Barbera Wine

Learn More About This Great Italian Red Wine

Barbera wine is the third most grown red wine type in Italy. Overshadowed for years by more popular Italian reds, this type of red wine is now making a name for itself. Plantings are increasing as other red wine regions also want to see how successful it grows in their region.

Discover Barbera red wine history and the flavors and aromas to expect from this red wine type. You will also identify the best regions that grow Barbera grapes and tips for storing, serving and buying wine from Barbera grapes.

---

Barbera Grape History

As with many other red wines, the history of this wine has some mystery surrounding it. However, most official accounts state that it originated in the Monferrato area in the central Piedmont wine region in northwest Italy. The records date back to the mid-1200s.

For many years in Italy, it was thought of as a low quality wine. Royals and other wealthy individuals did not see the value of this wine, so it remained as a 'common persons' wine for many years.

The wine finally made its way out of Italy around the early 1900s. Italian immigrants brought it with them when they moved to the US. They planted it soon after their arrival.

Scandal rocked the reputation of this red wine in Italy in the mid-1980s. Producers added methyl alcohol, also known as Methanol, to these wines. They were trying to boost the alcohol level in low quality, lighter bodied Barbera wines.

Authorities arrested more than a dozen wine makers. In all, around thirty people died and several more lost their sight due to methanol poisoning. This scandal damaged Italy's wine industry and this wine's reputation.

With the scandal behind it, Barbera wine is more popular than ever. With an increase in quality, its demand and price per bottle are also on the rise.

---

Overview of this Red Wine Type

This wine grows best in warmer climates. The Barbera grapes also ripen later in the season than most other types of red wine.

It has a deep ruby red color. It is a low tannin red wine and has a high level of acidity when ripened.

Barbera grapes produce medium to full bodied wine. They are full of cherry flavors. You will also taste hints of blueberry, blackberry, plum and other fruits in this type of red wine.

This red wine type is frequently a blending grape to soften it out just a little. Italian wine makers like to blend it with Nebbiolo wine, one of the different types of wines that is lesser known, which is a lighter red wine type.

---

Wine Regions for Barbera Grapes

The reduction in yields of Barbera grapes turned it into one of the most popular wines in Italy over the last decade or so. Almost every region in the country grows some Barbera wine. Although the scandal scared wine lovers, that memory is fading. The wine is now making a name for itself as a high quality Italian red wine.

Piedmont, the famous wine region in the northwest part of Italy, produces the highest quality Barbera wines. Two names to look for are Barbera d'Asti and Barbera d'Alba. Both of these are high quality regions within Piedmont and produce some of the best Barbera wine on the market.

For years, very few Barbera grape vines grew outside Italy. Today, you can find a decent amount grown in Australia, Argentina and the central valley in California.

---

Barbera Red Wine: Serving and Food Pairing Tips

Serve this wine slightly below room temperature at around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The less expensive Barbera wines typically do not age well. It is best to drink them right away. If you purchase a heavier, more expensive one, you can age it for a couple of years before enjoying it.

Since it is popular in Italy, you could probably guess that it pairs well with a number of great Italian dishes. The high acidity means it pairs well with many tomato sauce dishes. Here are just a few of the types of dishes that pair well with wines from Barbera grapes:

Risotto

Meaty Spaghetti Sauce

Lasagna

Pasta

Pizza

Almost any dishes with red tomato sauce

---

Buying Barbera Wine

Prices for this Italian red wine range from around $10 to $70 or more a bottle. You will find most around $20 to $30 a bottle. This is a great red wine type for those looking for wines to pair with typical Italian meals. You can also enjoy it on its own.

Distribution of this wine is increasing so it is more readily available than ever before. You should be able to find a good Barbera wine in your local wine store. You can also check out the selection of some of the top Barbera wines online.

If you like Italian wines or are looking for something new, a Barbera wine is a great choice. With its tangy, cherry flavors, it is yet another enjoyable red wine.

---

Did you enjoy this page? Share it with friends! Share |

Follow me on Facebook

---

Here are some other pages you might like:

• Sangiovese Wine: Want to learn more about the most popular red wine in Italy? Sangiovese is the basis for Chianti and Chianti Classico, two of the most famous reds in Italy. Learn more about this popular wine and why it is the lead red in Italy.


• Nebbiolo Wine: Another popular Italian red wine is Nebbiolo wine. These are big and bold reds. Uncover some popular wine regions and more info for this high quality red wine.


• Cabernet Franc Wine: This is another red wine type overshadowed by bigger and bolder reds. It originates in France and used in blends for many years. Today, it is stepping out on its own and you can now find Cabernet Franc single varietal wines. Discover this up and coming red wine today!