Barbera d'Asti is a dry red wine produced in northern Italy's Piedmont region from Barbera grapes. It has a minimum alcohol content of 12%, with the Superiore class at 13%.
How it is made
Barbera d'Asti must be made from at least 90% Barbera grapes grown in the Asti and Alessandria provinces. Up to 10% local Freisa, Grignolino, and Dolcetto grapes may be added. The wine is aged in oak or chestnut barrels, with Superiore class requiring at least 14 months aging, including 6 months in barrels.
Types and styles
The wine has a ruby-red color close to garnet. Its flavor profile includes notes of cherry, blackberry, raspberry, and plum. Wines with longer barrel aging may also show vanilla and cocoa notes. The Superiore class has more pronounced chocolate, vanilla, and coffee flavors alongside the fruit notes.
How it is served
Barbera d'Asti is a full-bodied, complex wine that can be aged for 8 to 20 years in the best Superiore versions. It pairs well with various foods and can be served on its own or as a complement to meals.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Барбера д'Асти, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.