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Barbera

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Common synonyms: Besgano, Barbera e Raspo, Lombardesca, Perricone, Gaietto, Ughetta, Pignatello, Barberone

Parentage of the grape: indigenous to Piedmont, Italy
 
History of the grape: Barbera is a native to the Piedmont, where it has been growing for centuries, and is now the fourth most planted grape in all of Italy. 7th century Lombard historian, Paul the Deacon, wrote that the Lombard troops defeated the Franks at the Battle of Refrancore after getting them schnoggered on the local wine, which was likely Barbera. The jugs had been scattered all over the field and the Franks willingly drank from them, and lost their coordination. 13th century documents from the Casale Monferrato have details of leasing agreements for vineyards planted with “de bons vitibus barbexinis,” which is Barbera. In 1798 Count Novolune, the deputy director of the agrarian society of Turin, named Barbera as one of the grapes in his list of “Vitis vinifera Montisferratensis,” the grapes surrounding Read more »

Wente Vineyards Zinfandel San Francisco Bay Smith Bench Reserve
Winery: Wente Vineyards
Region: USA » California » Alameda/Contra Costa Counties » Livermore Valley
Type: Table Wines

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Sweet and Sour Chicken II

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Jacuzzi Family Vineyard Barbera Carneros
Winery: Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
Region: USA » California » Napa » Carneros
Type: Table Wines

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Heirloom Tomato–Basil Pasta with Olives and Feta

This dish epitomizes the laziness of summer: It’s as simple as folding a handful of fresh ingredients into cooked pasta. Use the ripest tomatoes you can find and you’ll be rewarded with a flavorful... Read more »

Jacuzzi Family Vineyard Barbera Carneros
Winery: Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
Region: USA » California » Napa » Carneros
Type: Table Wines

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Tandoori Chicken

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Fontanafredda Barbera Piemonte DOC Briccotondo
Winery: Fontanafredda
Region: Italy » Piemonte » Barolo » Serralunga d'Alba » Fontanafredda
Type: Table Wines

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Sablefish with Sun-dried Tomato Tapenade

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Vietti Barbera d'Alba Tre Vigne
Winery: Vietti
Region: Italy » Piemonte » Barbaresco » Alba » Barbera d'Alba
Type: Table Wines

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Eggplant and Tomato Bake

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Pio Cesare Barbera Barbera d'Alba
Winery: Pio Cesare
Region: Italy » Piemonte » Barbaresco » Alba » Barbera d'Alba
Type: Table Wines

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Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

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Fuso Barbera
Winery: Fuso G.
Region: Italy
Type: Table Wines

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Cherry Tomato Tart with Basil

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Palmina Barbera Santa Ynez Valley
Winery: Palmina Wines
Region: USA » California » Santa Barbara County » Santa Ynez Valley
Type: Table Wines

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Tomato Foccacia

In the States, we tend to be familiar only with the bready, crisp-topped version of focaccia, but this Pugliese take on it-towering, savory, and so light it's almost cakelike-will surely become a n... Read more »

Corbières Blason d'Aussières
Winery: Château d'Aussieres
Region: France
Type: Table Wines

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BBQ Chicken Pizza

Make this popular gourmet pizza restaurant menu item at home on the grill. The flavor of the grilled crust goes great with the barbecued chicken. Read more »

Monleale Vigneti Massa
Winery: Vigneti Massa
Region: Italy » Piemonte » Colli Tortonesi
Type: Table Wines

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Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus

"I came up with this recipe exploring ways to get more fiber in my diet. The tomatoes give it a warm, coral-like color." -CL Reader Read more »

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The Wines of Scarpa

Casa Vinicola Scarpa is a venerable house, producing, among other wines, Barolo and Barbera that virtually no one in the States is familiar with. Not imported for the past two decades, Scarpa has nonetheless continued to produce some utterly convincing...

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Top 10 Red Blends Under $20

I began today ostensibly writing about Meritage wines and Bordeaux, but then the truth interfered. The truth is, Meritage wines, and some of Bordeaux can't really be distinguished today from many other more 'inventive' blends that are creeping into the...

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Red Blends $20 to $55

A funny thing happens when you start tasting red blends that are priced over about $20, they start looking a lot more like Bordeaux. Now the wines may be slightly different than your typical bottle of Bordeaux, but the back labels start to read like th...

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Robust Italian Varietals in the Heart of Oregon Pinot Noir Country

Smack dab in the middle of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir country, you may not expect to find big, bold Italian varietals, but a visit to Remy Wines will get you just that. Specializing in single vineyard Italian varietal wines like Barbera, Sangiovese, ...

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The Content Marketplace

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10 Secrets of Barbera

Barbera is known for its dark color, bright acidity and soft tannins. Due to the balance of acid and tannins, Barbera has done well in warmer climates and can benefit from some time on barriques -- even new ones! California has had some good success wi...

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Six Wines for a Cheap Drunk

Someone recently asked me what I drink when I just want to drink. Well, actually, they asked what I drink when I just want to get drunk. While it's a slightly different question, it would elicit the same answer. I love great wine, of that there is no d...

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Stampa

I am still toying with the shape and tone of this blog so forgive me as I feel my way. This week I feel compelled to comment on some Italian-wine news that has been filtering in over the last few weeks.I included a throw away reference to Lambrusco ...

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Wine 101 - Down the Road to Collecting

Not surprisingly I get asked many questions about wine. While some fall into the category of why does the wine smell, taste, look, or feel the way it does, at least as many focus on what to buy. Recommending wine is a tricky business under the best of...

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Carlo Russo II

The simple truth is that California has moved beyond the staples, though they still do them well. Myriad producers have branched out and begun to experiment with regional specialties. First came the Rhone rangers with their focus on Syrah and then Gren...

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Snooth Vintage of the Year

It’s finally time. Wines of the Year time, that is. Well, in fact, more than Wines of the Year. For the first time, I'm picking Snooth's Winery of the Year, Region of the Year, Vintage of the Year and Wines of the Year for 2010. I'll be revealing the w...

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Wine 101: Stemware

With each wine offering its own unique blend of structural elements, flavors, and aromas, you'll often hear that it's important to use the right glass if you want to enjoy your wine to its fullest. But is that just a whole lot of marketing BS?

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Wine 101: Oak, Part One

"How do I learn to speak wine?" During all my years immersed in the world of wine, I must admit to hearing this question over and over again. It’s a question without a specific answer. In fact, it’s a question that can only be answered through a series...

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Sangiovese - A Baker's Dozen

Sangiovese's claim to fame is its role as the heart of Chianti, Brunello and many Super Tuscan wines, though it is gaining ground as a varietal wine around the globe. When grown in a suitable location, the grape’s soft tannins, succulent acidity, and m...

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92549Eric Guido

Top 5 Barbera (My top picks from recent releases)

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1026522Lunagrappe0315

Barbara (Italy)

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Scarani Luigi Oltrepo Pavese Barbera (NV)

Winery: Ca Montebello di Luigi Scarani
Region: Italy » Lombardy » Oltrepò Pavese
Varietal: Barbera
Color: Red Wines
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alanb1108

This Lombardy Barbera has a deep red hue and a mid-rim variation. Bold fruity notes of black currants and cherries with a slight hint of spice and low acidity. The time for this wine is now to 2015. Best served chilled to 56 degrees, double decanted an...

Dalliance Lake County (2010)

Winery: Dalliance
Region: USA » California » Lake County
Varietal: Barbera , Cabernet Sauvignon , Zinfandel , Syrah , Tempranillo
Type: Table Wines
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bobcatpunk

Sweet red fruit upfront, mellow, low tannins, some smoke and pepper

G.D. Vajra Barbera d'Alba Superior (2009)

Winery: G.D. Vajra
Region: Italy » Piemonte » Barbaresco » Alba » Barbera d'Alba
Varietal: Barbera
Type: Table Wines
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Eric Guido

The nose was intense and sexy with black cherry, woodland notes, dark chocolate, floral tones and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, it was rich yet perfectly juicy, showing notes of blackberry jam, sweet spices, tart cherry juice and cola with hint of ...

Remy Wines Rosebud Vineyard Washington Barbera (2009)

Winery: Remy Wines
Region: USA » Washington
Varietal: Barbera
Type: Table Wines
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Julia Crowley

The nose was all about the blackberries, plums and spice. On the palate, super soft tannins were rounded out by a nice, solid acidic backbone. Medium to full bodied, this wine was filled with jammy, fruity, dark berry flavors that were enhanced by blac...

Frassino Barbera d'Asti (2010)

Winery: Natale Verga
Region: Italy » Piemonte » Asti
Varietal: Barbera
Type: Table Wines
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ApelsecS

This is the first time I've got Barbera, that was an interesting experience. The aroma seems to be close to sweet black fruit tones but taste is unexpectedly full of wild cherry and green apple. Best choice for Italian pasta.

Guidobono Barbera d'Alba (2010)

Region: Italy » Piemonte » Barbaresco » Alba
Varietal: Barbera
Type: Table Wines
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Eric Guido

The nose showed a mix of ripe crushed berries with cinnamon and spice, floral notes and hints of herbs. On the palate, it had a medium body and filled the senses with silky black and red fruits yet remained juicy and focused throughout. The finish show...

Cantina di Casteggio Barbera Oltrepò Pavese (2011)

Winery: Cantina di Casteggio
Region: Italy » Lombardy » Oltrepò Pavese
Varietal: Barbera
Type: Table Wines
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ApelsecS

seems to be young - you may see little tiny sparks coming out to the surface first seconds after pouring. In spite of this, wine is very nice, smooth and juicy. Tight taste and aroma. Ripe red apple at the beginning and blackberry at the end with hi...

Michele Chiarlo Barbera d'Asti le Orme Superiore (2010)

Winery: Michele Chiarlo
Region: Italy » Piedmont
Varietal: Barbera
Type: Table Wines
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Jerel1957

Drink Now- The 2010 Barbera d’Asti Superiore Le Orme is an attractive, fleshy wine loaded with class and personality, especially within its price range. Clean, mineral notes frame expressive dark fruit in this vibrant, highly appealing Barbera. This is...

Sant' Evasio Barbera Barbera del Monferrato D' Asti (2009)

Winery: Sant' Evasio
Region: Italy » Piemonte » Barbera Del Monferrato
Varietal: Barbera
Type: Table Wines
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vin0vin0

Very nice Barbera from Asti with loads of dark fruit, earthy undertones, spices and nice firm tannins. This bottle was even better, more developed with softer edges, the second day. Great wine for the price.

Pio Cesare Barbera d'Alba DOC (2009)

Winery: Pio Cesare
Varietal: Barbera
Color: Red Wines
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mikespeer

bright red fruit nose....very smooth mouthfeel with a great balance of acidity....decent finish

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Popular Barbera wines

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Popular Regions for Barbera View all

  • Alba

  • Asti

      Asti is a city and subregion of Piedmont, in the northwest of Italy. The famous sparkling ...

  • Barolo

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  • California

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      Barbera d’Alba is a DOC in the northwest region of Piedmont, Italy. The wine is produced f...

  • USA

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  • Italy

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  • Barbera d'Asti

      Barbera d’Asti is a red wine produced in and around the town of Asti, in the Piedmont regi...

  • Piedmont

      The name in Italian means “foot of the mountain,” given its location at the foot of the Al...

Popular Wineries using Barbera

  • Cantina Monti

    Located at Monforte d'Alba, in the heart of the Langhe hills, the estate was founded in 1996, wh...

  • Grasso, Azienda Agricola Elio

    Currently, the Elio Grasso estate has a productive vineyard holding of 14 hectares. The cellar us...

  • Hilberg-Pasquero

    The Casa Pasquero Farm was founded in the early 20th century on a hilltop in Bricco Gatti. Follow...

  • Alfonso Boeri

    In the charming hamlet of Bionzo, located in the winemaking town of Costigliole d'Asti, the Boeri...

  • Azienda Agricola Incisiana

    As the name Piedmont - loosely translated as “at the foot of the mountains” - already implies, th...

  • Marchesi Alfieri

    The Marchesi Alfieri wine estate with its historic cellars is located amongst the heights in the ...

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