There are few things more universally loved at my home than pizza night. Add in great friends, a hot oven, and a selection of French red wines, and suddenly a casual meal becomes an unforgettable evening. I’ve been making pizza at home for almost 20 years, and recently built a pizza oven, so it has become a weekly ritual that I share with friends and family. 

Recently, Laurent sent me three of his favorite French reds to try with pizza. With my pizza oven fired up and friends gathered around the table, we opened the bottles and discovered just how perfectly French wine and pizza can complement each other. The result? A truly memorable night.

Why French Reds Work So Well with Pizza

When most people think of pizza pairings, beer is often the go-to. But French red wines bring layers of flavor that elevate pizza in a way few drinks can. The bright acidity cuts through melted cheese, the fruit notes complement roasted tomatoes, and the earthy, structured tannins balance smoky crusts and savory toppings. In short, French reds don’t just pair with pizza—they enhance it.

The Wines

BDX Le Jus Bordeaux 2023

This was the star of the evening and my personal favorite. The BDX Le Jus is smooth, slightly sweet, and beautifully balanced, making it an approachable Bordeaux that plays perfectly with food. It was a fantastic match for a Salty Tomato Margherita pizza—the ripe fruit character paired wonderfully with fresh tomato, garlic and mozzarella, while the balance kept it refreshing from the first sip to the last.

Domaine Terra Noé

The Domaine Terra Noé brought a more rustic and structured feel to the table. Slightly drier than the BDX, it highlighted earthy tones that made it a great companion to what we call the “Hard cheese” pizza, which is simply a handmade sauce, and a light sprinkling of parmesan reggiano cheese. (The pizza was named by my son when he was little) The savory depth of the sauce mirrored the wine’s character, turning a simple slice into something more complex and satisfying.

Château Haut-Calens Graves 2018

The Château Haut-Calens leaned toward the drier side as well for me, with elegant tannins and a refined profile. This wine paired especially well with a white pizza topped with bacon jam and pickled onions, the richness of the bacon jam and cheese was balanced by the Graves’ firm structure and subtle smokiness. It’s a wine that feels both classic and food-friendly.

The Joy of Pairing Wine with Everyday Meals

One of the best parts of the evening was watching my friends discover new pairings they hadn’t expected. Pizza night turned into a mini wine-tasting adventure. That’s the beauty of wine—it doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the best way to enjoy a great French red is alongside the food you already love.

Bring a Taste of France to Your Pizza Night

If you want to recreate this experience, Sommailier makes it easy. Their hand-selected French wines bring you bottles you won’t find in your local store, giving your pizza night (or any night) a touch of elegance straight from France.