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.
DOC(G) | Spesification |
---|---|
Barbera d’Alba DOC 1970 Communes in Cuneo / Alba |
85% Barbera + Nebbiolo 12.0% Alcohol |
Barbera d’Alba Superiore DOC 1970 Communes in Cuneo / Alba |
85% Barbera + Nebbiolo 12.5% Alcohol Min 12 months Aging 4 months in Barrel |
Barbera del Monferrato DOC 1970 Communes in Alessandria / Asti |
85% Barbera + Freisa, Grignolina, Dolcetto 12.0% Alcohol No Minimum Aging |
Barbera del Monferrato Superiore DOC 1970 - DOCG 2008 Communes in Alessandria / Asti |
85% Barbera + Freisa, Grignolina, Dolcetto 13.0% Alcohol Min 14 months Aging 6 months in Barrel |
Barbera d’Asti DOC 1970 - DOCG 2008 Communes in Alessandria / Asti |
90% Barbera 12.0% Alcohol Min 4 months Aging |
Barbera d’Asti Superiore DOCG 2008 Communes in Alessandria / Asti |
90% Barbera 12.0% Alcohol Min 14 months Aging 6 months in Barrel |
Langhe Barbera DOC 1994 94 Communes in Cuneo |
85% Barbera 12.0% Alcohol Min 5 months Aging |
Nizza DOCG 2014 18 Communes in Asti |
100% Barbera 13.0% Alcohol Min 18 months Aging 6 months in Barrel |
Nizza Riserva DOCG 2014 18 Communes in Asti |
100% Barbera 13.0% Alcohol Min 30 months Aging 12 months in Barrel |
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