Description
The Münchener Bier PGI is exclusively produced with water, malt, hop and yeast.
Production Area
The production area of the Münchener Bier PGI is in the area of the city of Munich, in the federal state of Bavaria.
Production Method
The malt obtained from the cereals is ground and mixed with water drawn from the production area. The mixture obtained is accurately mixed and, once hop is added, is taken to various temperatures, strictly linked to the beer variety to be produced. The successive cooling phase precedes the introduction of special yeasts, which transform the maltose into alcohol and carbon dioxide through the triggering of the fermentation process. In this way, a young beer is obtained, which is submitted to a second fermentation phase after the separation of the remaining yeast. This second fermentation takes place at a low temperature, during which it naturally enriches itself with additional carbon dioxide, thus reaching the flavour's completeness.
Appearance and Flavour
The Münchener Bier PGI presents varying colours and flavours, depending on the variety: from golden yellow with a slight hop flavour, up to a naturally turbid colour with a full taste and a malt aroma.
History
The Münchener Bier PGI boasts a long tradition, also demonstrated by the fact that payments in cash and in kind from the Munich brewers were already recorded as far back as 1280 in the state register of the duke Ludwig II der Strenge (Louis II of Bavaria). By virtue of the particular characteristics of the Munich territory, the breweries have always represented a pillar of the city's economy and culture.
Gastronomy
In order to maintain its characteristics unaltered, the beer should be kept in a cool yet not cold place, away from direct light sources, which modify the aroma and flavour, and at a constant temperature. It is recommended to cool it in the refrigerator or, however, to keep it at lower temperatures only before serving it. Once opened, it is recommendable to consume the beer within a short period of time, since contact with the air causes oxidation. The Münchener Bier PGI is best consumed cool. The combinations vary according to the chosen beer variety: ranging from combinations of vegetable dishes with Schwarz-Bier, through to appetizers, first courses, pizzas, sausages or cheeses with Pils.
Marketing
The product is sold as Münchener Bier PGI, in the following varieties: Helles, Export Hell, Export Dunkel, Pils, Leichtes Weißbier, Kristall Weizen, Hefeweizen Dunkel, Hefeweizen Hell, Märzen, Bockbier, Doppelbock, Leichtbier, Diät Pils, Schwarz-Bier, ICE-Bier, Nähr-/Malzbier, and Oktoberfestbier. It is marketed in glass bottles of 1.0 l, individually or in crates. Some typologies can also be found in tins.
Distinctive Features
The yeasts used for the Münchener Bier PGI production come from specific cultivations obtained starting from a single yeast cell. This particularity, coupled with the usage of water from the wells located in the depths of the Munich city grounds, are the basis of the distinctive character of the Münchener Bier PGI.
