Barbera

Pronounced bar-BEHR-uh. A grape varietal, used in the production red wine, originating in the Piedmont Region of Italy. The grape is also grown in the United States (CA), South America, and Yugoslavia. The Barbera varietal is vinified as a 100% varietal and used as a blending agent to produce Barbera d'Asti, Barbera di Monferato, and Barbera di Alba wines. The Barbera is traditionally blended with the Dolcetto grape varietal. It is also used in the production of full, dry rosé's and, in California, to provide the backbone of jug wines.