Poretti Vs Moretti | Which One Is The Better Beer?

Poretti and Moretti are iconic Italian beer brands. With both brands having strikingly similar names, you’ve probably wondered if they taste the same, and which one is better. In this guide to Poretti Vs Moretti we will explain in detail how each of these beers tastes, the history of Poretti and Moretti, and which is the better beer. First, here’s a quick summary of the difference between Poretti and Moretti.

Poretti is a premium Italian lager-style beer with a light body and moderate bitterness. Moretti, on the other hand, is a medium-bodied Italian lager with a pronounced malty backbone and a gentle bitterness. While both are Italian lager-style beers, they have distinct tastes and different alcohol content. Poretti is the stronger lager at 4.8% compared to Moretti’s 4.6%.

Related: Moretti Vs Peroni / Moretti Vs Madri

History

Poretti

Birrificio Angelo Poretti is an Italian brewery founded in 1877 in Varese, Lombardy, by Angelo Poretti, an Italian entrepreneur and beer enthusiast. Poretti chose Varese as the location for his brewery due to its pure water sources, which is essential for brewing high-quality beer.

The Poretti brewery saw consistent growth during the early years, but like many businesses, faced challenges during the World Wars. It managed to survive the wars and continued to grow. Over the years, Birrificio Poretti introduced several beers with varying ingredients and recipes. One of the notable aspects is their series of beers identified by the number of hops used, such as 3, 4, 5, etc.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Birrificio Angelo Poretti was acquired by the Carlsberg Group, one of the largest international brewery groups. This gave Poretti further reach and resources for its beers. The beer is now enjoyed in many countries around the world.

Moretti

Birra Moretti was established in 1859 by Luigi Moretti in the city of Udine in northeastern Italy. From its early days, Moretti was popular among Italians and renowned for its rich, malty flavor.

In 1996, the Heineken Group acquired Birra Moretti, adding it to its global portfolio of beers. Today, Birra Moretti remains a leading brand in Italy and is exported to over 40 countries around the world.

Poretti Vs Moretti: Taste

Poretti has a mild malt character balanced by a hint of hop bitterness, which comes from the four hop varieties it uses to brew the beer. In terms of mouthfeel, Poretti lager has a light to medium body with a somewhat smooth finish.

A pint of Poretti Beer — A pint of Poretti beer

Moretti has a more straightforward malt profile, together with a grainy sweetness and a minimal hop bitterness. This style is typical to classic European pale lagers, which can be enjoyed by a broad range of beer drinkers. Regarding mouthfeel, Moretti also has a light to medium body and a smooth finish.

While both Poretti and Moretti are Italian lagers that share some similarities, there are some subtle differences in taste. The hop character in Poretti can make it slightly more aromatic and flavorful to those with a discerning palate. On the other hand, Moretti tends to be malt-forward and less complex, making it very approachable and a good choice for those who prefer a straightforward lager.

Poretti Vs Moretti: Food Pairings

Pairing the right food with beer can enhance both the flavors of the dish and the brew. Given the subtle distinctions between Poretti and Moretti, each has its unique pairing advantages:

Poretti: With its nuanced hop profile and mild malt character, Poretti complements foods that won’t overwhelm its flavors:

Appetizers: Bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil or olives marinated in herbs.
Main Course: Light seafood dishes like grilled white fish or shrimp scampi. Poretti’s lightness balances the delicate flavors of seafood.
Pizzas: Thin-crust pizzas with white sauce, mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and arugula.
Desserts: Lemon sorbet or panna cotta. The beer’s slight bitterness contrasts with the sweetness of these desserts, making for a refreshing palate cleanser.

Moretti: Given its straightforward malt profile and grainy sweetness, Moretti pairs wonderfully with heartier dishes:

Appetizers: Antipasti platters with cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, and cheeses like pecorino and provolone.
Main Course: Classic Italian dishes like spaghetti carbonara, lasagna, or osso buco. The malt-forward flavor of Moretti complements the savory and fatty components of these dishes.
Pizzas: Traditional Margherita or pepperoni pizzas. The malt in Moretti resonates with the tomato sauce and cheese.
Desserts: Tiramisu or cannoli. The rich and creamy elements of these desserts are balanced out by the beer’s smooth finish.

Poretti Vs Moretti: Alcohol (ABV)

Poretti is the slightly stronger lager with an ABV (Alcohol By Volume) of 4.8% compared to Moretti’s 4.6%. As you can see, the strength of these beers is almost the same and on par with other lagers. That being said, if you want a stronger beer, go for Poretti; if you want a beer with less alcohol, go for Moretti.

Poretti Vs Moretti: Calories

Poretti has 135 calories per 330ml (the standard EU/UK Bottle Size), whereas Birra Moretti has 134 calories per 330ml. As you can see, just like the alcohol content in these beers, there is very little difference in terms of calories.

Wrapping Up

As we’ve discovered, Poretti and Moretti have similar alcohol and calorie content, but distinct tastes. Poretti, with its slightly more robust ABV and nuanced hop profile, caters to those who appreciate a bit more complexity in their lager, perhaps appealing to those who’ve developed a palate for craft beers. Moretti, on the other hand, offers a more straightforward malt-forward taste, a classic representation of European lagers, and is perfect for those who love a traditional, smooth drink.

Ultimately, the choice between Poretti and Moretti is a matter of personal preference, and the best judge of which beer is the best is your own palate. Whether you lean towards the slightly aromatic tones of Poretti or the rich maltiness of Moretti, both beers offer a genuine taste of Italian brewing heritage. Cheers!

FAQ

What Type Of Beer Is Poretti?

Poretti is primarily known as a lager, with variations that use different numbers of hop varieties.

Is Poretti The Same As Moretti?

No, Poretti and Moretti are two distinct beer brands from Italy.

Which Came First, Poretti or Moretti?

Poretti was established in 1877, while Moretti began brewing in 1859. So, Moretti came first.

Why Do Poretti And Moretti Have Similar Names?

The similarity in names is coincidental, stemming from the common Italian “-etti” suffix, but they are unrelated brands.

Is Poretti A Lager?

Yes, Poretti is primarily known as a lager.

Is Poretti a Pilsner?

No, Poretti is not specifically a Pilsner but a lager. Pilsner is a subcategory of lager. While some Poretti variants might have characteristics similar to a Pilsner, the brand is primarily recognized as a lager.