Famous Italian Grapes
Barbera
Barbera is a red wine grape from Piemonte in Italy.
In Italy, Barbera is the the 4th most planted red grape after Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and Merlot.
It is known for deep color, good body, low tannins and high acidity.
The Barbera grape probably originates from Monferrato. Papers from 1246, found in the Cathedral of Casale Monferrato, describes planting in the Monferrato vineyards.
The people of Piemonte have always enjoyed their famous tannic red wines Barolo, and Barbaresco. But their traditional everyday wines are Dolcetto and Barbera.
Both are light and soft and can be drunk young, due to nice acidity and soft tannins.
Barbera is the most-planted red grape variety in Piemonte.
When it comes to Barbera, there are two important areas (cities): Alba and Asti. The wines from Asti (Barbera d'Asti) tends to be fruitier and lighter than the wines from Alba (Barbera d'Alba).
The hills around Alba are famous for the production of Nebbiolo wines (Barolo and Barbaresco), and this reflects in Barbera d'Alba that tends get a little oak treatment during vinification.
Barbera Flavors
Red Berry flavors are typical for Barbera.
Hints of Minerals, Herbs, Roses, and Spices.
 Red Currant |
 Raspberry |
 Cherry |
 Blackberry |
 Minerals |
 Herbs |
 Roses |
 Spices |
Barbera Profile
Barbera has high acidity, good fruit aromas, and little tannins:
| BODY: | Medium - Light |
| TANNINS: | Medium - Low |
| FRUIT: | Medium Plus |
| ACIDITY: | High |
| ALCOHOL: | 13-14% ABV |
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Serving temperature: 15-16°C (59-61°F) |
Barbera Food Pairing
Berry aromas, good acidity and light tannins make Barbera a perfect food wine.
It pairs well with rich foods, meats, and earthy mushrooms, as well as with lighter types of grilled meat, pasta and tomato based dishes.
 Pasta |
 Risotto |
 Mushroom |
 Truffle |
 Pizza |
 Hamburger |
 Sausages |
 Salami |
 Ham |
 Chicken |
 Lamb |
 Pork |
Excellent Pairings
Risotto. Mushroom. Truffle.
Pasta Bolognese. Spaghetti Carbonara.
Pizza. Tomato Sauces.
Smoked Ham. Prosciutto. Salami.
Grilled Meat. Chicken. Rabbit. Pork. Lamb.
Meatballs. Sausages.
Cheeses
Medium Cheeses.
Piemonte Cheeses: Toma, Raschera, Bra.
Fontina. Taleggio. Briscola.
Piemonte Spesialities:
Bagna Cauda (Hot Dip Appetizer).
Risotto al Barbera
Brasato al Barbera (Meat Stew)
Gran Bollito Misto (Meat Stew).
The Ideal Glass for Barbera
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Pick a Burgundy Glass for swirling & releasing the wine aromas. The shape of the glass captures and directs the delicate aromas to your nose and leads the wine to the tip of your tongue for a better reception of the tastes. The Burgundy glass was designed for the delicate and aromatic red wine Bourgogne Rouge, made from Pinot Noir grapes in Bougogne (Burgundy). |
Barbera Cheese Pairing
If You Like Barbera
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List of Barbera Denominations
| DOC(G) | Spesification |
|---|---|
| Barbera d’Alba DOC 1970 Communes in Cuneo / Alba |
Min. 85% Barbera 12.0% Alcohol |
| Barbera d’Alba Superiore DOC 1970 Communes in Cuneo / Alba |
Min. 85% Barbera 12.5% Alcohol Min 12 months Aging 4 months in Barrel |
| Barbera del Monferrato DOC 1970 Communes in Alessandria / Asti |
85% Barbera + Freisa, Grignolino, Dolcetto 12.0% Alcohol No Minimum Aging |
| Barbera del Monferrato Superiore DOC 1970 - DOCG 2008 Communes in Alessandria / Asti |
85% Barbera + Freisa, Grignolino, Dolcetto 13.0% Alcohol Min 14 months Aging 6 months in Barrel |
| Barbera d’Asti DOC 1970 - DOCG 2008 Communes in Alessandria / Asti |
90% Barbera 12.0% Alcohol Min 4 months Aging |
| Barbera d’Asti Superiore DOCG 2008 Communes in Alessandria / Asti |
90% Barbera 12.0% Alcohol Min 14 months Aging 6 months in Barrel |
| Langhe Barbera DOC 2010 54 Communes in Cuneo |
85% Barbera 12.0% Alcohol Min 5 months Aging |
| Nizza DOCG 2014 18 Communes in Asti |
100% Barbera 13.0% Alcohol Min 18 months Aging 6 months in Barrel |
| Nizza Riserva DOCG 2014 18 Communes in Asti |
100% Barbera 13.5% Alcohol Min 30 months Aging 12 months in Barrel |
Wine Region Piemonte
Black Grapes |
White Grapes |
|
|
Soil |
Climate |
Lime-Rich. |
Cool/Mild Continental. |
DOCG Regions in Piemonte
- Alta Langa (Metodo Classico)
- Asti (100% Moscato)
- Barbaresco (100 %Nebbiolo)
- Barbera d'Asti (Min. 90% Barbera)
- Barbera del Monferrato Superiore
- Barolo (100% Nebbiolo)
- Brachetto d'Acqui (100% Brachetto)
- Gavi (100% Cortese)
- Dogliani Superiore (100% Dolcetto)
- Ovada Superiore (100% Dolcetto)
- Diano d'Alba (100% Dolcetto)
- Erbaluce di Caluso (aka Caluso)
- Gattinara (Min 90% Nebbiolo)
- Ghemme (Min 85% Nebbiolo)
- Nizza (100% Barbera)
- Roero (100% Arneis)
- Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato (90% Ruchè)
- Terre Alfieri (Arneis and Nebbiolo)