Hello Foodie Friends, October is a month that all food enthusiasts eagerly await, as it’s the time to celebrate one of the world’s most beloved and versatile dishes – pizza!

National Pizza Month is a time when people from all walks of life come together to celebrate this iconic culinary creation. Whether you prefer classic margherita, loaded with toppings, or an exotic fusion of flavors, there’s a pizza for everyone to enjoy.

Pizza is widely considered to be an Italian invention, but its origins can be traced back to ancient times. The word pizza comes from the Latin picea, which means “a flatbread baked in an oven”. The ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans all had their versions of flatbread topped with various ingredients, such as cheese, herbs, honey and dates. However, the modern pizza as we know it today was born in Naples, Italy, in the 18th century. Naples was a poor and crowded city, where many people lived in small apartments with no kitchens. They relied on street vendors who sold cheap and filling food, such as flatbread with tomatoes, cheese and anchovies. This was the first pizza, or pizza alla napoletana.

The pizza became so popular that it attracted the attention of royalty. In 1889, King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Italy visited Naples and wanted to try the local cuisine. They ordered three different kinds of pizza from a famous pizzeria called Pizzeria Brandi. One of them had tomato, mozzarella and basil, representing the colors of the Italian flag: red, white and green. The queen liked this pizza so much that she wrote a letter of praise to the pizzeria owner, Raffaele Esposito, who named the pizza after her: pizza Margherita. This pizza is still one of the most popular and classic pizzas in the world.

National Pizza Month was first established in the United States in October 1984. It was created by the founder of Pizza Today magazine, Gerry Durnell. The idea behind this celebration was to promote and appreciate the art of pizza-making, as well as to recognize its influence on American culture. Since then, this month has become an annual tradition, bringing foodies, and families together to enjoy this mouthwatering delicacy. One of the things that make pizza so beloved is its adaptability. Across the globe, different regions have developed their unique styles of pizza. Here are a few noteworthy variations and their perfect wine pairing:

Neapolitan Pizza

Originating in Naples, Italy, this pizza features a thin, soft, and chewy crust, topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. Pairing wine with Neapolitan pizza can be a delightful experience, as the simplicity and fresh ingredients of Neapolitan pizza harmonize well with certain wine choices. The key is to select a wine that complements the pizza’s flavors without overwhelming them. Here are some wine options that pair beautifully with Neapolitan pizza: Chianti Classico: Is a classic Italian wine from the Tuscany region. Its medium body, bright acidity, and notes of cherry, plum, and a touch of earthiness make it a great choice to accompany the flavors of a traditional Margherita or Neapolitan pizza. The acidity in Chianti helps cut through the richness of the cheese and tomato sauce. Barbera: An Italian red wine, is known for its high acidity and versatility. It’s a fantastic match for Neapolitan pizza as it enhances the tomato sauce and complements the mozzarella. Barbera’s red fruit flavors, especially cherry and raspberry, are a perfect match for the simplicity of this pizza. Pinot Noir: Is a red wine known for its delicate and fruity character. It pairs wonderfully with Neapolitan pizza because it won’t overpower the flavors. Look for a Pinot with bright acidity and notes of red berries, and it should complement the pizza’s profile without dominating it.

New York-Style Pizza

Characterized by its large, foldable slices and thin, crisp crust, this pizza is often enjoyed with a variety of toppings. New York-style pizza, with its thin, foldable slices and a variety of toppings, offers a different flavor profile compared to Neapolitan pizza. When choosing a wine to pair with New York-style pizza, you’ll want a wine that can complement the bold flavors and the combination of cheese, sauce, and toppings. Here are some wine options that pair well with New York-style pizza: Cabernet Sauvignon: With its rich, full-bodied character and dark fruit flavors, is a great match for New York-style pizza. The robustness of this wine complements the savory toppings and cheese, making it an excellent choice for meat lovers’ pizzas or those with rich tomato sauces. Zinfandel: Is known for its ripe fruit flavors and often a hint of spice. This wine’s boldness pairs well with the heartier and spicier New York-style pizza varieties, such as pepperoni or sausage. Merlot: Merlot’s softer tannins and plummy, red fruit flavors make it a versatile option for pairing with pizza. It can work well with classic cheese pizzas or those with a mix of vegetables.

Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza

Known for its high, doughy crust, Chicago-style pizza features a thick layer of cheese and chunky tomato sauce. Chicago deep-dish pizza is known for its thick, buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, and layers of cheese and toppings. The wine pairing for this style of pizza should take into account its heaviness and the bold flavors. Here are some wine options that can complement Chicago deep-dish pizza: Chardonnay: A full-bodied, oaked Chardonnay can be a great choice. Its buttery and creamy texture can harmonize with the richness of the pizza, and the acidity can cut through the cheese and sauce. Riesling: For those who prefer a white wine, consider a semi-sweet or off-dry Riesling. Its touch of sweetness can balance the richness of the pizza, and the acidity can cut through the cheese and tomato sauce. Sangiovese: an Italian red wine, offers medium body and good acidity. It’s a versatile option that can work well with a variety of toppings on a Chicago deep-dish pizza.

Sicilian Pizza

Square or rectangular in shape, Sicilian pizza has a thick, airy crust and is typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings. Sicilian pizza, characterized by its thick, fluffy, and airy crust, often topped with simple ingredients like tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of toppings, pairs well with wines that complement its flavors without overwhelming them. Here are some wine options that can be great pairings for Sicilian pizza: Pinot Grigio: If you prefer white wine, Pinot Grigio’s crisp acidity and citrus notes can pair well with Sicilian pizza. It complements the lighter toppings often found on this style of pizza. Barbera: an Italian red wine, offers a good balance of acidity and fruitiness. It can complement the acidity of the tomato sauce and work well with a variety of toppings. Rosé: A dry Rosé wine can provide a fresh and lively contrast to the flavors of Sicilian pizza, particularly if it has toppings like fresh vegetables or prosciutto.

Margherita Pizza

This classic Italian pizza consists of simple yet delightful ingredients – tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Margherita pizza, with its simplicity and classic combination of tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil, pairs well with wines that enhance the clean, fresh flavors without overpowering them. Here are some wine options that can be perfect pairings for Margherita pizza: Chianti: An Italian red wine, is a classic pairing for Margherita pizza. Its bright acidity, red fruit flavors, and a touch of earthiness complement the tomato sauce and basil beautifully. Pinot Noir: A red wine with delicate red fruit notes and good acidity, can harmonize with the simplicity of a Margherita pizza without overwhelming it. Sauvignon Blanc: If you prefer white wine, a Sauvignon Blanc with its crisp acidity, herbaceous notes, and citrus flavors can provide a refreshing contrast to the pizza’s tomato and basil.

Enjoy crispy crust, melted creamy cheese, and scrumptious tomato sauce topped with your favorite ingredients? Savor our City offers a Pizza Making Activity, to enjoy such experience firsthand you can visit our Experiences – Cooking classes home page, where you will be able to request information to live such experience live.

National Pizza Month is a time to indulge in this culinary masterpiece and celebrate its rich history and cultural significance. Whether you’re a purist who enjoys a classic Margherita or an adventurous eater who loves exotic toppings, there’s a slice for everyone. So, this October, treat yourself to a slice or two (or more) and savor the deliciousness that is pizza! Enjoy National Pizza Month to the fullest, and remember, pizza is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brings people together. Happy National Pizza Month!

Until we eat (and drink) again…

I send you Delicious Wishes, xo

Denise