One thing is for sure Barbera means Piedmont, its heart does rest in Monferrato, but its history still remains uncertain, Gallesio named it Vitis vinifera Montisferratensis and in the medieval period surnames such as Barberi which changed to Barbero or Barberis (and ultimately Barbera )are considered clear proof that this vine was very much a part of Piedmontese family life.
The first records of Barbera have been traced to Paul the Deacon. According to his account of the Battle of Refrancore in 663.d., the Longobard troops of Grimaldo defeated the Franks after getting them drunk on wine from neighboring cellars. Also, the archives of the cathedral chapters of Casale Monferrato show contracts leasing vineyard land between 1246 and 1277, and requiring Barbera be planted there.
Barbera is sometimes called ‘the people’s wine’ of Piedmont Region for its versatility and its abundant production. Alba, Asti, and the Monferrato give their names to the three zones of Piedmont considered classic zones (DOCG) for Barbera.
The Italian version comes in a bewildering range of styles, from the young and spritzy to powerful and intense wines that need extended cellaring.