Barbera D'Asti Wine Region Guide

Barbera d'Asti is an Italian red wine produced from the Barbera grape in the hilly areas of Asti and Alexandria. These provinces cover more than 100 municipalities, where vineyard landscapes are protected by UNESCO for having an Outstanding Universal Value.

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Location of Barbera D'asti Wine Region

Barbera d’Asti is one of the world's most famous wines from the Piedmont region of north-western Italy. It became a DOC in 1970 and then upgraded to DOCG classification in 2008. The Piedmont region in Italy has the most uniquely classified wines. Alongside 12 other DOCGs, this region has the highest level of wine classification in Italy.

History of Barbera Wine

Barbera wines originated centuries ago in the Italian city of Nizza Monferrato. The first written records of vinification can be found in 17th-century documents. Barberāre red wines were less popular in the Americas until after the 19th and 20th centuries.  They lacked structure, especially in higher alcohol content styles like Barbera. In the last few decades, however, these wines have been receiving new attention as they continue to be produced with a wide range of flavors and both structured and subtle levels of alcohol. However, things changed when Bologna Jr. Giacomo's son brought in great changes to the way wine was made. Inspired by his visit to the United States (mostly California), he started experimenting with the blossoms and grapes that were missing in Italy Giacomo planted Barbera vines at the best sites and also pruned them to get concentrated grapes. That only works if the grapes are harvested several days before their usual harvesting period. Oak barque aging was the technique used to produce sweeter tannins. It was made by him and came to be known as a "noble wine". It combines the texture of good champagne with the robustness of Zinfandel. Asti wines suffer from the excessive production of acids.

Terrior of Barbaera D’asti

The vineyards of Barbera d’Asti are located on low, rounded hills that are well-exposed and offer plenty of different aspects. Planting in the area is not allowed above 650 meters altitude and on the cool valley floors. This is to ensure that grapes get sufficient sun. 

Best vineyards are planted midslope where they get better sun exposure and are protected from the spring frost.

Soils of Barbera d’Asti are diverse. In the north, white, calcerous soils are found that produce more deeply coloured wines with the longer-ageing potential. When lighter wines are produced from the sand soils found on the banks of River Tanaro.

Barbera D’asti Wine Characteristics 

Barbera d'Asti wine has a deep ruby red color and is quite light on the palate with light tannins and fresh acidity. Barbera is an Italian wine that is typically red in color and contains the flavors of cherry, raspberry, and dried plum. You also get notes of oak aging that can tend to leave a lasting aftertaste. These are often the flavors that white pepper and licorice give.

There are two types of Barbera D’asti wines, lighter and heavier. The lighter wines are made from grapes grown on alluvial soils while the heavier ones are made in hillslopes with clay-based or limestone soils.

Food to pair with Barbera D’asti wine

Pizza marinara

Marinara is a traditional Neapolitan pizza and one of the most popular dishes you'll find in Italian cuisine, with a topping of tomatoes, oregano, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh basil. It was a staple food of the fishermen after they returned home from fishing in the Bay of Naples. Pizza Marinara is a very good pair to Barbera d’Asti.

Pollo alla Marengo

Chicken Marengo is a dish that was created in honor of Napoleon's victory at the battle of Marengo, Italy. After the battle, Napoleon enjoyed chicken with mushrooms and crayfish, sautéed in butter and braised in Madeira wine, at a local tavern in Marengo.

Places to visit near Barbera D’asti 

Near Barbera d’Asti you can visit Asti, the most popular city in the heart of one of Europe's most beautiful wine regions: Piedmont (Piemonte). This city has a lot of history, culture and art in its streets. You can find the best places to explore in its downtown area. 

Troyana Tower 

The Clock Tower is considered the landmark of Piazza Medici. The monumental tower overlooks all the people walking around and offers a spectacular view of the city. This is one of the most impressive medieval towers and an example of how perfect it can be. The 44 meter tall building has stone on the outside and inside exposed.

Baptistery of San Pietro

The Baptistery of San Pietro in Consavia, built in the 12th century. The complex consists of a series of buildings, including the below. An original dedication to the Holy Sepulcher and its shape make it one of the most significant churches built in imitation of the rotunda of the Holy Sepulcher Jerusalem.

Vittorio Alfieri Palace

Palazzo Alfieri is where poeta Vittorio Alfieri was born. A visit to its historical and artistic heritage allows you to discover some characters that have contributed to give prestige to the name of the city. The building binds its name to another Alfieri: Benedetto, the poet’s uncle and an important architect who redesigned parts of the building in the mid-18th century. The courtyard is spectacular and looks incredibly welcoming. There's a plaque on the wall at Signoria Square telling us that Vittorio Alfieri in fact spent the first five years of his life living in this building. He then moved to a house in Asti. He wrote 19 tragedies, an autobiography and some essays in defense of freedom against tyranny: for example, Del Prince and Letters.

Interesting Fact about Barbera D'asti Wine

Here are interesting facts about requiring unique storage techniques. As with many red wine types, Barbera can have a few storage requirements. You should take notice of them and use them to your advantage. One of the first things people tend to notice about red wine is that it starts to spoil faster in warm temperatures. keeping it under colder conditions will maintain its rich and original flavor. Conversely, room temperature will make your wine taste better. The cork plays an essential role in preventing the wine from deteriorating. This is a process called Oxidation. The wine's flavors are ruined by the machine and become flat and bland. Storing wine on its side prevents oxidation, which may otherwise cause the bottle's cork to sprout.

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Frequently asked questions about Barbera D’asti