Barbera

As the third most-planted red grape in Italy, Barbera is known for its deep color, full body and low tannin. It is traditionally grown in Northern Italy, along the low slopes and valleys of the region. If not regularly pruned, the vines can produce high amounts of grapes, making it a more affordable wine to both grow and drink. If you’re a fan of Nebbiolo or Chianti, Barbera is a classic Italian alternative to sample.

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Barbera Tasting Notes

The centuries-old vines that have grown in Northern Italy since the 1200s produce intense wines with notes of black cherry, plum, blackberry, violet, dried leaves, vanilla and baking spices. They are often light and fruit-forward, meant for immediate consumption rather than aging.

In the New World, Barbera is often juicier and fruitier, with notes of cherry, raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry, with just hints of the baking spice. Barbera is high acid and low tannin, making it an approachable red wine that goes well with food.

Wine Growing Regions for Barbera

The best known region for Barbera is the Denominzione di Origine e Garantita (DOCG) Barbera d’Asti in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. Barbera originated in this region in the 13th century and continues to flourish there.

The Piedmont region is often lauded as being one of the best wine regions in the world--the cold winds from the Alps and warming breezes of the Mediterranean keep it at the right temperatures and vines planted high on the hills get the added benefit of high levels of sunshine. Sadly, those higher hills are often reserved for Nebbiolo, and Barbera gets the lower ones. Despite this, Barbera does well in this area and produces intensely fruity and acidic wines that are more affordable than Nebbiolo.

While Barbera is famous in Italy, as larger groups of Italians began immigrating to the New World in the 19th and 20th century, they took the grape with them and began planting it in Argentina and California. It’s often used in blends, providing intense color and high acid to the cuvee.

Amador County in California in particular is becoming known for their Barbera, and they now celebrate the grape at an annual festival. You can find large plantings in the California’s Central Valley and Santa Barbara, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills, Australia, and Argentina’s San Juan and Mendoza regions. These New World Barbera's are fruitier and more full-bodied than their Old World counterparts, benefiting from the intense heat, particularly in Argentina. You can also find Barbera in other regions, though they are often limited in production. These regions include Washington State, Oregon, Arizona, and the Finger Lakes. 

Barbera Wines to Try

• Giacomo Bologna's Bricco dell'Uccellone Barbera d’Asti: If you’re looking for a nuanced, high end Northern Italian version, this is it. This winemaker is not treating Barbera like a lesser grape than Nebbiolo, but rather is making it the star. If you want to see the true potential of this grape, check out this wine. 
• Michele Chiarlo Cipressi and Oddero Barbera d’Alba provide a more affordable Piedmont Barbera that will give you the same nuance at a lower price. 
• Terra d’Oro is a great winery to sample classic California Barbera. Their vintages vary from fruit forward and smooth to earthy and acidic. 
• Clovely Estate was the first Australian winery to use Barbera and their old vines are producing complex and fruity versions of this varietal.
• Truro Vineyards is a total twist and surprise for this list. This Cape Cod winery (yes, Cape Cod), is producing a floral and spicy Barbera made using grapes from the Sierra Foothills but done to emphasize cooler climate notes.

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