BJCP 29D · Fruit Beer
Grape Ale
An ale with grapes or grape must, Italian in origin: somewhere between beer and wine, fruity, dry and elegant, with the grape clearly present.
Grape Ale by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 6.0 – 8.5%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 10 – 30 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 4 – 8 SRM8–16 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.059 – 1.075on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.004 – 1.013on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Grape Ale is like
A beer with grapes or grape must that blends the character of beer with that of wine. It's usually dry, fruity and fairly highly carbonated, with a light acidity that comes from the grapes.
Appearance
Gold to dark amber or reddish depending on the grape, white or red. Clear or slightly hazy. The head may not last long.
Aroma
Grape or wine, from white fruit and flowers to red berries, alongside subtle malt. Low hops. There may be spicy yeast notes.
Flavor
The grape dominates with its fruit and gentle acidity, over a light malt base. Low bitterness. Dry, slightly vinous finish.
Mouthfeel
Light to medium body. Moderate to high carbonation. There may be some alcohol warmth and slight astringency from the grape skins.
Where Grape Ale comes from
It was born in Italy early this century, when craft brewers started using grapes and musts from their wine regions. The BJCP first listed it as an Italian local style and, in 2021, as a style of its own.
Ingredients
Pilsner or pale malt with little caramel malt, grapes or grape must, often cooked, in significant amounts, and restrained hops. Ale or wine yeast; Brett or other yeasts are sometimes used.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Grape Ale at home
Add the grapes or must during fermentation or in secondary, depending on how much wine character you want. Ferment with a clean ale yeast, a low-profile Belgian yeast or a wine yeast, and carbonate high. The classic mistake is a base that's too malty or caramelly and covers up the grape.
Food pairing
Italian cured meats, risotto and aged cheeses.
Glassware: Teku glass, a tasting glass that works with almost any style.
Classic examples
- LoverBeer BeerBera
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Grape Ale?
Between 6.0% and 8.5% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a high strength.
How bitter is Grape Ale?
It has 10 to 30 IBUs, a low bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Grape Ale?
Yellow to amber: 4 to 8 SRM (8 to 16 EBC).
What food pairs well with Grape Ale?
Italian cured meats, risotto and aged cheeses.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Fruit Beer, Saison and Wild Specialty Beer.
If you like Grape Ale, try these
Classification and statistics: official Grape Ale guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.