Barbera

Piedmont's most widely planted black grape. Soft tannins and very high acidity give the unusual combination of deep colour and easy drinking. If Nebbiolo is for special occasions, Barbera is the wine of the everyday table.

Flavor Profile

Body

Acidity

Tannin

Aromas

Primary Aromas

サワーチェリーラズベリープラム

Secondary Aromas

甘草バニラ

Tertiary Aromas

ドライフルーツタバコ

History

An old variety recorded in 13th-century documents from Monferrato. Long regarded as second tier, its reputation changed in the 1980s when Giacomo Bologna demonstrated concentrated, barrique-aged styles. Asti and Alba are now recognised as its finest homes.

Sommelier Note

High acid and low tannin cut through fat remarkably well. With anything tomato-based the match needs no explanation. I offer it as the way into Piedmont for anyone who finds Nebbiolo daunting.

Related Regions

🇮🇹Italy

Piedmont

Piedmont, meaning 'foot of the mountains,' is home to Barolo and Barbaresco, known as the Kings of Italian wine. In hills protected by the Alps, great wines capable of long aging are produced from the Nebbiolo grape. Also world-famous for white truffles, this is a region where gastronomy and wine culture are inseparable.

Piemonte