The Wine Ponce: Wines that go with pizza

If you still prefer to wash pizza down with beer, it’s time to take your couch-potato palate to the LCBO for a grape-based libation.

BY: The Wine Ponce

Citra Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2010, $7.25

Reds made in Italy’s Abruzzo region from the Montepulciano grape invariably offer tremendous value. Open with a budget pepperoni or Neapolitan margherita.

Ponce notes: “Bursting with juicy cherries, this wine’s bright acidity can stand up to tomato sauce and cut through the gooey cheese and greasy pepperoni.”

O’Leary Unoaked Chardonnay 2011, $14.95

This new offering at the LCBO is a partnership between Dragon’s Den’s Kevin O’Leary and Niagara’s Vineland Estates. Try it with pesto-sauced pies.

Ponce notes: “This Chardonnay shows how delicious the grape can be when treated with kid gloves. It’s light and quaffable, and the white-peach flavours nicely complement the licorice whip of basil.”

Fielding Red Conception 2010, $18.95

This Niagara red is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. It’s a perfect pizza wine for vegetarians.

Ponce notes: “Despite the ripe vintage, this red is light and bright, with enough acid to handle the ’za. It makes your taste buds dance Gangnam-style when mushrooms enter the equation.”