Famous Italian Grapes

Barbera

Barbera is a red wine grape from Piemonte in Italy.

In Italy, Barbera is the the 4th most planted red grape after Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and Merlot.

It is known for deep color, good body, low tannins and high acidity.

The Barbera grape probably originates from Monferrato. Papers from 1246, found in the Cathedral of Casale Monferrato, describes planting in the Monferrato vineyards.

The people of Piemonte have always enjoyed their famous tannic red wines Barolo, and Barbaresco. But their traditional everyday wines are Dolcetto and Barbera.

Both are light and soft and can be drunk young, due to nice acidity and soft tannins.

Barbera is the most-planted red grape variety in Piemonte.

When it comes to Barbera, there are two important areas (cities): Alba and Asti. The wines from Asti (Barbera d'Asti) tends to be fruitier and lighter than the wines from Alba (Barbera d'Alba).

The hills around Alba are famous for the production of Nebbiolo wines (Barolo and Barbaresco), and this reflects in Barbera d'Alba that tends get a little oak treatment during vinification.