Z'am Steg: Craft Beer Between Tradition and Mountains
Z'am Steg is a microbrewery nestled in the heart of the Piedmont Alps, at the foot of the majestic Monte Rosa, in the charming alpine village of Alagna Valsesia. Founded in 2012 by Nadir Valzer, Z'am Steg takes its name from the hamlet “al Ponte,” an ancient Walser appellation. The Walsers, a population of Alemannic origin, settled in these valleys around 1200, bringing with them their language, Titzschu, a particular variant of the southern German dialect that still characterizes the cultural identity of these places today.
The brewery’s growth has been steady and, after starting as a beer firm in 2014 with well-appreciated beers like Stardust and Red Giant, in 2017 Z'am Steg established a more solid presence by opening a proper brewpub, combining production and tasting in a single welcoming space. Here, besides enjoying craft beers, it is possible to savor typical Valsesia products and participate in live music events, fully immersing oneself in the alpine atmosphere.
Unique Beers for a Unique Territory
Z'am Steg’s distinctive feature is production at 1200 meters above sea level, using pure water from the highest European glaciers. This choice gives all the beers exceptional lightness, digestibility, and quality, perfect to accompany mountain lovers, from hikers to freeride enthusiasts. Z'am Steg’s beers are indeed considered the “beer of Monte Rosa” or, in Walser tradition, “ds Gourner Biar.”
The brewery offers a varied range spanning from traditional styles to innovative experiments:
- Stardust: an amber beer that is balanced and enveloping, ideal for those who love rounded flavors.
- Red Giant: a double malt with a strong character, perfect for those who prefer intense notes.
- Black Hole: dark, with hints of roasted barley and a delicate walnut note.
- Fumè: smoked beer, with a unique aroma resulting from traditional artisanal methods.
- Hampf: double malt with hemp, combining robustness and freshness into an original flavor.
- Urtika: nettle beer, with a surprising and unprecedented taste.
- Alagna Pale Ale: a tribute to the English tradition with a well-defined local touch.
- Lariùn: blueberry beer, where sweetness and slight bitterness harmoniously blend.
- Storch: double malt with chestnut honey, sweet and powerful at the same time.
This variety demonstrates a deep connection to the territory and a desire to experiment without ever losing sight of artisanal quality. The unique flavors, care in the production process, and strong bond with Walser culture make Z'am Steg a landmark in the Italian craft beer scene, capable of telling a millennial story with every sip.
