What to Pair Your Barbera With

3 Recipes for Barbera

Italian Dishes

Italian Dishes

Description :

Barbera’s high acidity makes it an excellent match for tomato-based dishes like pasta, risotto, and pizza, where the wine’s freshness cuts through the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the flavors.

Grilled Meats and Barbecue

Grilled Meats and Barbecue

Description :

The robust tannins and acidity of Tempranillo make it a great match for smoky, grilled meats like steak, lamb, and pork. The wine’s fruitiness complements the savory flavors, while its structure holds up well to the rich, fatty cuts.

Roasted Vegetables and Mushrooms

Roasted Vegetables and Mushrooms

Description :

Barbera pairs well with earthy, herbaceous dishes like roasted eggplant, mushrooms, squash, and sweet potatoes. The wine’s acidity enhances the natural flavors of these vegetables, and its fruitiness adds a pleasant contrast.

More on Barbera

Barbera

Barbera is a versatile red wine grape variety primarily grown in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. Known for its high acidity and low tannins, Barbera produces wines that are both vibrant and refreshing.

Appearance:

  • Color: Deep ruby to purple color, often with a brilliant clarity that can lean toward a darker hue.
  • Opacity: Medium to high opacity, reflecting its concentration and the grape’s natural pigmentation.

Aroma:

  • Primary Aromas: Dominant aromas include red fruits such as tart cherry, raspberry, and plum.
  • Secondary Aromas: Depending on the winemaking process, you might find hints of violets, black pepper, and herbs like sage.
  • Tertiary Aromas: With aging, Barbera can develop more complex notes of dried fruits, licorice, chocolate, and sometimes earthy or spicy tones.

Flavor Profile:

  • Fruit Flavors:Known for its vibrant red fruit flavors, including cherry, strawberry, and plum.
  • Other Flavors: Additional flavors may include black pepper, licorice, herbs, and a hint of earthiness.
  • Oak Influence: Oak aging can add structure and depth to Barbera, imparting additional spice, vanilla, and sometimes a toasty quality, especially in newer oak barrels.

Structure:

  • Body: Medium to full-bodied, offering a balance of richness and freshness.
  • Tannins: Low tannin content, making it smooth and easy to drink, especially when young.
  • Acidity: High acidity, which provides a bright and lively character and makes it very food-friendly.
  • Alcohol: Ranges from 13.5% to 15%.

Popular Locations for Barbera

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