• Introduction
• What is Barbera?
• History of Barbera
• Barbera in Italy
• Barbera vs Sangiovese
• Barbera Around the World
• Barbera and Food
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Introduction

Italy is one of the oldest wine producing countries in the world and has a rich history of winemaking. Each region in Italy is known for producing its own unique wine, and one of the lesser known but up and coming wine regions is Barbera. While it has been a staple in Italian wine culture for centuries, only recently has it started to gain worldwide attention and with good reason.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Barbera, its history, its place in Italian wine culture, and what makes it stand out from other Italian wines. By the end of this post, you’ll understand why Barbera is quickly becoming the new king of Italian wines.

What is Barbera?

Barbera is a red grape variety that is primarily grown in the Piemonte region of Italy. It’s the third most-planted grape variety in Italy, and its popularity is only growing. Barbera wine is known for its high acidity, making it a great choice for food pairings. It’s also a medium-bodied wine, with flavors of black cherry, plum, and blackberry. Barbera grapes ripen earlier than other varieties, making it a dependable producer even in cooler years.

History of Barbera

Barbera has been grown in Italy for centuries, and there is evidence to suggest that it was being grown in the Piemonte region as far back as the 13th century. Barbera grapes were once considered to be the “common” grape, and were often harvested in large quantities to produce everyday wines. However, in recent years, Barbera has seen a resurgence in popularity, with winemakers recognizing its unique qualities and the potential for high-quality wines.

Barbera in Italy

Barbera is primarily grown in the Piemonte region of Italy, with the highest quality and most sought-after wines coming from the subregions of Asti and Alba. There are two main types of Barbera wine: Barbera d’Asti and Barbera d’Alba, each with their own unique qualities.

Barbera is also grown in other regions of Italy, including Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Puglia. While these regions may not produce as high-quality wines as those from Piemonte, they still showcase the unique qualities of the Barbera grape.

Barbera vs Sangiovese

When it comes to Italian red wines, Sangiovese is often considered to be the king. However, Barbera is quickly gaining ground and proving to be a worthy competitor. While both are medium-bodied red wines with high acidity, Barbera tends to be more fruit-forward and less tannic than Sangiovese. Barbera is also generally harvested earlier than Sangiovese, making it a more dependable crop in cooler years.

Barbera Around the World

While Barbera is primarily grown in the Piemonte region of Italy, it is also grown in other wine regions around the world. In the United States, Barbera is grown predominantly in California, where it has been gaining popularity in recent years. Other countries where Barbera is grown include Argentina, Australia, and Canada.

Barbera grown outside of Italy tends to be more fruit-forward and less complex than its Italian counterparts, but still showcases the unique qualities of the grape.

Barbera and Food

Barbera’s high acidity and fruit-forward flavors make it a great choice for food pairings. It pairs particularly well with tomato-based dishes, roasted meats, and grilled vegetables. The acidity of the wine helps to cut through the richness of these dishes, while the fruit flavors complement the natural sweetness of the ingredients. Barbera is also a great wine to enjoy with pizza, thanks to its acidity and ability to cut through the acidity of tomato sauce.

Barbera: The New King of Italian Wines

Barbera is quickly gaining popularity around the world, and for good reason. Its high acidity and fruit-forward flavors make it a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods. Barbera also has a unique history and cultural significance in Italy, making it a wine that is worth exploring and learning more about. While Sangiovese may still be the king in some circles, Barbera is proving to be a worthy competitor and may soon overtake Sangiovese as the king of Italian wines.

FAQ

• How long does Barbera wine age?

  Barbera is generally consumed within 5-10 years of bottling. While some high-quality Barbera wines can age for longer, they are the exception rather than the rule.

• What foods pair well with Barbera?

  Barbera pairs well with a variety of foods, including tomato-based dishes, roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and pizza.

• Is Barbera a good wine for beginners?

  Barbera can be a great wine for beginners. Its high acidity and fruit-forward flavors make it an approachable wine that is easy to pair with a variety of foods.

• Where is Barbera grown?

  Barbera is primarily grown in the Piemonte region of Italy, but is also grown in other wine regions around the world, including the United States, Argentina, Australia, and Canada.