Cittavecchia: the Craft Brewery of Sgonico, Heart of the Trieste Karst

Cittavecchia is one of the most appreciated craft breweries in the Italian scene, located in Sgonico, in the province of Trieste. Founded in 1999 by Michele Barro, this brewery has managed to carve out a leading role thanks to its strong connection with the territory and a production philosophy focused on quality and authenticity. Its headquarters, located at Via Stazione di Prosecco 29/e, enjoys a perfect environment for brewing, immersed in the evocative atmosphere of the Trieste Karst and close to the famous Grotta Gigante.

From the very beginning, Cittavecchia chose to adopt entirely artisanal production methods, excluding pasteurization and microfiltration. This approach allows the beers to preserve intact their aromas and organoleptic properties, offering a genuine and nuanced tasting experience. The meticulous attention to raw materials and fermentation translates into products with a distinctive character, capable of telling stories of tradition and innovation.

The Beers of Cittavecchia: a Journey through Authentic Flavors and Experimentation

Over the years, the brewery has expanded its production, offering a variety of beers ranging from top-fermented to bottom-fermented types, always maintaining high quality. Among the most well-known and loved labels are:

Formidable: a Belgian Strong Ale with a deep amber color, characterized by malty and slightly peaty aromas. On the palate, it presents a liqueur-like flavor with a delicate smoky touch, softened by smooth notes of morello cherry and licorice.
Karnera: an Irish Stout with a full and robust body, ideal for those seeking the richness and depth typical of traditional stouts.
Chiara: an elegant and fresh Pilsner, expressing a clean and refreshing aroma, perfect for those who prefer a lighter and more drinkable beer.
Weizen: a soft Bavarian Weizen that releases fruity scents of banana and tropical notes, with a light spiciness that enhances its complexity.

In 2019, to celebrate twenty years of activity, Cittavecchia created Àila, a Golden Ale dedicated to the city of Trieste. This beer, nicknamed “the typical Triestine beer,” encapsulates the fresh, lively, and authentic character of the city, becoming a true tribute to the local brewing tradition.

The desire to experiment and innovate leads the brewery to frequently collaborate with other producers, creating new recipes that always maintain a strong rooting in the territory and the culture of the Karst. The result is a catalog of beers that speaks of passion, research, and love for artisanal production, confirming Cittavecchia as a symbol of excellence in the Italian beer scene.