THE PERONI STORY – OVER 175 YEARS OF ITALIAN BREWING:

1846 – Vigevano: Francesco Peroni founded the brewery in Vigevano, Lombardy—the last-born son of a family of pasta makers from Galliate. He established a small fabbrica di birra (beer factory) with an attached birreria for direct serving in contrada Rocca Nuova.

1864 – Roma: Due to booming business, Francesco’s son Giovanni Peroni opened a second brewery in Rome—six years before Rome became the Italian capital. This Rome location would eventually become Peroni headquarters and remains a production site to this day.

Late 19th Century: Cesare Peroni, Giovanni’s brother, traveled to Germany in 1896 to study low-fermentation brewing techniques (birra a bassa fermentazione)—introducing modern lager production methods to Italy. This transformation defined what Peroni would become.

1901 – Expansion: Peroni acquired the Società Romana della fabbricazione del ghiaccio e della neve artificiale (Roman Society for Ice and Artificial Snow Production), building a new state-of-the-art facility in via Mantova near Porta Pia, Rome.

1924 – Bari Plant Opens: A new production facility opened in Bari, producing 25,000 hectoliters annually. In 2024, this plant celebrated its 100th anniversary, now producing 2 million hectoliters per year.

1963 – Nastro Azzurro Launched: The premium “Blue Ribbon” lager was introduced, named after the SS Rex’s 1933 Blue Riband Atlantic crossing victory. While initially slow to catch on, it eventually became Italy’s most exported beer.

1971 & 1973 – Modern Facilities: New plants opened in Rome (Tor Sapienza industrial zone) and Padova, establishing the three-brewery production network still operating today.

21st Century: Peroni was acquired by SABMiller (2003), then by Asahi Breweries (2016), but production remains entirely in Italy with the same commitment to quality and Italian ingredients.

Today: Birra Peroni produces over 7 million hectoliters annually across three plants (Bari, Roma, Padova) plus a malting plant in Pomezia. With over 800 employees, it remains one of Italy’s largest brewers and a symbol of Made in Italy worldwide.

100% ITALIAN MALT – TRACCIATO (TRACED):

Genuine Italian Terroir: What sets Peroni Red apart is its commitment to 100% Italian malt (malto 100% Italiano). The label proudly states “Tracciato” (traced)—meaning every step from barley field to brewing kettle is monitored and documented.

The Supply Chain:

1,500+ Italian farmers grow spring-planted two-row barley across Italian regions

Barley varieties specially selected for high fermentability and flavor

Malteria Saplo in Pomezia (Peroni’s own malting plant) processes the barley

Complete traceability ensures authenticity and quality control

This closed supply chain supports Italian agriculture and guarantees freshness

Why It Matters: Using locally grown, fully traced Italian malt gives Peroni Red a distinctive character tied to Italian terroir—the climate, soil, and sun under which Italian barley thrives. It’s not just an ingredient choice; it’s a commitment to Italian agriculture and authentic Made in Italy production.

The Recipe: This is the original recipe that’s been brewed since 1846, refined over generations but maintaining the essential character that made Peroni Italy’s favorite beer. The highly fermentable Italian malt creates that rounded bitter-sweet balance, while the addition of Italian maize gives the beer its distinct clarity and light, golden color reminiscent of Prosecco.

APPEARANCE: Slightly darker than Peroni Nastro Azzurro—a deeper golden amber with brilliant clarity. The Italian maize contributes to the crystal-clear transparency. Crowned with a white head that settles to a thin, persistent foam. The color evokes Italian sunshine captured in glass.

TASTING NOTES:

Nose: Subtle floral and fruity notes. Delicate malt aroma with hints of toasted cereal. Light hop presence. Clean, inviting aromatics that aren’t overpowering.

Palate: The rounded bitter-sweet taste that defines Peroni Red and engages the whole mouth from the first sip. Malt-forward character with smooth, bready malt notes balanced by gentle hop bitterness. The bitter and sweet elements complement rather than compete—creating perfect equilibrium. Medium body with lively carbonation. Subtle notes of honey, light caramel, and biscuit from the Italian malt. The Italian maize adds a clean, crisp quality.

Finish: Clean aftertaste that’s refreshing and leaves you ready for another sip. Lingering subtle bitterness balanced by residual malt sweetness. The finish is what Italians call dissetante—genuinely thirst-quenching. Inimitable freshness that defines great Italian lager.

Character: This is Italy’s everyday beer—approachable, balanced, food-friendly, and endlessly drinkable. Fuller and maltier than Nastro Azzurro, with more body and character, yet still crisp and refreshing. It’s designed for the Italian lifestyle: enjoying multiple glasses with friends over a long meal without heaviness.

FOOD PAIRING – ITALIAN SOUL:

Perfect Pairings: Peroni Red is the quintessential food beer, designed to complement Italian cuisine:

Pizza & Pasta:

Classic Margherita or Marinara pizza

Pasta al pomodoro, carbonara, or amatriciana

Pasta with seafood (frutti di mare)

The malt sweetness balances tomato acidity

Mediterranean Dishes:

Grilled fish and seafood

Fritto misto (mixed fried seafood)

Caprese salad

Prosciutto e melone

Casual Fare:

Panini and tramezzini

Arancini and supplì

Focaccia and bruschetta

Porchetta sandwiches

Antipasti:

Cured meats (salumi)

Aged cheeses (formaggi)

Olives and pickled vegetables

Italian aperitivo spreads

White Meats:

Chicken alla Milanese

Veal dishes

Roasted poultry

AWARDS & RECOGNITION:

2001: Gold Medal, American Tasting Institute

2006: Silver Medal, Monde Selection Organizing Committee

Consistently rated as Italy’s best-selling beer by Assobirra (Italian Brewers Association)

Included by The Daily Telegraph (UK) alongside Gucci and Ferrari among top Italian icons

ITALIAN BEER CULTURE:

In Italy, beer (birra) isn’t just a beverage—it’s part of the social fabric. Peroni Red embodies the Italian approach to beer drinking:

Social, Not Solitary: Beer is for sharing with friends and family, never rushed.

Food-Centered: Italians rarely drink without eating. Peroni Red is designed as a meal companion.

Quality Over Quantity: Italians value authenticity and craftsmanship—hence the 100% Italian malt commitment.

Everyday Luxury: Good quality should be accessible daily, not reserved for special occasions.