Grape Guide to Barbera
Barbera is grown in Piemonte in northern Italy. It's medium bodied, smells like berries and plums, and tastes fresh and fruity. It’s unoaked, unfussy and a great choice from a wine list as it’s likely on there because the somm liked it, and likely so will everyone else.
Barbera is simple wine, best served with pizzas and / or friends. It’s simple because it’s made simply to enjoy young (unlike its complex older sibling Barolo, aged longer in wood). Barbera is usually released one year after the grapes are picked, and can be drunk straight off the bat (the younger fruity acidity complements the fat in mozzarella and salumi) or with a little bottle age (the good stuff shows beautifully after several years).
As it’s simply made, to be drunk simply, it’s inexpensive yet smart choice at home or out.
WHY YOU LIKE BARBERA D'ALBA
• It's simple, fruity, can be chilled and is low in alcohol, so it goes down easily. Italian ‘glou glou’
• If a friend suggests this for a Tuesday night bottle, hold onto them, they’re a keeper
IF YOU LIKE BARBERA, YOU SHOULD ALSO TRY
• Dolcetto
• Beaujolais
• Mencía
WANT MORE?
Check out our Italy country guide, or our article on the most common wine varieties.