Blog: Barbera | Grape variety

Barbera is also often referred to as the 'people's grape' of Piedmont, as the grape variety is high quality and at the same time adaptable and high yielding. Barbera is a red grape variety from Piedmont and has been grown in Monferrato since the 13th century. The resulting wines have moderate tannins and a full body, with a present acidity. It is this acidity that gives the wine its freshness, which is why Barbera is also used to make a frizzante, which serves as a thirst quencher.

However, Barbera is also a mass producer, i.e. a grape that can produce extremely high yields. Especially in the eighties Barbera was grown in large quantities, high yields per hectare and the associated low quality have damaged the reputation of this wonderful grape variety. Today, especially in Piedmont where Barbera is still the most common grape variety - again mainly high quality wines are produced. Especially the wines from the famous DOC appellations Barbera d'Alba, Barbera d'Asti and Barbera del Monferrato are popular and sought after. - Gerardo