Barbera is a red grape variety originating from northern Italy, in particular from the Piedmont region. The name "Barbera" derives from the Alba dialect, a dialect spoken in the area of origin of the variety, and derives from the term "albéra" with the meaning of "planted", or "cultivated plant". It is particularly widespread in the Piedmont region, where it represents one of the most cultivated grape varieties.
Autochthonous vine of Piedmont , widespread above all in northern Italy, it produces 7 different DOCs, 3 of which in Piedmont (Barbera d'Alba, Barbera d'Asti, Barbera del Monferrato). It competes with Sangiovese for the dominance of the most important Italian vine for the production of red wine.
Barbera produces tannic , full- bodied , acidic red wines and is present throughout Italy. In the Piedmont of origin the grape is usually vinified alone, but in other regions it is more commonly used in blends.
Vigorous plant that grows in sandy and clayey soils . However, many growers believe Barbera can produce very elegant results in temperate calcareous soils. Long used as a blending grape to bring more drinkable wines to the table.
With its medium-high acidity , color intensity, medium-low tannins and extreme versatility, producers have to date produced the most diverse versions of pearly, new and even white. Mentioned for the first time in the registers of Chieri and Nizza at the beginning of the 6th century, it was later named Vitis vinifera montisferratensis by Galesio in to characterize it as a typical vine of Monferrato or of the region. The provincial capital is Asti, with over 20,000 hectares of Barbera vineyards at altitudes between 200 and 500 metres. Its name, according to a more recent interpretation, would derive from the word beard, used to describe its complex root system, and a wooded area where vines grow instead of tall trees.
