Barbera
About 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
Also Take a look at...
The Rise of Italian Grapes in American Vineyards
California’s Up-and-Coming Grapes
What We're Tasting:
Possessed NV Godess Pinot Rosé (Willamette Valley)
What We're Tasting:
DFJ Vinhos 2022 Grand'Arte Chardonnay Chardonnay (Lisboa)
What We're Tasting:
Schweiger 2021 Estate Bottled Chardonnay (Spring Mountain District)
What We're Tasting:
Bodegas Murviedro 2018 Sericis Cepas Viejas Bobal Bobal (Utiel-Requena)
What We're Tasting:
Beckstone 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon (Horse Heaven Hills)
What We're Tasting:
Château Sainte Marguerite 2022 Fantastique Rosé (Côtes de Provence)
What We're Tasting:
Maison Sainte Marguerite 2022 Symphonie Rosé (Côtes de Provence)
What We're Tasting:
ALDI 2021 Bear Bros. Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
What We're Tasting:
ALDI 2020 Exquisite Collection Chardonnay (California)
What We're Tasting:
Eternal 2019 Eternal Evolution Skin Contact White White (Columbia Valley (WA))
What We're Tasting:
Domaine de Cala 2022 Rosé (Coteaux Varois en Provence)
What We're Tasting:
OTU 2022 Otuwhero Estate Sauvignon Blanc (Awatere Valley)
What We're Tasting:
Ca' del Bosco NV Cuvée Prestige 44 Edizione Extra Brut Sparkling (Franciacorta)
What We're Tasting:
Evening Land 2021 La Source Chardonnay (Eola-Amity Hills)
What We're Tasting:
Evening Land 2021 Summum Chardonnay (Eola-Amity Hills)
What We're Tasting:
Château d'Esclans 2021 Garrus Rosé (Côtes de Provence)
What We're Tasting:
Esteban Martín 2019 Garnacha-Syrah-Tempranillo 6M Red (Cariñena)
What We're Tasting:
Grgich Hills 2019 Miljenko's Selection Crljenak Kaštelanski Estate Grown Zinfandel (Napa Valley)
What We're Tasting:
Grgich Hills 2018 Estate Grown Zinfandel (Napa Valley)
What We're Tasting:
Grgich Hills 2019 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
What We're Tasting:
Cà di Rajo 2021 Millesimato Rosé Brut Sparkling (Prosecco Treviso)
What We're Tasting:
Tyrrell's 2020 Rufus Stone Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River)
What We're Tasting:
Château Vignelaure 2022 Rosé (Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence)
What We're Tasting:
Monteabellón 2021 5 Meses en Barrica Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero)
What We're Tasting:
Dominio de Atauta 2019 La Celestina Crianza Tinto Fino (Ribera del Duero)
What We're Tasting:
Bodegas Luzón 2019 Alma de Luzón Monastrell-Syrah (Jumilla)
What We're Tasting:
Virtus 2019 El Sueco Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero)
What We're Tasting:
Viñas Murillo 2021 Chapirete Prefiloxerico Verdejo Verdejo (Rueda)
What We're Tasting:
Sanford 2020 La Rinconada Vineyard Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills)
What We're Tasting:
Browne Family Vineyards 2020 Forest Project Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
What We're Tasting:
Browne Family Vineyards 2022 Bitner Estate Grenache Rosé (Columbia Valley (WA))
What We're Tasting:
Sartori 2015 Corte Brá Red (Amarone della Valpolicella)
What We're Tasting:
Sartori 2016 Reius Red (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico)
Sign Up For Wine Enthusiast Emails For Discounts And More!
Welcome to Wineenthusiast.com! By using our website and/or subscribing to our newsletter, you agree to our use of cookies and the terms of our Privacy Policy