Manna Barbera

Barbera is an ancient grape variety with historical roots in Italy where, after Sangiovese, it is the most widely planted red variety. Most of the high quality Barberas come from Piemonte where fifteen times more acreage is devoted to it than to Nebbiolo ("fog"). Barbera d'Asti and Barbera del Monferrato each produce three times as much wine as Barbera d'Alba. Colli Toronesi is produced in such small quantities that it is rarely found outside its ownr region. Barbera is also prodcued in Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna and Sardinia. It is grown in Slovenia and is the fifth most widely planted varietal in the State of California.

Barbera vines are vigorous, reliably productive in a variety of soils and highly fungus-resistant. The fruit is high in acid which it retains very well even in hot climates. The grapes are low to moderate in tannins and high in anthocyanins. Resulting wines are deep purple black but lead to early browning and lightening with age. Tannin from oak aging also changes the color.

California Barbera is grown in the hot Central Valley and makes it to generic and proprietary blends. The Sierra foothills, Paso Robles, Santa Clara and Sonoma (many warm days with moderate cool nights) produce our best varietals.