The Many Faces of Piedmont’s Barbera

One of Northern Italy’s signature varietals finds success in the 2020 and 2021 vintages

The Braida family, who run Braida di Giacomo winery, from left to right: Giacomo Bologna Jr., owner/winemaker Giuseppe Bologna, Riccardo Reinisch, owner Raffaella Bologna, export manager Norbert Reinisch
Braida’s family team (from left): Giacomo Bologna Jr. and his father, owner/winemaker Giuseppe Bologna, Riccardo Reinisch and his parents, owner Raffaella Bologna and export manager Norbert Reinisch (Lorusso Nicola)

Barbera is one of the most historic grape varieties of Piedmont. Though it reaches its zenith in the Asti and Alba regions, the grape is found all around Italy. While Barolo and Barbaresco may be the best-known reds to come from Piedmont’s Northern Italian vineyards, Barbera is certainly worth your notice. Get senior editor Bruce Sanderson’s scores and tasting notes for this delightfully old-school varietal, which found particularly exciting success in the recently released 2020 and 2021 vintages!

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