Villa del Borgo

Barbera Wine in Piedmont | Discover Nizza DOCG and Monferrato Wine Culture

Character, history and flavour of Barbera Wine in Piedmont born right here — just outside our door

In Piedmont, wine is part of everyday life, and few varieties express this more naturally than Barbera. Deeply rooted in the hills of Monferrato, it is a wine that tells a story of place, tradition and character.

For guests staying at Relais Villa del Borgo, Barbera offers a direct connection to the land that surrounds us.

The History of the Barbera Grape

The earliest written traces of Barbera date back to the 13th century, when a document from Casale Monferrato refers to “vitibus berbexinis” — vines cultivated in the area since before the year 1000.

Its first official recognition came in 1798, with its inclusion in the Piedmontese ampelographic list. From there, its rise was unstoppable. Carducci praised its “generosity”, while Pavese described it simply as “legendary”.

Not bad for a wine that was once considered humble tavern fare.

The Home of Barbera: Monferrato

Monferrato is Barbera’s birthplace — quite literally. This is where the grape originated, and where it continues to reach its fullest expression.

The provinces of Asti and Alessandria form its core, where clay-limestone soils give the wine its distinctive structure and vibrant acidity.

Canelli, our town, sits at the heart of this landscape. Located within the Barbera d’Asti DOCG, and just moments from the Nizza DOCG — recognised as an independent denomination in 2014 — it offers one of the most refined expressions of the grape.

In short, you are exactly where you need to be.

Barbera Wine Styles

Barbera is far from one-dimensional. It can be youthful and vibrant, or complex and structured, depending on how it is produced.

The Barbera d’Asti DOCG, in its classic form and aged in steel, is fresh, fruit-forward and immediate, with notes of blackberry, raspberry and ripe cherry. It is approachable and easy to enjoy.

The Barbera d’Asti Superiore DOCG, aged for at least 14 months including time in oak, develops greater depth, with notes of spice, cocoa and vanilla. It is more structured and suited to longer ageing.

At the highest level sits the Nizza DOCG, often considered the “grand cru” of Barbera. Produced from carefully selected grapes, with reduced yields and extended ageing, it offers depth, balance and a lasting elegance.

Food and Wine Pairings

Barbera is one of those rare wines that adapts effortlessly to the table.

In its younger style, it pairs beautifully with bold and traditional flavours such as cured meats, bagna cauda and semi-aged cheeses.

The Superiore lends itself to richer dishes, including agnolotti, roasts, braised meats and game, as well as truffle-based dishes.

Nizza, with its depth and structure, is best enjoyed with carefully chosen pairings — red meats, aged cheeses or more complex dishes.

A final note: Barbera is also the perfect base for a traditional brasato, bringing together both ingredient and pairing in one glass.

Discover Barbera Wine in Piedmont

Experiencing Barbera in its place of origin offers something more than just tasting — it provides a deeper understanding of the region itself.

From vineyard visits to local tastings, staying at Relais Villa del Borgo allows you to explore the culture, history and flavours that define Monferrato.

Barbera Wine in Piedmont