Sprout: April
Flowering: June
Start of ripening/colour change: August
Ripening: September
Harvest: late September / early October
Pruning system: Guyot or mixed system with one fruiting cane with 10-12 buds
The Barbera is the most planted grape vine in Piedmont and one of the most representative grapes for Piedmont's wine history.
It has a variety of varieties and therefore also taste profiles. Each type reflects the area where it is produced. The DOCGs and DOCs produced in Piedmont are:
Barbera d'Alba
Barbera d'Asti
Barbera del Monferrato
Piedmont Barbera
Colli Tortonesi
Barbera wine stands out for its soft personality, it is a friend to all with graceful tannins resulting from the presence of more sandy and clayey layers in the soil of the Langhe and Roero. The result is a refined and elegant wine structure. In the glass, this wine shows a very bright ruby red color with bluish and violet hues. The aromas of raspberry, blackcurrant and cherry are abundant and create a velvety mouthfeel reminiscent of sweet jam, cinnamon, bitter cocoa and leaves and an ultimately almost tobacco-like aftertaste.
Barbera's history is steeped in tradition and innovation. Previously known for its abundant production, this grape has undergone a remarkable improvement in quality in recent years. The focus has shifted from quantity to creating wines of exceptional quality, with Barbera d'Alba and Barbera d'Asti being shining examples.
Legend has it that the name 'Barbera' is derived from 'vinum Berberis', referring to the red juice with a characteristic cherry sourness. For a long time this wine was considered too robust for a wide audience. But thanks to the efforts of dedicated winemakers, beautiful quality wines have now been created, in which the natural high acidity of the grape is beautifully tamed.
In Piedmont, the development of Barbera began in the 17th century, under the leadership of Count Pietro Francesco Cotti. Today, DOC Barbera d'Alba's production area covers 54 municipalities in the province of Cuneo, with a minimum of 85% Barbera grapes in the blend. This name, officially recognized since May 25, 1970, guarantees quality and authenticity.
Barbera is a robust grape variety, resistant to various weather conditions and diseases, and thrives in different environments. Her resilience and productivity are highly valued among winemakers, as is her longevity.
Enjoy Barbera wines with a range of dishes, from filled pasta to meat dishes and (aged) cheeses such as pecorino and toma.
Go to the wines made from Barbera grapes
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