Barbera del Monferrato

The Monferrato area which lies between the areas of Cuneo and Alessandria in the south, to Vercelli in the north delivers Barbera del Monferrato, Barbera del Monferrato Superiore and a lightly sparkling type called Vivace. All 3 types have slightly different regulations.

The plain Barbera and Vivace types can be released to the market without any real cellar time to speak off. The Superiore type however needs to age in the cellar for 12 months of which at least 6 months in wooden barrels.

The blend of all 3 Barbera del Monferrato types consists of a minimum of 85% Barbera grapes and a maximum of 15% of Freisa, Grignolino and Dolcetto grapes.

Taste-wise red berries, cherries, spices and floral flavors can be expected and the Superiore type also adds cocoa and vanilla flavors.

Barbera del Monferrato Superiore reached DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status in 2008, the highest in Italy. Normal Barbera del Monferrato has the DOC certification, the second highest in Italy.