A different look from the Italian beer tradition: why are grapes fashionable?
Italy is not only fashionable land, football and pasta, but also of a revolution in the artisanal beer scene that begins to leave a global mark. Among the most striking innovations, beers that combine wine with the foam world are soping the palate and challenging conventions. What in other countries would be an experiment, in Italy it is consolidating itself as its own tradition, with roots in the biodiversity of the territory and a passion to experiment with only some grapes.
Where this trend was born: between history, geography and creativity
The history of this trend dates back to the dawn of modern artisanal culture in Italy, approximately in 1996, when pioneers like Baladin and Birrificio Lambrate began to transform the concept of artisanal beer. Inspired by the influence of the United States and the proximity with traditions from countries such as Belgium and Germany, these beer masters dared to create new styles that reflected the country’s local wealth. Over time, grape variants, so abundant in the peninsula, began playing a prominent role in the process, giving rise to what we know today as Italian Grape Ale.
The process behind the magic: from the vine to the brewery
The method for making this hybrid jewel is not simple. Riccardo Franzozi, one of the protagonists in this scene, explains that he begins to display the grapes and submitting them to a brief boil, a technique that helps eliminate undessed wild yeasts. Then, the cooked must is mixed with already fermented blonde beer and a second controlled fermentation begins, which can last weeks. The result: a beer that carries in its DNA notes of intense fruit and aromas, all in the same bottle, with an aging touch in oak barrels that provides complexity and character.
What do experts say? A beer with soul of wine
The academic beer scene has also recognized these creations: in 2015, the United States brewer association, BJCP, formally includes them in its ‘Italian Grape Ale’ category. The description points to a beer that, although it can vary in appearance and aromatic profile, always has its deep character and its direct link with the used grapes, which provide fruit nuances and sometimes even oak notes. From a bright gold to intense reddish tones, these beers show an authenticity and diversity that makes them unique.
Beyond the taste: Why does this trend have potential to change the global brewing panorama?
Not only is it a passing fashion. What makes Italian Grape Ale special is the perfect amalgam between wine tradition and beer creativity. Italian biodiversity, with its variety of grapes and regions, encourages an infinite experimentation, enriching the offer with styles that reflect local identity. In addition, in 2016, Italy took a pioneering step by establishing legislation that regulates and supports the production of artisanal beers, standing at the forefront of a market in full expansion.
The future of grapes in beer, a story that has just begun?
The more Italian breweries join this trend and innovation continue to bloom, the Italian Grape Ale has a long way to go. The union between wine and beer not only offers new sensory experiences, but also challenges prejudices and expands the horizons of what a beer can be. In a world where experimentation and diversity are the recipe for success, this fusion promises to continue conquering hearts and palates, making it clear that in Italy, innovation does not stop.
