The cellar index

WineCollection 23

Barbera

Juicy cherry fruit and lively acidity make Barbera a natural table wine.

Origin & traditionPiedmont, Italy & beyond

Character & context

Understanding Barbera

Barbera offers a different Piedmont reference from Nebbiolo: often darker in colour, brisk in acidity and less dominated by tannin. Unoaked versions can feel direct and energetic, while oak-aged bottles become richer and more rounded. Region and producer determine how much concentration accompanies that characteristic freshness.

Further reading: Wine Folly — Barbera

Read related observations