In recent years, the world of wine and that of beer have experienced a parallel revolution. In both cases, small artisanal producers have brought quality, naturalness, and the desire to tell the story of their territories and their inclinations back to the forefront. Wines and beers that are born without industrial constraints, without unnecessary additives, and with the goal of delivering authenticity in the glass.
If in wine we talk about independent winemakers and so-called "natural" productions, in beer we are witnessing the boom of craft breweries, which reject standardization and offer very diverse styles, capable of appealing even to the palates of wine enthusiasts. In this guide, we will try to recommend different types of craft beer to lovers of the various taste profiles of wines, suggesting interesting and, we believe, unexpected discovery paths.
1. Bubbles
Pet-Nat
Lovers of Pet-Nat – sparkling wines refermented in the bottle, rustic and immediate – will find affinities with Italian Grape Ale (IGA). These beers are made by adding grapes, grape must, or pomace during the brewing process and sometimes ferment spontaneously thanks to indigenous yeasts on the skins. These tastings can surprise with aromas that closely resemble the world of Pet-Nat: fresh, vinous, fragrant.
Champagne and Traditional Method
Those who love the elegance and verticality of Champagne or a Traditional Method can be surprised by Belgian Gueuze. These are blends of Lambic of different ages (usually at least one, two, and three years), characterized by sharp acidity, fine bubbles, and aromatic complexity. At first, they may seem "wild," but if listened to patiently, they can deeply captivate, just like a characterful Champagne.
2. White Wines
Aromatic (Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon...)
Lovers of aromatic whites will find affinities with Belgian Saison, spicy, fruity, and lively beers, also perfect at the table. Another good choice is IPA and their variants (Session IPA, American IPA, NEIPA, etc.): the explosive aromaticity of hops can recall the olfactory richness of a Sauvignon or a Gewürztraminer.
Structured (Chardonnay, Riesling...)
Those who prefer structured and long-lived whites can try a Hellerbock, soft but characterful, or a Belgian Tripel, which offers a balance between alcohol content, dryness, and a complex aromatic profile.
Macerated (Orange Wine)
For enthusiasts of macerated wines, often fascinated by unconventional profiles, we recommend rare and surprising styles such as German Lichtenhainer or Polish Grodziskie: light, smoky, and tart, capable of offering truly unique taste experiences.
3. Red Wines
Light and fresh reds (Lambrusco, Dolcetto, Gamay...)
Those who love young and easy-drinking reds can find affinities in an English Bitter: light and balanced between biscuity notes, fruity flavors, and a pleasant bitterness. For those who want to dare, Belgian Framboise – blends of Lambic enriched with raspberries – can recall fruity wines with a touch of tannin and vibrant acidity.
Structured and important reds (Barolo, Cabernet, Montepulciano...)
For lovers of great aging reds, we recommend full-bodied beers such as German Doppelbock, Belgian Dubbel, or Belgian Dark Strong Ale. These are beers with alcohol content, complexity, and sometimes body ideal for slow savoring, capable of evolving in the glass and accompanying the richest and most intense dishes, just like an important red wine.
4. Fortified and Dessert Wines
Lovers of Port, Sherry, or Madeira will find their equivalent in the beer world in Barley Wine: intense, alcoholic, with notes of dried and dehydrated fruit and caramel, capable of evolving over time.
If you prefer to stay more anchored in the world of beers, Imperial Stout offers a very rich aromatic range: coffee, chocolate, licorice, sometimes enriched by barrel aging. A true treat for the end of a meal.
Wine and beer, not so different
The boundary between wine and beer lies in certain taste-olfactory structures, but it is becoming increasingly blurred in terms of production philosophy. Both worlds are experiencing a rebirth made of authenticity, research, and passion. Discovering craft beer styles through the eyes of a wine enthusiast means breaking down prejudices and opening up to new sensory experiences.
On Maltese you will find a selection of Italian and international craft beers that will accompany you on this journey: from the glass to the pint, the passion is the same.
