Back during the good old school days, there were always popular students who were loved by both classmates and teachers alike. Similarly, there are foods that have always been popular and easily loved by all, both the young and old. To this day, I have yet to hear of someone who doesn't like pizza.

Pizza always reminds me of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, who delivered pizza for Pizza Hut in the TV commercials. After eating pizza I would imagine that I was filled with the mighty powers of the Ninja Turtles. The thick cheese and abundant toppings, together with a large-sized Coke, made a complete meal.

So, the question is what red wines can take the place of Coke when it comes to a pizza meal? Since pizza is associated with Italy, we should turn our attention to Italian wines such as Barbera, Chianti Classico, Dolcetto d'Alba, Montalpulciano d'Abruzzo, Sangiovese, and Valpolicella, which would all be appropriate pairings for pizza's pepperoni, mushroom and meat sauce flavors.

As cola lovers tend to enjoy bubbly drinks and carbonated beverages, an Italian Prosecco, Cava from Spain, Cremant from France, pink bubbly wines, and champagnes are all good choices for pizza with seafood and cheese. Another cold refreshing beverage for pizza is obviously beer.

In Taiwan, most pizza flavors are sweeter and could also pair well with wines with fruity notes and rich flavors, making a Syrah, Shiraz, Zinfandel and Malbec other excellent pairing options.

Cowabunga!