National Pizza Day coincides with Super Bowl Sunday this year. Here are some winning wines.
It’s Super Bowl Sunday—what’s on your party platter? A Google search shows chicken wings, nachos and chili are among the top picks for munching during the big game. And, also pizza. And since today’s National Pizza Day, having a pie at your party is a double win.
I don’t wait for game day or any other occasion to eat pizza. I treat myself to a couple of slices every Friday night as my reward for getting through the week. The toppings vary, but the wine usually does not: always red, mostly Italian (natch), but often not. Here are some easy-drinking Italians (OK, I’m predictable!) to go with your Super Bowl pizza today, but also, any day.
Badia a Coltibuono 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG. Made from organic Sangiovese grapes and showing classic markers of cooked strawberries and brightened by cedar notes and a citric acid streak hinting of a southern clime such as blood oranges or Clementine. Though SanG is the dominant player, this also has small percentages of natives Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and Colorino.
Carpineto 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG. An obvious match for pizza and red sauce dishes, but also good with meaty roasted fish and roasted vegetables. Tart cooked red fruit gives way to a smooth and milky lactic character and smooth-cut tannins. Very Italian nose on this: earthly. Herbal and menthol. 80% Sangiovese with the rest Canaiolo and other natives. Drink now or this can cellar for a while.
Castello di Fonterutoli Mazzei Siepi 2018 Toscana IGT. A high-octane 50/50 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot by a legacy producer. It has typical notes of each grape: strawberry (stewed) from the SanG and blueberry and plum from the Merlot. The overall blend is very polished, imbued with chocolate, spice and licorice. Maybe a little complex for a simple pizza, so drink this with a pie laden with spicy pepperoni, wild board sausage or prosciutto.
Donnafugata “Fragore” Contrada Montelaguardia 2019, Etna Rosso DOC. A very groovy kind of Age of Aquarius label from a winery known for its fun, artistic and eye-catching packaging (though the producer notes say the artwork is inspired by the “volcano’s roar”). Well, no matter, this is a dark-fruited wine of made of Nerello Mascalese grapes. Black currants and berries, lots of spice and balsam-fir/crunchy forest notes. Produced from 70-year-old head-trained vines 730 meters above sea level.
Garofoli Rosso Piancarda 2022, Conero DOC. Deep-fruited, very ripe and plush, but not so dense that it masks the mineral streak and acidity holding this together. Ripe Morello cherries, plum and strawberry preserves play well together in this Montepulciano from the Marche. A crowd pleaser at a great bargain if you can find it around $13-14.
Librandi Segno Cirò DOC Rosso Classico. This might be the perfect pizza wine for its easy-going character. Medium bodied with a light hue, this has crunchy fruits such as cranberry and blueberry, a bit of raspberry and a little spice.
Librandi “Duca Sanfelice” 2021 Cirò DOC Riserva Rosso Classico Superiore. From the oldest vineyard on the family estate, this is a completely authentic wine made of 100% Gaglioppo from one of Calabria’s top producers with unflagging dedication to the territory. This has soft red fruits—Morello cherries and juicy plums—and a floral nose that leaves hints on the palate. Engaging and easy going.
Librandi Gravello Tenuta Arcidaiconato Rosso 2020 Calabria IGT. This is a modern Italian take on a Bordeaux or Super Tuscan blend—this one uses Cabernet Sauvignon with 60% Gaglioppo. Deep ripe cherries, and raspberries, some chocolate and eucalyptus notes. A little on the wild side. Drink now or cellar up to 10 years.
Sella & Mosca Tanca Farra Alghero Rosso 2019, Sardinia. Plum and pomegranate conspire to give this wine a tart, dark-red fruited character with a zesty acid streak. Chocolate-y finish with a little granular cocoa dust, like a Modena chocolate bar. Some iodine/iron notes and lots of snap, crackle and pop. Also good with chicken tikka.
Planeta Frappato 2021 Vittoria Sicilia DOC. Snappy medium-bodied red with strawberry, raspberry and small tart red fruits such as cranberry and pomegranate. Attention getting – good with a chill. This is a native grape that deserves greater acclaim. 12.5%
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2020. Drink this on the Friday night you were downsized from your job. Find your solace in milky and silky tannins that accompany this strawberry-compote-fruited wines. A bit of VA on the nose, but not distracting and it blows off once open. This Sangiovese-driven (80%) Gran Selezione was aged 36 months in a combination of vessels. The high-quality designation connotes estate-grown grapes, usually from a privileged parcel. The Riserva Ducale sibling from the Chianti Classico DOCG (2020) expresses brighter violet and cherry tones, bright currants, mouthwatering acidity and silky tannins. Aged 24 months in stainless and large oak casks. 80% Sangiovese and the rest composed of Merlot, Cabernet and others.
Torre Zambra “Passo Sacro” Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo 2023. From Famiglia de Cerchio, an established organic producer on Italy’s eastern side. What I love about this grape is that is tastes just like the name: Cerasuolo is Italian for cherry, and this one is cherry all the way. Brightly hued and shimmery, with medium acidity making this tart, fresh and easy to wash down with a bit of a chill on it. Cool old-school label.
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