Barbera is one of Italy’s iconic and most planted red grape varieties. It is predominantly found in Piedmont around the town’s of Asti and Alba. It generally produces medium to full bodied wines with high levels of acidity and lots of black fruit flavours. One of the best examples in Italy come from the newly created Nizza DOCG.
“Gorgeous aromas of prune, raisin, coffee and wild herb emerge as soon as the cork is pulled, while in time, complex layers of undergrowth, chocolate and damp earth sprout forth. On the palate this is rich and powerful; warm alcohol and ripe helpings of black fruit dominate while the finish is smooth and polished, almost responsibly hedonistic.”
“A ripe and fruity nose, dominated somewhat by barrique. Integration on the palate is good however and the finish delivers a rounded, soft feeling of berry fruit, chocolate, coffee with moderate acidity.”
Francesco Boschis is one of the rising stars of Piedmont, known for producing excellent wines from Dolcetto. Based in Dogliani, the vineyards are located at 550 metres and consistently produce impressive expressive wines.
GD Vajra is one of the names to follow in Piedmont at the moment. Dolcetto in particular is a variety the winery excels at, but the company is perhaps best known for their range of Barolo wines from cru sites such as Bricco delle Viole and Coste di Rose.
Vigne dei Mastri is a five hectare estate located in Costigliole d’Asti in Piedmont known amongst fine wine lovers for its highly regarded wines from the Barbera grape, as well its sustainable viticultural practices.
Braida di Giacomo Bologna is one of the success stories of both Piedmont and Italy. Created in the 1950s, it pioneered modern appreciation for the Barbera and today is responsible for some of the best, most age-worthy expressions around.