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Is Barbera the Underrated Gem of Italian Wines?
When we talk about Italian wines, the first names that come to mind are Chianti, Barolo, and Brunello. However, there is a lesser-known Italian wine that deserves more attention – Barbera.
Barbera is a red wine grape that is grown in the Piedmont region of Italy. It is the third most planted grape in Italy, after Sangiovese and Montepulciano. Barbera wines are known for their high acidity, which makes them a good match for rich and hearty Italian dishes such as pasta with meat sauce, risotto, and roasted meats.
In this blog post, we will explore why Barbera is the underrated gem of Italian wines, and why you should add it to your wine collection.
History of Barbera
Barbera has been grown in the Piedmont region of Italy since the 13th century. It was first mentioned in writing in the late 18th century by Count Camillo Benso di Cavour, who was a statesman and a wine producer. Cavour considered Barbera to be a grape that could produce excellent wine, and he devoted a lot of time and effort to improve its cultivation and winemaking techniques.
During the 20th century, Barbera became a popular grape variety in the Piedmont region due to its high yields and resistance to disease. However, many winemakers focused on the quantity rather than the quality of their wines, resulting in Barbera wines that were often thin and acidic.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in producing high-quality Barbera wines. Winemakers have started reducing yields, focusing on vineyard management, and using modern winemaking techniques to bring out the best in the grape. The result is Barbera wines that are rich, full-bodied, and balanced.
Why is Barbera Underrated?
Despite its long history and versatility, Barbera remains a lesser-known grape variety outside of Italy. One of the reasons for this is that Barbera wines are not as prestigious as wines from other Italian wine regions, such as Barolo and Brunello.
Another reason is that Barbera wines were often produced in large quantities and sold as bulk wine. These mass-produced wines were often thin, acidic, and lacking in complexity, giving Barbera a bad reputation.
However, as we mentioned earlier, today’s winemakers are producing high-quality Barbera wines that are a far cry from the mass-produced wines of the past. These new Barbera wines are receiving critical acclaim and are becoming more popular among wine enthusiasts.
Types of Barbera Wines
Barbera wines come in various styles and prices, ranging from simple and fruity to complex and expensive. Here are the main types of Barbera wines:
| Type of Barbera wine | Description | Price range | Food pairing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barbera d’Alba | Produced in the Alba region of Piedmont. Medium-bodied with high acidity, and flavors of red and black fruits. | $20-$50 | Pasta with meat sauce, roasted meats, aged cheeses. |
| Barbera d’Asti | Produced in the Asti region of Piedmont. Full-bodied with high acidity, and flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and coffee. | $15-$30 | Grilled meats, stews, hearty soups. |
| Barbera del Monferrato | Produced in the Monferrato region of Piedmont. Medium to full-bodied, with high acidity, and flavors of red and black fruits, and spices. | $15-$40 | Roasted meats, game, mature cheeses. |
| Barbera di Monforte d’Alba | Produced in the Monforte d’Alba subregion of Piedmont. Full-bodied with high acidity, and flavors of dark fruit, licorice, and balsamic notes. | $30-$70 | Beef, lamb, game, aged cheeses. |
There are also some blended wines that contain Barbera, such as the Nebbiolo-based wines Barolo and Barbaresco.
Benefits of Drinking Barbera Wines
Drinking Barbera wines has several benefits for your health and enjoyment:
- Rich in antioxidants: Barbera wines are high in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation, protect against heart disease, and prevent oxidative stress.
- Good for digestion: Barbera wines have high acidity, which can help stimulate digestion and reduce bloating and gas.
- Great with food: Barbera wines are versatile and pair well with a wide range of foods, from pasta dishes to hearty meats.
- Budget-friendly: Barbera wines are generally less expensive than other Italian wines, making them a good option for everyday drinking.
How to Pair Barbera Wines with Food
Barbera wines are known for their high acidity, which makes them a good match for rich and hearty foods. Here are some food pairing suggestions:
- Pasta with meat sauce: Barbera’s high acidity can cut through the richness of a meaty tomato sauce.
- Roasted meats: Barbera’s tannins and acidity complement the savory flavors of roasted meats, such as beef, lamb, and pork.
- Aged cheeses: Barbera’s acidity balances the richness of aged cheeses, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino.
- Hearty soups and stews: Barbera’s acidity can balance the richness of a hearty soup or stew, such as minestrone or beef stew.
- Grilled vegetables: Barbera’s acidity can complement the smoky flavors of grilled vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Barbera Wines
Barbera may not be as well-known as other Italian wines, but it is definitely worth trying. With its high acidity, versatility, and affordability, Barbera wines can be an excellent addition to your wine collection. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual drinker, Barbera wines offer a range of flavors and styles that can satisfy any palate.
FAQs
What is Barbera wine?
Barbera is a red wine grape that is grown in the Piedmont region of Italy. It is the third most planted grape in Italy, after Sangiovese and Montepulciano. Barbera wines are known for their high acidity and versatility.
What does Barbera wine taste like?
Barbera wines have high acidity, which gives them a tart, zippy flavor. They are known for their flavors of red and black fruit, spices, and sometimes chocolate or coffee notes.
What foods pair well with Barbera wine?
Barbera wines pair well with a wide range of foods, from pasta dishes to roasted meats and aged cheeses. The high acidity of Barbera can cut through rich and savory flavors, making it a good match for hearty Italian dishes.
How much does Barbera wine cost?
Barbera wines come in various price ranges, from $15 to over $70 per bottle. The cost depends on factors such as the producer, region, and vintage.
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