Beverage style guidelines are used with the permission of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). BJCP Style Guidelines Copyright © BJCP, Inc. The most current guidelines are available at www.bjcp.org.
Vital statistics
| Original gravity | 1.045 – 1.100 (11.2 – 23.8 °P) |
|---|---|
| Final gravity | 1.005 – 1.015 (1.3 – 3.8 °P) |
| Bitterness | 6 – 30 IBU |
| Color | 4 – 25 SRM (8 – 49 EBC) |
| Alcohol | 4.5 – 12.0% ABV |
Overall impression
Italian ale showcasing grape varieties; sometimes refreshing, sometimes more complex. Beer–wine hybrid with evident but balanced grape character.
Aroma
Noticeable grape aromatics without overpowering. Malt restrained; no roasty/stout-like notes. Hop aroma low to absent (floral/earthy). Optional low wild notes (barnyard/earthy/goaty) but much less than lambic. No diacetyl.
Appearance
Light gold to copper, occasionally brown. Red/ruby tones from red grapes. White to reddish head, medium–low retention. Generally good clarity; some haze possible.
Flavor
Grape (must or wine-like) at medium-low to medium-high. White grapes often give stone/tropical fruit; red grapes red-fruit tones. Fermentative fruitiness common. Special malts supportive, never dominant; no strong roast/chocolate. Light sourness from grapes may aid drinkability but should not be prominent. Oak and light wild notes possible but not predominant. Low bitterness and low hop flavor. No diacetyl.
Mouthfeel
Medium-high carbonation lifts aroma. Low to medium body; light acidity can accentuate dryness. Stronger examples may show gentle warming.
Comments
A standalone style in Italy; ‘Wild IGA’/‘Sour IGA’ denote wild/sour variants. Outside Italy, also judged akin to 29D Grape Ale.
History
Began at Birrificio Montegioco and Birrificio Barley (2006–2007). Now produced widely in Italy and gaining popularity in other wine regions.
Characteristic ingredients
Pils or pale base; special malts as accent. Up to ~40% grape (must/fruit), added in boil or (more commonly) during fermentation. Neutral to fruity/spicy yeasts (English/Belgian); wine yeast may be used. Low rates of Old World hops (German/English).
Style comparison
Like Fruit Beer but established as its own style due to Italy’s grape diversity; beer-wine hybrid where grape integrates, not dominates.
Commercial examples
Montegioco Open Mind, Birrificio Barley BB5–10, Birrificio del Forte Il Tralcio, Viess Beer al mosto di Gewürztraminer, CRAK IGA Cabernet, Birrificio Apuano Ninkasi, Luppolajo Moons Rubus
Tags: specialty-beer, fruit