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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Elvio Cogno 2020 Pre-Phylloxera (Barbera d'Alba)
PiedmontPlanted in almost entirely sand, this own-rooted vineyard with some vines over ...See Full Review$71 -
Michele Chiarlo 2020 Le Orme (Barbera d'Asti)
PiedmontThis is a CLASSIC Barbera. Vibrant and bright aromas of wild berries, ...Best BuySee Full Review$18 -
Michele Chiarlo 2019 La Court (Nizza)
Piedmont“La Court” is a stunner of a Barbera! The nose is full ...See Full Review$58 -
Zoppi Cristina 2019 Barbera d'Asti
PiedmontWell-defined aromas of tart cherries, strawberries and raspberries combined with clove and ...See Full ReviewN/A -
Bella Grace 2020 Reserve Barbera (Amador County)
Sierra FoothillsIn this easy-pleasing wine, bright fresh fruits burst forward, complemented by the ...See Full Review$54 -
Cantina del Lupo 2020 Barbera d'Asti
PiedmontThis IS the Barbera you have been looking for! A regal purple ...Best BuySee Full Review$18 -
Caudrina 2019 Romano Dogliotti Montevenere (Nizza)
PiedmontThis Barbera comes from an almost 4-acre vineyard planted in 1975. These ...See Full Review$22 -
Ezio T. 2019 Terra del Noce (Barbera d'Asti Superiore)
PiedmontEzio T. is a producer that takes no shortcuts. This richly perfumed ...See Full Review$26 -
Luca Bosio 2020 Passato (Barbera d'Asti Superiore)
PiedmontA serious and immensely pleasurable wine in one! This dark-fruited Barbera has ...See Full Review$30 -
Tenuta Olim Bauda 2021 La Villa (Barbera d'Asti)
PiedmontThis is a serious Barbera achieving above its class. Densely colored with ...Best BuySee Full Review$19 -
Vietti 2020 Tre Vigne (Barbera d'Asti)
PiedmontVietti continues to achieve year in and year out. The 2020 “Tre ...Best BuySee Full Review$19 -
Luca Ferraris 2020 Ca' Mongròss La Regina (Barbera d'Asti Superiore)
PiedmontThis wine is the best mix of seriousness and playfulness at the ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$23 -
Michele Chiarlo 2019 Cipressi (Nizza)
PiedmontDeeply colored, this Barbera from Nizza is a true benchmark. The wine ...See Full Review$30 -
Scarpa 2020 Casascarpa (Barbera d'Asti)
PiedmontScarpa is a historic and traditional estate that no matter the era, ...See Full Review$21 -
Scarpa 2016 La Bogliona (Barbera d'Asti Superiore)
PiedmontRich and forward aromas of blackberry, cooked plums, and dried earth combine ...See Full Review$69 -
Starfield 2020 Reserve Barbera (El Dorado)
Sierra FoothillsDecadence and age-ability are the name of this Barbera game. Find notes ...See Full Review$60 -
Scarpa 2019 I Bricchi (Barbera d'Asti)
PiedmontWarmed and spiced cherries, plums and blueberries lift of out the glass ...See Full Review$43 -
Terra d'Oro 2020 Barbera (Amador County)
Sierra FoothillsRobust fruit makes this wine shine. Enjoy ripe aromas and flavors of ...Best BuySee Full Review$20 -
Aresca 2020 La Rossa (Barbera d'Asti)
PiedmontNamed “La Rossa” meaning “the red one,” the name perfectly describes the ...Best BuySee Full Review$18 -
Starfield 2020 Barbera (El Dorado)
Sierra FoothillsDecadence and ageability are the name of this Barbera game. Notes suggest ...See Full Review$45
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