We've long had a soft spot for Flemish red ales.

The sour beers boast many names, including Flanders red and Belgian red. No matter the nomenclature, its attributes are always the same: low alcohol and refreshing acidity that pairs famously with a variety of foods.

This style of ale holds sway at a range of Bay Area spots, including Oakland's The Trappist and Monk's Kettle in San Francisco.

Of late, though, one Flemish red in particular has appeared at a number of new restaurants: Ichtegem's Grand Cru.

Sarah Elliott, the wine director of Commonwealth in the Mission, says the beer ($7.50 for 330ml) "is a little wine-like, but not too heavy. It's fairly complex and really refreshing." She thinks it goes especially well with the restaurant's compressed watermelon salad and the Contralto, a washed-rind goat's-milk cheese from Andante Dairy.

Ichtegem's Grand Cru ($6), with its sharp, cheery notes, is also the sole Flemish red at Bar Agricole in SoMa. Considering the intensely curated wine list from Mark Ellenbogen, that's quite the honor. The beer is a fine complement to much of chef Brandon Jew's easygoing menu.

Finally, the new location of Rosamunde Sausage Grill in San Francisco features Ichtegem's ($7) on its comprehensive beer list.

A link and a bottle of Flemish red: Talk about a sweetly sour match.