Why choose beer?
From a robust red with meaty pizza to a crisp white with seafood pasta, we all know that wine goes well with Italian food, but what about beer? Beer and Italian food can make for a natural pairing, offering a flavourful alternative. The bubbles cleanse the palate between indulgent bites, while the bitterness from the hops cuts through strong flavours and balances sweetness.
In particular, Birra Moretti’s balanced flavours make it the perfect all-round choice for any Italian dish. Whether at lunch, for dinner or with aperitivo hour – the gatherings over good food, drink and company that form authentic Italian dining – Birra Moretti complements any authentic Italian dish. Founded in 1859, Birra Moretti has been at the heart of these sharing moments for over 100 years.
Here are our favourite combos.
Birra Moretti L’Autentica: A versatile Italian lager for the table
Hailing from the town of Udine in northern Italy, Birra Moretti’s L’Autentica has a balanced taste, meaning it complements food flavours without overpowering the palate. Homemade pizza, warm and fresh from the oven, is a classic match; try it with this Roman-style potato pizza or a Florentine pizza with spinach and egg. As a lager with hoppy and fruity notes, Birra Moretti L’Autentica is also a great match with fresh tomato sauces, like this pasta pomodoro, and counteracts the heat in a fiery arrabbiata or spicy sausage ragu.
Birra Moretti L’Autentica’s moderately bitter finish cuts through richer meat dishes; try it with this Tuscan-style fennel pork or roast chicken panzanella (our twist on the classic Italian salad). The beer’s clean aftertaste also complements fried snacks and salty nibbles for an early evening, pre-dinner bite. Recreate a traditional aperitivo hour at home with bottles of chilled Birra Moretti L’Autentica and crispy air-fryer stuffed olives or a loaded platter of Italian meats and cheeses for everyone to help themselves.
Always a choice: Birra Moretti Zero
If you aren’t drinking alcohol, or you want to alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the evening, pick up some Birra Moretti Zero. With a similar flavour profile to Birra Moretti L’Autentica beer, it pairs brilliantly with all the dishes mentioned above.
Birra Moretti Sale di Mare: A taste of the sea
Fish and seafood are a big part of Italian cuisine and Birra Moretti’s Sale di Mare, with its unique aromas of citrus, pine and a hint of sea salt, is the perfect flavour profile for these star ingredients. Transport yourself to the Italian coast with a heaped bowl of seafood linguine – our recipe uses a mix of mussels, squid rings and prawns and a hint of fresh chilli – delicious washed down with a chilled Birra Moretti Sale di Mare. For a taste of Sicily, try the unfiltered and full-flavoured Birra Moretti Sale di Mare with a caponata – a tomato-based stew with aubergines, olives, capers and raisins (best served at room temperature) – and simple pan-fried fish, like sea bass.
How to pour and serve the perfect Birra Moretti
Birra Moretti’s range of beers are best served chilled, so pop them in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. Enjoy straight from the bottle or can, or opt for a curved, stemmed beer glass to appreciate the beer’s aromas and flavour notes. For the perfect pour, tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle and start by pouring the beer slowly down the side of the glass. Stand the glass upright just before it’s full to achieve the perfect foamy head on your beer (aim for about 5% head to 95% beer).
We've plenty more Italian recipes, take a look!
Birra Moretti L'Autentica and Birra Moretti Sale Di Mare are brewed in the UK. Birra Moretti Zero is brewed in the Netherlands. Birra Moretti Zero contains ≤ 0.05% ABV.