The short version
What is Barbera?
Barbera is widely planted in Piedmont, where Barbera d'Asti and Barbera d'Alba show different expressions of the grape. It naturally combines deep color with high acidity and relatively modest tannin.
Sour cherry, red plum, blackberry, violet, and dried herbs are common. Oak-aged versions may add vanilla or toast, but the grape's mouthwatering freshness usually remains the central feature.
In the glass
Flavors to look for
01Sour cherry
02Red plum
03Blackberry
04Violet
05Herbs
At the table
Food pairings that work
Match the wine’s weight to the dish, then let acidity refresh the palate and savory flavors echo one another.
Tomato pastaPizzaSausageMushroom dishes
Where it grows
Regions to know
- Piedmont, Italy
- Lombardy, Italy
- California, USA
- Argentina