Barbera is an Italian wine grape which, at the beginning of this century, was the third most-planted red grape variety in its home country (after Sangiovese and Montepulciano). It is known for deep colour, low tannins and high levels of acid. Century-old vines still exist in many regional vineyards and allow for the production of long-ageing, robust red wines with intense fruit and enhanced tannic content. The best known appellation is the DOCG Barbera d'Asti in the Piedmont region. When young, the wines offer a very intense aroma of fresh red and blackberries. In the lightest versions notes of cherries, raspberries and blueberries and with notes of blackberry and black cherries in wines made of more ripe grapes. Barbera based wines pair exceptionally well with tomato based dishes, roasted meats, poultry, and savoury Italian cuisine due to its high acidity, low tannins, and bright fruit flavours.
