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Italian Beer

In Italy, Beer has always been considered inferior to wine. The climate, culture and religious beliefs are all friendlier to grapes.

Barley, the basic ingredient for the preparation of beer, was introduced into Italy between the seventh and sixth centuries B.C. By the first century A.D., the whole Roman Empire had picked up the habit of consuming beer. But beer was considered ordinary compared to the divine and noble wine. Beer did have powerful supporters, but eventually fell victim to barbaric invasions that destroyed Rome’s agricultural base, as well as its breweries.

For nearly 10 centuries, there was no real expansion of brewing in Italy but was finally reintroduced in 1527. Officers from noble families reportedly loved beer so much that they carried it even into battle. During the period of insurrections leading to the Unity of Italy, the divide between the oppressed wine drinkers and the oppressing Austrian beer drinkers sharply paralleled the political differences.

But, in time, nothing could stop the popularity of beer as it conquered the whole world, and it won Italy over, too.