Barbera
One of the most widely planted grapes in Italy, Barbera is a red grape that produces high yields. A deep purple color on the vine, is boasts relatively low tannins and high acidity. The grape tends to thrive in both calcareous and clay soils. Vines are vigorous and can produce high yields and must be pruned regularly, as too much fruit can diminish quality. The wines, which tend to be consumed on the younger side, offer notes of bright red and blue fruits, such as raspberries, cherries and blueberries. Toasted oak barrels are sometimes used for aging.
Italy
Barbera is most famously grown in Italy’s Piedmont region, in the north. It has distinct appellations in Italy, like Barbera d’Asti DOCG, Nizza DOCG and Barbera d’Alba DOC. Wines from these regions express pure, snappy red berry and cherry fruit flavors that are juicy and attractive yet framed by pronounced acidity and ample tannins to lend a subtle structure.
United States
In the United States, California winemakers in Napa Valley and Sonoma have also found success with Barbera, and produce top-tier American examples. Elsewhere in California, it is also grown in the Sierra Foothills, Lodi and Lake County. Producers in Oregon and Washington are also having success with the grape.
Global Production
Besides Italy, Barbera is relatively uncommon in the remainder of Europe, although some winemakers produce it in Greece, Slovenia and Romania. In the New World, however, the grape is commonly grown in South America, particularly in Argentina, where it is used as a blending grape. In the 1960s, Barbera was planted in Australia, thanks to cuttings from the University of California, Davis. It is now grown in New South Wales, Victoria, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills. South African winemakers have found success with the variety, too, especially in areas like Wellington and Paarl.
Synonyms: Barber a Raspo, Barbera a Peduncolo, Barbera Amaro, Barbera Crna, Barbera Forte, Barbera Mercantile, Barbera Nera, Barbera Nostrana, Barbera Riccia, Barbera Rissa, Barbera Rosa, Barbera Vera, Barberone, Barbexinis, Besgano, Cosses Barbusen, Gaietto, Lombardesca, Perricone, Pignatello, Ughetta
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Starfield 2019 Barbera (El Dorado)
Sierra FoothillsThis tangy wine offers a great, appetizing mouthfeel and pure, focused black-cherry ...See Full Review$40 -
Helwig 2019 Barbera (Amador County)
Sierra FoothillsSpicy oak complexity gives extra warmth to this full-bodied, fully ripe and ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$18 -
Via Romano 2018 Barbera (Shenandoah Valley (CA))
Sierra FoothillsFocused, pure black-fruit flavors give this wine a beautiful simplicity that fits ...See Full Review$38 -
Andis 2019 D'Amador Estate Grown Barbera (Sierra Foothills)
Sierra FoothillsVivid red-cherry, cranberry and cedar flavors light up this medium- to full-bodied ...See Full Review$30 -
Seghesio 2018 Barbera (Alexander Valley)
SonomaSmoky cherry and vanilla accent a leathery texture and enduring earthiness in ...See Full Review$40 -
Helwig 2018 Barbera (Amador County)
Sierra FoothillsThis medium-bodied, elegant wine boasts pure black-cherry and sour-cherry flavors on a ...See Full Review$18 -
Terra d'Oro 2019 Barbera (Amador County)
Sierra FoothillsThis full-bodied and moderately tannic wine offers a good, mellow, barrel-aged character ...See Full Review$18 -
Bacovino 2018 Barbera (Columbia Valley (WA))
Columbia ValleyThe aromas are barrel forward, with notes of vanilla and baking spice. ...See Full Review$46 -
Helwig 2018 Gold Country Barbera (Sierra Foothills)
Sierra FoothillsA green, herbaceous element in the flavors and the texture give this ...See Full Review$18 -
Kunde 2018 Estate Grown Barbera (Sonoma Valley)
SonomaThis is a tannic, reduced and oak-driven wine, with ample layers of ...See Full Review$35 -
Michele Chiarlo 2018 Cipressi (Nizza)
PiedmontAromas of black-skinned berries, violet, truffle and spice emerge from the glass. ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$27 -
Braida di Giacomo Bologna 2018 Bricco dell'Uccellone (Barbera d'Asti)
PiedmontAromas of mature black-skinned berries, cassis, cedar and toasted hazelnut lead the ...See Full Review$98 -
Michele Chiarlo 2017 Le Court Riserva (Nizza)
PiedmontDark-skinned fruit, cedar and scorched earth aromas lead the nose. The structured, ...See Full Review$54 -
Braida di Giacomo Bologna 2018 Bricco della Bigotta (Barbera d'Asti)
PiedmontAromas of baked plum, baking spice and mocha emerge from the glass. ...See Full Review$98 -
Braida di Giacomo Bologna 2017 Ai Suma (Barbera d'Asti)
PiedmontAromas of ripe dark-skinned fruit, toasted oak and underbrush form the nose. ...See Full Review$125 -
Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta 2019 Valmorena (Barbera d'Asti)
PiedmontEnticing aromas of violet, black-skinned berries and baking spice shape the nose. ...See Full Review$25 -
Braida di Giacomo Bologna 2018 Montebruna (Barbera d'Asti)
PiedmontAromas of black-skinned berries, violet and tilled soil emerge from the glass. ...See Full Review$35 -
Michele Chiarlo 2018 Le Orme (Barbera d'Asti)
PiedmontFragrant aromas of mature dark-skinned fruit, underbrush and spice lead the nose. ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$17 -
Forgeron 2018 Sagemoor Vineyard Barbera (Columbia Valley (WA))
Columbia ValleyVarietal bottles are rarely seen in the state, with this one coming ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$35 -
Giovanni Rosso 2018 Barbera d'Alba
PiedmontAromas of dark-skinned fruit, baking spice and underbrush lead the way. The ...See Full ReviewN/A
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