heavy meal is tradition for a reason. The intensely bitter, menthol-driven profile genuinely aids digestion and cuts through the heaviness of a big pizza night. Keep it around. You'll use it more than you expect.
All four of these bottles are on our shelves right now at 1128 W Armitage Ave. Stop in and we'll point you in the right direction — or order online for pickup. Pizza's waiting.
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