A RED GRAPE
Barbera
What Barbera tastes like
Barbera is a red grape that appears in 13 of the appellations in our table. Where it is grown at its best known, the style is described this way: medium to full-bodied, high-acid reds with ripe cherry and plum flavors; modern versions balance fruit with freshness.
Where Barbera grows
Our appellations table names Barbera in 13 wine regions. The ones with the most wines in our database are Barbera d'Alba (Italy), Barbera d'Asti (Italy), Sierra Foothills (USA), Colli Tortonesi (Italy), Langhe Rosso (Italy), Marche (Italy), Barbera (Italy), Nizza (Italy), Valle d'Aosta (Italy), Lazio (Italy), Lombardia (Italy) and Monferrato (Italy).
Barbera is grown well beyond that list: 1 more appellations name it as a main grape, which is part of why one bottle can taste so different from the next.
How the place changes the glass
- Barbera d'Alba (Italy): Medium to full-bodied, high-acid reds with ripe cherry and plum flavors; modern versions balance fruit with freshness. Climate: warm continental with significant diurnal temperature variation.
- Barbera d'Asti (Italy): Medium to full-bodied, fruit-forward red with lively acidity, soft tannins, and approachable character. Climate: warm continental with autumn rain.
- Sierra Foothills (USA): Bold, fruit-forward reds with ripe phenolics and often elevated alcohol; whites show variability. Climate: warm to hot days, cool nights.
- Colli Tortonesi (Italy): Approachable reds with good acidity and fruit; light, crisp sparkling whites. Climate: temperate continental, moderate.
What to eat with Barbera
- In Barbera d'Alba: Tajarin pasta, brasato, roasted meats, salumi, aged cow cheese.
- In Barbera d'Asti: Braised meats, risotto, pasta, salumi, hard cheese, game.
- In Sierra Foothills: Barbecued ribs, hearty stews, aged cheddar, roasted meats.
Barbera in our cellar
The appellations above account for about 1,072 Barbera wines in the Sommurai database, which is how we know which regions pour it most.
Grapes to try next
If you like Barbera, these red grapes are worth a glass: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Grenache and Cabernet Franc.
Quick answers
Where is Barbera grown?
Our appellations table names Barbera in 13 wine regions, including Barbera d'Alba (Italy), Barbera d'Asti (Italy), Sierra Foothills (USA), Colli Tortonesi (Italy) and Langhe Rosso (Italy).
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