January the 17th, 2025 | International pizza day | Pizza and wine are the ideal pairing. In fact, It may seem strange to believe, but it is indeed so.
But let’s proceed step by step.
A BIT OF HISTORY
In the past, at the depths of winter, every 17th January in Naples, an ancient custom took place: the closing of all the Neapolitan pizzerias. Then, they took a day off to gather and light a bonfire in thanksgiving for their patron saint, Sant’Antonio Abate.
This important date has passed into history as the celebration of International Pizza Day. Thanks to its fascinating history and its ability to adapt to all cultures, it has become a symbol of Italian cuisine around the world.
But International Pizza Day is not just about food: it is also an opportunity to explore the excellence that goes with it, such as wine.
THE PERFECT PAIRINGS
The art of eating has always been a balance between food and wine, and pizza is no exception!
To confirm that pizza and wine are the ideal pairing, we show you the best pairings between various pizzas and wines:
Pizza with strong flavours, topped with mushrooms and/or cheese, goes well with a red wine with a medium body and soft tannins. This type of wine best accompanies the richness of the toppings, balancing the savouriness and texture of the pizza. For that reason, Com’Era, with its round and well-structured taste and notes of ripe red fruits, is the perfect match. Discover more about this wine HERE.
Delicate and light pizza, white or red, topped with vegetables, fresh cheese or anchovies, combines perfectly with a dry, savoury and fruity white wine. This wine marries to perfection the delicacy of the mozzarella and the slight acidity of the tomato, without overpowering the flavours, creating the right balance of freshness that stimulates the palate. In fact for this pizza, Erta al Mandorlo is an exemplary combination, particularly persistent and intense, with characters that continue to evolve in the glass. Click HERE for more information on this product;
Simple pizzas, without too many toppings, such as white pizza with cheese and vegetables or Neapolitan, are fully associated with rosé wine with good acidity and fruity notes. Besides, this type of wine is able to contrast the savouriness of the anchovies, the freshness of the tomato and the full flavour of the mozzarella. These characteristics are all found in RosaÈ, with clear notes of red berries, good acidity, smooth and persistent. Have a look HERE to find out more!
Pizza and wine are therefore not just a gastronomic pairing, but a true expression of tradition and creativity. Moreover, this year break free from popular belief and enjoy the ideal combination of your favourite pizza together with a good glass of wine to make the experience even more special!
TOP 5 PIZZERIAS IN FLORENCE
We reveal straightaway our top 5 pizzerias in Florence and the surrounding area, which allow you to accompany your pizza with one of our wines on their list:
I Camaldoli, small restaurant in the historic centre of Florence, with top quality products personally selected by Tommaso, a young pizza maker with a passion for leavening and intense flavours.
Definitely try the pizza with yellow tomato sauce!
Where: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 14r, 50123, Florence
For reservations: +39 055 268407
Il Vecchio e il Mare, an award-winning pizzeria in a magical courtyard, also gluten-free (with homemade dough!). They also serve fish dishes, for those who don’t want to give up anything…
Try the Grigio Casentino!
Where: Via Vincenzo Gioberti, 6N, 50121, Florence
For reservations: 055 669575
Divina Pizza, where pizza is truly divine! Graziano is the king of dough, offering 4 different types of dough, exquisitely seasoned with Slow Food Presidium ingredients
Choose the “perfume of Chianti”!
Where: Borgo Allegri, 50/red, 50122, Florence
For reservations: 055 234 7498
Bastian Contrario, a pizza restaurant where local cuisine and traditional ingredients meet the imagination of Matteo in the kitchen and the dedication of Tiziana in the dining room. In addition to the large choice of pizzas on the menu, with the off-menu pizzas the seasonal ingredients are made the most of.
Savour the Bardiccio pizza!
Where: Via Aretina, 1, 50065, Pontassieve
For reservations: 055 202 6845
I’Regolo, a pizzeria of reference in Mugello, offering gourmet pizzas and ‘traditional’ pizzas, each telling a story of a family in love with pizza for 30 years!
Try the Agricola, every month with ingredients from the countryside!
Where: Via Calimara, 4 A, 50038, San Piero a Sieve
For reservations: 055 849 8240
Now you have everything you need to be able to book and enjoy an excellent pizza night in the company of your beloved ones, as well as the wine that best embraces the flavours and aromas of your favourite pizza.
We’re ready to try them all, are you?
