8 Reasons to Love Barbera Wine
There's no shortage of great wines in Italy, from age-worthy, complex Barolo to vibrant Chianti, structured Brunello di Montalcino to juicy Valpolicella. Among them, Barbera is a wine that deserves more attention. Favored by Italian trattorias and winemakers worldwide, there are many reasons to try and fall in love with this Italian red. Read on to find out why.
Reason #1 – Barbera is Delicious
Deep ruby with a purple hue, fragrant on the nose and rich on the palate, Barbera is a red wine that's hard to resist. What does Barbera wine taste like? Expect notes of cherry, plum, and red berries, alongside enticing floral hints of violet and lavender, and subtle layers of dried herbs and spices. With its bright fruit character, vibrant acidity, moderate tannins, and medium body, Barbera is simply a delicious wine that will win your heart.
Reason #2 – An Italian Classic
Unlike other iconic Italian wines like Chianti or Barolo, Barbera is the name of the grape variety, not a place. It's primarily grown in the Piedmont region, where it originated. Alongside Nebbiolo and Dolcetto, Barbera thrives in the towns of the Langhe region. The most notable appellations for Barbera wines are Barbera d'Asti and Barbera d'Alba. Almost every renowned Barolo producer also includes Barbera in their lineup.
Beyond Piedmont, Barbera is also cultivated in other Italian regions such as Lombardy, the Aosta Valley, and Emilia-Romagna. Outside its native home, Barbera comes in a range of styles—as a varietal wine or blended with other indigenous grapes like Croatina or Bonarda.
Reason #3 – Global Appeal
Italian immigrants didn't just bring food to the world, they brought vines, too. For the past 200 years, Barbera has made its way to California, Argentina, and Australia, adapting well thanks to its hardy nature and versatility in winemaking. Today, it continues to thrive in these regions, showcasing its adaptability and global appeal.
Reason #4 – Barbera is the Ultimate Food Wine
Need a wine for Spaghetti Bolognese? A big slice of pepperoni pizza? Mushroom risotto? Go with Barbera. Thanks to its high acidity, Barbera is incredibly food-friendly. Its moderate tannin and body let it complement rather than overpower a wide variety of dishes. With its red fruit character and herbal, earthy undertones, the best food to pair with Barbera is probably traditional Piedmontese fare such as mushrooms, truffles, rabbit stew, and game. From grilled vegetables to hearty stews, Barbera rises to the occasion.
Reason #5 – Barbera Offers Great Value
Living in the shadow of its more prestigious Piedmontese fellow, Nebbiolo, isn't necessarily a bad thing for wine lovers. Barbera delivers excellent value. While Barolo and Barbaresco often come with hefty price tags, good Barbera can be found for under $30, making it a top choice for affordable Italian red wines. Even Barbera from top producers costs a fraction of a Barolo, yet often just as enjoyable.
Reason #6 – It's Approachable
Suppose you find some top Italian wines a bit much, like the grippy tannins of Barolo or the bold intensity of Amarone. In that case, Barbera offers a more approachable option with excellent drinkability. Its balanced profile of fruit and structure makes it easier to enjoy. Barbera d'Asti and Barbera d'Alba often serve as an introduction to Italian reds. New World versions, meanwhile, offer a fruitier, more modern style that's equally accessible.
Reason #7 – It Can Be Serious
That said, if you're a seasoned wine lover in search of complexity and depth, look no further. Barbera can be serious. The Nizza DOCG, a small zone southeast of Asti, is home to what many consider the finest expressions of Barbera. With lower yields and extended barrel and bottle aging, Nizza wines show greater concentration and structure. These wines can age beautifully for a decade or more. In their youth, they offer captivating aromas of violet, red berries, spice, and wood; with time, they evolve into notes of smoky leather and dried fig. It's a wine for true connoisseurs.
Final Reason – All-Season, All-Rounder
Finally, with all the reasons above, Barbera proves itself as a year-round, all-occasion wine. A rich Napa Cab may feel too heavy in the summer, and Chianti might be too light for a hearty winter meal, but Barbera strikes the perfect balance. You really can't go wrong with it.
Ready to fall in love with Barbera? Browse our top bottle picks, pair your favorite Italian dish with a glass of Barbera wine, or sign up for more wine insights at VinoVoss.
Sylvia Ba
