
Barbera
Learn about Barbera — taste profile, popular regions and more ...
Friendly, approachable and full of juicy red fruit, Barbera produces wines in a wide range of styles, from youthful, fresh and fruity to serious, structured and age-worthy. Piedmont is the most famous source of Barbera, but it is also planted in a few nearby Italian provinces and remains one of the most widely planted varieties in the country. Barbera actually can adapt to many climates and enjoys success in California—particularly in the Sierra Foothills—and some southern hemisphere wine regions.
Tasting Notes for Barbera
Barbera is a dry, red wine typically marked by flavors of red cherry, raspberry or blackberry. Warmer sites produce Barberas with intensely ripe fruit and complex notes of cocoa, savory spice, anise and nutmeg. Cooler sites will produce a lighter Barbera with more finesse and intriguing notes of cranberry, graphite, smoke, lavender and violet.
Perfect Food Pairings for Barbera
Barbera’s prominent acidity makes it a natural match with tomato-based dishes, so it an easy pairing with a wide array of Italian cuisine. It works just as well with lighter red meat dishes, hamburgers or barbecue.
Sommelier Secrets for Barbera
In the past it wasn’t common or even accepted to age Barbera in oak but today both styles—oaked and unoaked—abound, at least in Piedmont. In fact, many Piedmontese producers today still make a deliciously pure, fruity and unoaked version, intended for earlier consumption. The wine world didn't realize Barbera's potential until Giacomo Bologna's debut of the barrique-aged Barbera called Bricco dell’Uccellone in Asti in the 1960s. Many of the better bottlings of Piemontese Barbera can age gracefully for 10-15 years or more.
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G.D. Vajra Barbera d'Alba 2018Barbera from Alba, Piedmont, Italy
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Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera 2018Barbera from Piedmont, Italy
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La Spinetta Barbera d'Asti Ca Di Pian 2017Barbera from Asti, Piedmont, Italy
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Pico Maccario Lavignone Barbera D'Asti 2018Barbera from Asti, Piedmont, Italy
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Marchesi di Barolo Barbera d'Alba Ruvei 2018Barbera from Alba, Piedmont, Italy
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Braida Ai Suma Barbera d'Asti 2015Barbera from Asti, Piedmont, Italy
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Giacomo Conterno Vigna Francia Barbera d'Alba 2018Barbera from Alba, Piedmont, Italy
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Damilano Barbera d'Asti 2018Barbera from Asti, Piedmont, Italy
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Castello di Neive Barbera d'Alba Superiore 2017Barbera from Alba, Piedmont, Italy
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G.D. Vajra Barbera d'Alba Superiore 2017Barbera from Alba, Piedmont, Italy
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Bruno Giacosa Barbera d'Alba 2018Barbera from Alba, Piedmont, Italy
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Giacomo Conterno Cerretta Barbera d'Alba 2018Barbera from Alba, Piedmont, Italy
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Ca'Viola Bric du Luv Barbera d'Alba 2015Barbera from Alba, Piedmont, Italy
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Enrico Serafino Barbera d'Alba 2017Barbera from Alba, Piedmont, Italy
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Casa E. di Mirafiore Barbera d'Alba Superiore 2013Barbera from Alba, Piedmont, Italy
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Scarpetta Barbera del Monferrato 2019Barbera from Piedmont, Italy
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Coppo L'Avvocata Barbera d'Asti 2018Barbera from Asti, Piedmont, Italy
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Massolino Barbera d'Alba 2019Barbera from Alba, Piedmont, Italy
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