The new French wave of wild beers
Long associated with Belgium and its traditional lambics, but also brought up to date by the new wave of American craft beer, wild beers are now experiencing real growth in France. Driven by the creativity of French craft breweries, this trend is increasingly attracting fans of beers and natural fermentations.
What is a wild beer?
A wild beer is a beer resulting from natural fermentation, influenced by different factors:
1/ The brewery environment and the wild yeasts naturally present in the air
2/ Micro-organisms present on the ingredients used (fruits, grapes, plants, etc.)
3/ The addition of yeasts and bacteria cultivated but naturally present, such as Brettanomyces or the Lactobacillus
We speak of mixed fermentation if several of these techniques are used and combined.
This gives rise to beers with complex aromatic profiles: tangy, fruity, woody, rustic or even saline notes. Through their lively and evolving character, certain wild beers can even come close to natural wine.
The revival of wild beers in France
In recent years, several French microbreweries have been exploring these fermentation techniques. Inspired by traditional beer styles but also by methods from the wine world, brewers are experimenting with:
- spontaneous fermentation
- aging in barrels
- adding fresh fruit
- prolonged aging
This artisanal approach gives rise to local beers, often produced in small quantities and sought after by lovers of rare craft beers.
France has unique assets to promote this renewal. Its rich wine heritage allows access to a wide diversity of barrels (wine, spirits, liqueurs), offering an exceptional field of experimentation for the aging of beers.
Furthermore, the quality and diversity of French production of fruits, flowers, plants and malts open the way to an infinite number of creations.
A unique aromatic diversity
Thus, French wild beers are distinguished by their wide aromatic palette. Depending on the methods used, we can find:
- sour and refreshing beers
- fruity profiles (cherry, raspberry, apricot, etc.)
- woody or vinous notes from barrel aging
- an ideal aromatic complexity for beer tasting
Enough to satisfy a large number of palates.
The actors of this renewal
To name just a few, we have drawn up a non-exhaustive list of breweries which have contributed to this revival and the exploration of wild fermentations:
> The pioneers: Brasserie du Mont Salève, La Franche, Brasserie des Voirons
> The second wave: Popihn, La Malpolon, Sacrilege, La Montagnarde, Ammonite
> Newcomers: La Varette, Levain, Le Soupir, La Petit Huguette, SPO, Aerofab
At the crossroads of craft beer, natural wine and fermented drinks, wild beers are emerging as one of the most exciting trends in the brewing world today. Their diversity, their complexity and their anchoring in the terroir make them unique creations, booming on the French scene.