Fragole

The portrait

Fragole, meaning "strawberries" in Italian, is a Wit beer, a Belgian-inspired white beer reimagined with a fruity, summery touch. At 4.5% alcohol, it follows in the tradition of light and refreshing thirst-quenching beers, while asserting its own unique personality thanks to the addition of strawberries.

What's immediately striking about Fragole is its restraint. Where one might fear an artificially sweet beer, the strawberry is subtle and well-integrated, appearing mainly at the finish, like a whispered confidence rather than a declaration. Untappd's check-ins confirm this: "the strawberry is well-managed, you mainly taste it in the aftertaste ," and the result is "surprisingly not too cloying ." A beautiful balance.

On the nose, there are slightly tart strawberry notes. On the palate, the white base remains present, with this fruitiness punctuating the finish. The result is a beer that is "very refreshing" and "very pleasant to drink ," according to those who have tasted it.

The story

Fragole appears to have first appeared in spring 2019 in several establishments in French-speaking Switzerland: Au Coin Mousse, Brasserie B'art in Neuchâtel, Bachibouzouk, and the Des Arts Hotel, also in Neuchâtel. Its name, borrowed from Italian, evokes Mediterranean indulgence and contrasts with the more Nordic characteristics of traditional wheat beer. Like all of La Nébuleuse's creations, it is brewed at the Renens brewery in the canton of Vaud.

Food and beer pairings

Fragole, with its lightness (4.5%), its Wit base and its fruity strawberry notes, calls for fresh and spring-like pairings.

Witbier-style white beers are classically paired with white-fleshed fish (grilled sole, cod), seafood such as mussels and shrimp, as well as fresh cheeses and goat cheeses. The fruity character of Fragole also lends itself to dessert pairings: a strawberry tart, a red fruit cheesecake, or a chocolate fondant with strawberry coulis would be excellent choices, playing on the fruity notes or the chocolate-strawberry contrast.

The final word

The last Fragole check-ins date back to April 2019. This seasonal beer seems to have been a fleeting creation, limited to a single spring. While it's no longer on the menu, it leaves a lasting impression as a skillfully crafted fruity Witbier that won over even those skeptical of fruit beers. Proof that La Nébuleuse, when they put their minds to it, can make strawberries a serious brew.

Cheers! 🍻

The recipe