What’s on the “in” list as we head into 2007? How about the pairing of gourmet pizzas and fine wines?
What’s on the “in” list as we head into 2007? How about the pairing of gourmet pizzas and fine wines?
While the “fruit of the vine” has been around for ages, gourmet pizzas are recent history. Both are enjoying a substantial increase in consumption – Statistics Canada reports wine sales have grown at a rate of 6.5 per cent in the last few years, while consumers have witnessed an explosion of new flavours with the growth of gourmet pizzas.
Commenting on the wine- and gourmet pizza-pairing trend, Clark Wolf, a national food and restaurant consultant, told Cheers magazine “pizza is so upscale now, you can go out for a slice of pizza with a client. And as pizza moves upscale and diversifies the options of what goes with it in the glass increase.”
With the help of well-known wine columnists, Billy Munnelly and Rod Phillips, the Pizza Pizza franchise is capitalizing on this trend by introducing consumers to their suggested combination of fine wines and gourmet pizza. Munnelly and Phillips paired a selection of gourmet pizzas with French wines from Bordeaux.
The trendiest toppings for 2007 include different vegetables such as roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes and roasted garlic, sauces, meats and various exotic cheeses including feta, goat and provolone. “Our Signature Line of pizzas are perfect for entertaining,” said Pat Finelli, vice-president of marketing for Pizza Pizza. “Whether you prefer a red or a white, a chardonnay or a merlot – Pizza Pizza’s vast selection offer the perfect complement to any wine.”
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