Description
The Ceské Pivo PGI is a beer produced using lightcoloured malt also called Pilsener malt, water coming from local sources and beer yeast with a low degree of fermentation (Saccharomyces cerevisiae sub-species uvarum).
Production Area
The production area of the Ceské Pivo PGI includes the entire Czech Republic.
Production Method
The production begins with the mashing phase, when the germinated malt is turned to powder and added to water, starting the process of transformation into fermentable sugars. Once the mashing process has been finished and after the insoluble grains of malt have been filtered, the wort is taken to the next process: fermentation. During this phase, which lasts from 60 to 120 minutes, an evaporation rate of 6 % must be reached. Afterwards, the Czech hops or products derived from it are added; the quantity varies according to the type of beer to be produced. For the lager pale beers, the quantity of hops added is 30%, while for other types of beer, 15%. Once the boiling phase is finished, the wort is left to cool down at a temperature between 6°C and 10°C, and the fermentation process begins, with the addition of brewer's yeast. This is carried out in two phases, the first at a maximum temperature of 14°C and the second at around 0°C. Once the ageing process is completed by means of secondary fermentation in suitable containers, the beer is filtered, bottled or canned, or put in the corresponding tubs and tankers. It is also possible to produce non-filtered beers.
Appearance and Flavour
The pale Ceské Pivo PGI (pale lager, normal pale beer and light beer) has a distinct malt flavour and is golden in colour, with medium-high intensity. The sparkling beer forms thick white foam when poured into a glass. The dark Ceské Pivo PGI (dark lager and dark draught beer) has the particular flavour of dark and coloured malt. Its flavour is generally acidic, it tastes bitter and it is characterized by a full body.
History
Ceské Pivo PGI prides itself on having ancient origins related to the long-standing beer manufacturing tradition in the area. Archaeological findings give evidence that in fact this beer production existed before the arrival of the Slavs. The oldest testimonies make reference to the Brevnov monastery, where Benedictine monks were already producing beer and wine in the year 993 A.D. The first historical document directly connected with beer and wine production is the statute of foundation of the Vysehrad chapter issued in 1088 by the first king of Bohemia, Vratislav II, which refers to the "hops tithe" and other royal privileges granted to the canons of the Vysehrad chapter as payments. Many other written testimonies dating back to the years between 1090 and 1100 are related to the cultivation of hops, malt and beer as well as the licenses for beer production and export. From 1330 onwards, there is also a great number of references to beer and malt production in documents of the royal court, nobility and also of the city.
Gastronomy
Ceské Pivo PGI must be kept in a cool and dry place, away from light and heat sources. It is best consumed cold as a beverage or in combined with many Czech traditional dishes.
Marketing
The product is sold as Ceské Pivo PGI, Pale Lager, Dark Lager, Normal Pale Beer, Dark Draught Beer, and Light Beer. It is marketed in glass bottles or cans.
Distinctive Features
The singularity of Ceské Pivo PGI is the result of a century-old traditional production method, which has been passed down from generation to generation. Conditions which favour hops cultivation in the area concerned, together with high-level professional expertise acquired by the personnel in charge during their studies in Czech schools at all levels, guarantee the excellent reputation of this beer all over the world.
