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The Many Faces of Piedmont's Barbera

Wine Spectator

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September 30, 2025

Barbera is one of the most historic grape varieties of Piedmont.

- BY BRUCE SANDERSON

The Many Faces of Piedmont's Barbera

According to Giuseppe Caviola, proprietor of Ca' Viola and consulting enologist, Barbera was already mentioned in the 16th century in the Asti and Turin areas, and from there it spread to the Langhe. "It has always been considered a grape variety that adapts easily to all kinds of soils and microclimates," he says.

Though it reaches its zenith in the Asti and Alba regions of Piedmont, Barbera is found all around Italy. In Emilia-Romagna it is often blended with Bonarda (Gutturnio); in the Oltrepò Pavese denomination of Lombardy, varietal Barberas must contain at least 85% of the grape, while the rosso contains from 25% to 65% Barbera and Croatina, plus small percentages of Pinot Nero, Uva Rara and/or Vespolina.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA Wine Spectator

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