Barbera

The unpretentious one

Barbera is popular with winemakers: robust against spring frost and summer heat, this uncomplicated grape variety doesn’t ask for much to thrive. This grape is mainly grown on a large scale in Piedmont, where it is vinified into smooth, balanced wines. The variety is low in tannins but offers a refreshing acidity and a powerful body of usually around 14% volume.

Where it grows:

• mainly in Piedmont, but also in Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna

• in Greece

• in California

• in Argentina

• in Australia

• in South Africa

What it tastes like:

• depending on the origin, fruity wines with high acidity and notes of plums, blackberries and cherries

What it goes with:

• truffle dishes

• venison fillet and wild boar

• summer barbecues

• pizza and pasta

• almost anything in everyday cooking