Vitis vinifera Barbera - Grapevine

The 'Barbera' Vine is a native grape variety from the Piedmont region in Italy. It is black and quite acidic when young, with fine tannins, and as it ages, it becomes dense with a taste of sour cherries. The colour of the wine is intense, with a fruity flavour and a noticeable acidity that gives it freshness and liveliness. This grape, used for wine production, is bluish-black, with thick and powdery skin, and the clusters are large, elongated, and moderately compact. The plant has good resistance to diseases. The Barbera grapes are usually harvested in late September to early October. It is considered ideal for planting in limestone and clay soils, which are not very fertile.

The wine grape vine (Vitis vinifera) grew wild over 5000 years ago. Many hybrids were created to vary colours, flavours, and uses. Barbera is an ancient variety of Italian origin, from the Piedmont region. More specifically, its origins are in the Monferrato area, which borders the regions of Asti and Alba in the southeast of Piedmont. It was first mentioned in the 6th century. Recent DNA data suggests that Barbera could be related to the Franco-Spanish grape variety Mourvedre. Considered for a long time as a grape of average quality, serious winemakers in Piedmont have demonstrated the qualities of Barbera and proved that it can compete with "great wines". Barbera wines are now recognised worldwide. This grape can be used as a single variety or in blends. When young, it offers a very intense aroma of fresh red cherries and blackberries. In lighter versions, there are notes of cherries, raspberries, and blueberries, and in wines made from riper grapes, there are notes of blackberries and black cherries. In Piedmont, this grape is appreciated for its yields and its ability to ripen two weeks earlier than Nebbiolo, even in vineyards with less-than-ideal exposure.

The 'Barbera' Vine is a vigorous climbing vine that can reach up to 5m. Its final shape will depend on the pruning. The vine attaches itself to its support (trellis, espalier...) thanks to its tendrils and prefers sunny situations. It has a semi-erect to horizontal habit. It is advisable to train it on wire and trellis it well. It is indifferent to soil types and udemanding, but it still prefers clay-limestone soils. It will require careful pruning. Its cut leaves are deep green in summer, and the edges of its leaves turn red in autumn. Its flowering in clusters occurs in May, with very small greenish flowers. The 'Barbera' produces quite dark wines, with medium to high acidity, soft tannins, and a light body, often compared to Merlot. It is vigorous and thrives on sandy and clayey soils, however, many producers believe that it could produce very elegant results on limestone-rich soils located in temperate latitudes.

The 'Barbera' grape is consumed as wine after vinification.