Barbera d'Asti DOCG: Tradition and modernity of great Piedmont reds

Landscape with green vines and misty hills in the distance — (Image credit: Supplied by the Consorzio Barbera d'Asti e Vini del Monferrato)

Published 13 October 2026 In Features

Barbera is the most widely grown grape variety in Piedmont and covers about 30% of the region’s vineyard area. Its origins lie in the Monferrato, a charming hilly area across the provinces of Asti and Alessandria, where the variety has been grown for centuries and today reaches its highest quality expression in Barbera d’Asti DOCG.

The Consorzio Barbera d’Asti e Vini del Monferrato, established in 1946, protects and promotes this appellation, which includes 167 municipalities and 5,087ha of vineyards. Barbera d’Asti DOCG is a red wine tied to ancient peasant traditions, yet it has managed to renew itself to meet different needs and tastes.

Read on for a selection to try.

Barbera d’Asti DOCG: Freshness in the glass

Ready to drink a few months after the harvest, it represents the young and graceful side of the DOCG. Fruit-driven, with lively acidity and irresistible drinkability, it’s the perfect everyday red wine. Also great as an aperitif, Barbera d’Asti DOCG should be sipped chilled to fully appreciate its fragrance and natural elegance.

Marchesi Alfieri, Barbera d’Asti DOCG La Tota 2024 94pts

Since 1696, Marchesi Alfieri has written some of the brightest chapters in Piedmontese winemaking. Brilliant ruby red colour with violet hues. On the nose, the barrique leaves its mark – ripe blackberry, vanilla, cacao and a touch of sweet tobacco – without masking the crisp red fruit. Evident body on the palate, yet remains fresh and enjoyable, thanks to a perfect balance of acidity and tannins. Persistent finish. Drink 2026-2032 | Alcohol 14.5%

Coppo, Barbera d’Asti DOCG Camp du Rouss 2023 93pts

The historic Coppo cellars carved into tufa stone are one of the ‘Underground Cathedrals’ of wine, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Succulent fruit on the nose, led by cherries, red plums and raspberries, alongside notes of cocoa and refreshing balsamic nuances. The palate is fresh yet structured, featuring silky tannins. A long finish is enlivened by a vibrant streak of acidity. Drink 2026-2031 | Alc 15%

La Morandina, Barbera d’Asti DOCG Zucchetto 2024 92pts

Produced by a family-run winery in Castiglione Tinella. Deep ruby red in colour. Notes of ripe plum and strawberry, with hints of sweet spices, vanilla, and liquorice. Rich and smooth on the palate, it offers excellent overall balance and a rounded, lingering finish. A classy Barbera. Drink 2026-2031 | Alc 14.5%

Roberto Ferraris Barbera d’Asti DOCG Nobbio 2025 92pts

Roberto Ferraris focuses on Barbera d’Asti in one of the most suited areas of the DOCG, Agliano Terme. Ruby red colour. On the nose, Marasca cherry and raspberry pave the way for mineral and spicy nuances. Round, elegant and highly drinkable, characterised by pronounced acidity and a savoury aftertaste. Drink 2026-2031 | Alc 15.5%

Barbera d’Asti DOCG Superiore: Suitable for ageing

Produced with carefully selected grapes and aged for no less than 14 months, including at least six months in wooden barrels, it embodies the winemakers’ ambition to create a wine that is complex, structured, and harmonious.

In its best versions, the Barbera d’Asti DOCG Superiore manages to combine a full, velvety taste with the finesse and minerality typical of the Barbera grape.

This has elevated Barbera d’Asti DOCG to the status of a great Italian red wine, one that doesn’t fear the passage of time and proves to be an unbeatable companion at the table for a wide range of dishes and flavours.

Gianni Doglia, Barbera d’Asti DOCG Superiore Genio 2023 95pts

Deep red in colour, almost impenetrable. A nose of wild blackberries and cherry liqueur, with a background of sweet violet and cocoa. The soul of Barbera d’Asti is evident on the palate: full-bodied, with a sharp acidity. Time spent in oak (up to 24 months in small barrels) supports a juicy sip, with a hint of minerality on the finish. Drink 2026-2035 | Alc 15%

Vite Colte, Barbera d’Asti DOCG Superiore La Luna e i Falò 2024 95pts

Vite Colte is a cooperative made up of 180 members, who dedicate a full 60ha of vines to this Barbera d’Asti. Harmonious fruit on the nose: redcurrant and raspberry, violet, iris and spice. A seductive juiciness on the palate; pronounced acidity lends bite, while the tannins provide a remarkably persistent finish. Drink 2026-2035 | Alc 14.5%

Bersano, Barbera d’Asti DOCG Superiore Costalunga 2023 94pts

Ruby red in colour with garnet highlights. The nose offers aromas of red fruits, tobacco and wild mint. Full-bodied, it flows gracefully, balancing acidity, elegant tannins, and spicy nuances. The minerality of the clay-limestone soils fully enhances the characteristics of this Barbera, aged for six months in wood. Drink 2026-2034 | Alc 13.5%

La Gironda, Barbera d’Asti DOCG Superiore La Gena 2024 94pts

This was the first wine to be produced by the winery, in 2000, with courage but also a little embarrassment (‘gena’ in local dialect). A deep, almost impenetrable ruby colour. Intense aromatic profile, with red fruit notes and hints of sweet spices. Powerful, complex and graceful on the palate, with a harmonious, long finish. Drink 2026-2034 | Alc 14%

Azienda Agricola Scagliola, Barbera d’Asti DOCG Superiore Sansi 2022 93pts

Deep ruby red in colour with brick-like hues. The nose reveals a broad, intense bouquet of ripe fruit, leather, cacao, and hints of vanilla. Full-bodied, warm on the palate, with a long-lasting finish. Both new and second-use barrels are used for this selection. Drink 2026-2034 | Alc 15.5%

Tenuta Il Falchetto, Barbera d’Asti DOCG Superiore Bricco Paradiso 2023 93pts

The Bricco Paradiso vineyard in Agliano Terme alternates sandy and limestone soils, the ideal conditions for the Barbera grape. Deep ruby in colour. On the nose, red fruits, citrus, balsamic and vanilla notes. Full-bodied, intense, with great acidity, and long-lasting. A complex and elegant wine. Drink 2026-2034 | Alc 16%

Poderi Rosso Giovanni, Barbera d’Asti DOCG Superiore Carlinet 2023 92pts

This textbook Barbera d’Asti comes from the best estate vineyards, worked with very low yields per hectare. An intense, captivating ruby-red colour in the glass. On the nose: small red fruits, wildflowers, damp earth, and cacao. Enveloping and soft on the palate, with velvety tannins, concluding on a long and lingering finish. Drink 2026-2034 | Alc 15.5%

Viticoltori Associati di Vinchio Vaglio, Barbera d’Asti DOCG Superiore I Tre Vescovi 2023 92pts

The Vinchio Vaglio area is considered the ‘home of Barbera,’ and this well-known selection from the local cooperative its undisputed symbol. A quintessential Barbera d’Asti nose with fruity cherry, blackberry, hints of pepper and clove. Fresh on the palate, offering exceptional drinkability and a persistent finish. Drink 2026-2034 | Alc 14.5%

All wines were tasted blind and supplied to Decanter to feature in paid-for content. Tasting was carried out at the Consorzio Barbera d'Asti e Vini del Monferrato in August 2026.

Learn more about Barbera d'Asti

Connect on Facebook | Instagram

Consorzio Barbera d'Asti e Vini del Monferrato logo