From Sicily: 2011 COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria, a blend of Nero d’Avola (brawny) and Frappato (lively).
I love beer, white wine, sparkling wine, and rosé with pizza. But the classics never go out of style. Here are two Italian red wines that are dynamite with pizza. Both were consumed at Bar Del Corso, one of my favorite restaurants in Seattle. Even if you don’t get pizza there (which you should), you’ll still have a great meal. All non-pizza options are creative, fresh, and expertly prepared. (Though can I put in a plug for bringing back the baby turnips?)
First up was the 2011 Azienda Agricola COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria. Hard to tell from this picture, but it comes in a squat bottle. So it’s already got your attention. This Sicilian red is a blend of Nero d’Avola, which brings some richness to the party, and Frappato, which is the lively, lampshade-on-the-head counterpart. Together, they work like Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell:
Second is what I consider to be the finest wine for pizza and cured meats. Or pizza with cured meats. It’s Lambrusco! The Cleto Chiarli Vecchia Modena Premium is a dry and fizzy delight. It’s very pale, almost a rosé. And dangerously easy to drink.
You’ll note the wild closure around the cork that seems intimidating, but you just (carefully) pull one of the wings out where they attach to the top of the bottle. (I saw our server do this with no fuss. A quick internet search reveals that, for many, a screwdriver is the preferred tool of choice….)
More Bar Del Corso, featuring a nettle pesto pizza with guanciale
More Seattle pizza, with padron peppers and an Italian rosé
Even more Seattle pizza, in a conversation with Mike Easton from Pizzeria Gabbiano:
dangerously easy to drink. want more….love this post!
Alfonoso,
I think you’d really enjoy Bar Del Corso. If you’re travels bring you to Seattle it’s a must. Thank you for the kudos.
Best,
Jameson
I need to make a note in my phone about these. I never know what type of wine to order at pizzarias
Kiano,
I can’t emphasize enough how fun it is to drink a dry Lambrusco with pizza. Hope you get a chance and would love to hear about it.
Best,
Jameson
Red wines are very good for the heart.
I love them and I think I will give a try to the one you’ve just shared.
Thanks alot for sharing.
I love that I now have two new wines to try for pizza night! I enjoy having friends over and making homemade pizza; it’s such an easy way to entertain and it’s easy to serve several kinds so there’s something for everyone. Looking forward to giving these wines a go at our next get-together.
Kristy,
Excellent. If you can find these exact producers, just have your friendly neighborhood wine geek help you out. Or send me a message.
Best,
Jameson
Completely agree that Lambrusco is fantastic with cured meats! There’s a wood fired pizza place near me that cures and smokes all of their own meats. Simply fantastic. They are BYOB so we sometimes slip in with a bottle of Lambrusco.
Lauren,
That place sounds great! My favorite place like that is Diavola in Geyserville.
Best,
Jameson
I am so excited about your recommendations. I was in Italy last year and did not take good notes on wine. Love the Lambrusco recommendation. I would not have thought of that. Your wine suggestions make me want to host an Italian themed dinner party. Thanks for the ideas!
Jennifer,
I am glad to hear that and if you need any extra wine help planning your dinner party let me know.
Best,
Jameson
I’ve been meaning to get to Bar del Corso for so long. I really need to get there ASAP! And now I know what wine to drink when I do 🙂
Des,
It is such a great spot. I look forward to a full report!
Best,
Jameson
we are down in Portland, and get to Seattle from time to time – I will have to remember this!
and these both sound like my kind of wine, pizza or not!
Kristina,
I’m sure you can get both those wines in Portland. Look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Best,
Jameson