L\'ANIMA DEL PIEMONTE, LA BARBERA

Barbera is a black-berry vine native to the Monferrato area, widespread in Piedmont. It is one of the most widespread Italian vines in the world. Its name derives from the word "Berberis" or "Barberry" whose fruits are particularly acidic. It is mainly cultivated in Piedmont, Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, with qualitative results, especially in the last years really surprising, in contrast to the hard, acid and wild wines that were produced in the last years. It grows well in dry and windy climates, and prefers clay soils. Its grapes contribute to the production of wines in purity and in assembly in many Piedmontese DOC and DOCG wines; like Barbera d'Asti, Barbera d'Alba, Barbera del Monferrato. In Lombardy he finds himself in the Oltrepò Pavese Barbera, in the Botticino, in the Cellatica, and in the famous Barbacarlo. In Emilia it is part of the Colli Piacentini Gutturnio. Also present in Campania, Umbria, Sardinia, and in California where it was brought by Italian emigrants.