Barbera
This versatile
Italian red grape variety generally produces lighter style wines with cherry and raspberry fruit flavors and aromas, intermingled with rustic spice. A lovely crispness from the acidity creates a red which is ideal with food. Barbera (
bar-BEAR-ah) is capable of producing medium- to full-bodied
wines when aged in oak barrels, but the majority are made in the fresh and fruity, easy-drinking style with soft tannins. Barbera thrives on the rolling hillsides surrounding the villages of
Asti and Alba within the
Piedmont. Try this versatile red slightly chilled as an aperitif or with lighter fare. The oak-aged Barbera will rival many
Barolos and should be consumed with fuller flavored red meat dishes.
