BJCP 2021 / X3
Italian Grape Ale
An Italian ale defined by the grape varieties used, from refreshing to complex.
- Drink fresh
- specialty beer
- fruit
- italy
Serve: 44 to 50F, Flute or tulip
OG1.120
1.045 to 1.100FG1.030
1.005 to 1.015IBU120
6 to 30SRM40
4 to 25ABV14%
4.5 to 12.0%The BJCP lists no tags. Versions that include wild fermentation are sometimes called Wild IGA or Sour IGA.
Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Grape character that shows without taking over
- Restrained malt and low to absent hops
- A mild wild note in some versions
- Vague
- Winey
- Better
- Grape over restrained malt
- Best
- Noticeable grape over light malt, hops low or absent, faint funk in wild versions, no diacetyl
Appearance
3 pts- Light gold to copper, sometimes brown
- Red grapes can add a ruby tint
- White to reddish head
- Vague
- Gold
- Better
- Gold to ruby
- Best
- Color from pale gold to copper with a ruby cast from red grapes, good clarity, white to pink head
Flavor
20 pts- Grape flavor from medium-low to medium-high
- White grapes read stone fruit, red grapes read red fruit
- Light sourness at most, low bitterness
- Vague
- Fruity
- Better
- Grape with a dry finish
- Best
- Grape flavor fitting the variety, stone or red fruit notes, light tartness, low bitterness, no roast
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Low to medium body
- Medium-high carbonation
- Acidity can seem to dry the finish
- Vague
- Bubbly
- Better
- Light and bright
- Best
- Low-medium body, medium-high carbonation, bright acidity, warmth only in strong versions
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Grape that integrates with the beer
Drops it
- Roast or chocolate
- Solventy heat
Writing tip
Say which grape fits what you taste. Example: 'Stone fruit and floral notes suggesting a white grape, dry and bright.'
Pour these
- Open MindMontegiocoGrape and Belgian-style ale
- Il TralcioBirrificio del ForteWiney and dry
- Mons RubusLuppolajoGrape with a wild edge
Often confused with
- 29D Grape AleGrape Ale is the BJCP's main category for grape beers
- 28C Wild Specialty BeerWild Specialty Beer covers wild versions with other additions
Fine here
- Sour/Acidic: Light tartness fits
- Alcoholic: Warmth in strong versions
Ruinous here
- Solvent: Hot, harsh heat
- Diacetyl: Butter
- Oxidized: Stale
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.