Explore our hills here in Monferrato and in all likelyhood you will be looking at Barbera vines. It is both popular and ubiquitous, approachable yet luscious and remains to this day one of the most underrated especially when compared to Nebbiolo wines Barbaresco and Barolo. Piedmont region is the home and birthplace of Italy (as a unified nation but also Barbera), the most beloved ones are labeled Barbera d’Asti, Barbera d’Alba, or Barbera del Monferrato. Interestingly, though they are all produced from the Barbera grape variety, they are demonstrably different expressions. But it is a wine that absolutely holds its own and can be aged beautifully. It is a gem hidden in plain sight.
Barbera is a red wine grape variety not a place (like Barolo or Barberesco) that is native to the Piedmont region of Italy. It is known for its deep color, full body, low tannins, and high levels of acidity 1. The grape is used to produce varietal as well as blended wines, and it is often blended with the tannic Nebbiolo grape to soften the red wine and make it more approachable in its youth.
Barbera is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods. It is often paired with mushrooms, herbs, herbaceous cheeses like blue cheese, higher tannin foods like root vegetables & braised greens 2.
Barbera wines are known for their fruity and light-bodied taste. They have notes of strawberry and sour cherry, which are flavors synonymous with light-bodied wines. Light tannin and high acidity make it taste ‘Juicy’ 2.
Barbera is believed to have originated in the hills of Monferrato in central Piemonte, Italy, where it has been known since the thirteenth century 1. The best-known appellation is the DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) Barbera d’Asti in the Piedmont region 1.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, waves of Italian immigrants brought Barbera to the Americas where the vine took root in California and Argentina among other places 1.
Barbera wines have been traditionally associated with the Piedmont region of Italy. The best-known appellation is the DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) Barbera d’Asti in the Piedmont region 1.
If you are looking to buy Barbera wines, the best Barbera wines come from this are. in fact from right here near Verdmont is the appelation Nizza which is a growing brand.
There are several designations to explore, and the wines are much fresher in style, with tart blackberry notes and ample acidity 2.
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