Barbera vs Barbaresco: What's the Difference?

By Laura Faire | Food Writer & Hospitality Professional | 25 years NZ hospitality experience

If you've ever browsed our Italian Wines and wondered whether to pick up a box of Barbera or Barbaresco, you're not alone. Both are iconic wines from Italy's north-west, and whilst they might sound similar, they couldn't be more different in style, grape, and experience. Here's what sets them apart and when to choose each.

Barbera: Italy's Everyday Wine Champion

Barbera is the name of a grape variety, and one of the most widely planted in Piedmont. It's the heart of everyday Italian wine culture, loved for its approachability, juicy fruit, and natural freshness. You'll often see Barbera d'Alba (we have two: by Cordero or Fontanabianca) or Barbera d'Asti on the label, indicating where it's grown.

These wines tend to be deeply coloured, bursting with flavours of cherry, plum, and soft spice, with high acidity and low tannins. That makes them perfect for pizza, pasta, and just about anything you'd serve at a midweek dinner. The high acidity in Barbera makes it incredibly food-friendly, it cuts through rich tomato sauces beautifully and complements everything from grilled vegetables to charcuterie boards.

Some versions, like our Barbera d'Alba DOC Superiore, see a bit of oak ageing, giving them extra depth without losing their easy charm. This particular style bridges the gap between everyday drinking and more serious wine occasions, perfect when you want something a bit more sophisticated than your usual weeknight bottle.

Barbaresco: Piedmont's Noble Expression

Barbaresco, on the other hand, is not a grape but a place. It's a small, prestigious DOCG zone in Piedmont where the only permitted grape is Nebbiolo. Unlike Barbera, Nebbiolo is pale in colour but powerful in structure, with firm tannins, high acidity, and aromas that evolve beautifully in the glass. Think rose petals, cherries, tar, truffle, and a touch of spice.

Our Fontanabianca Barbaresco perfectly exemplifies this style, elegant and complex, with that distinctive Nebbiolo character that makes Barbaresco so sought after. For those seeking something even more special, the Barbaresco Bordini Single Vineyard represents the pinnacle of this region's winemaking, showcasing the terroir of a specific vineyard site.

Barbaresco wines require ageing before release and continue to develop complexity over many years. They are elegant yet structured, best enjoyed with richer fare such as braised meats, aged cheese or truffle-laced risotto. The tannins in young Barbaresco can be quite firm, but they soften beautifully with time, revealing layers of complexity that make these wines so prized by collectors.

The Nebbiolo Family

It's worth noting that Barbaresco shares its Nebbiolo grape with the more famous Barolo. Our Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo collection represents another expression of Nebbiolo, typically more powerful and longer-lived than Barbaresco. We also carry Langhe Nebbiolo, which offers an approachable introduction to this noble grape without the intensity of the top appellations.

When to Choose Each Wine

While Barbera offers instant pleasure, Barbaresco rewards patience. One is juicy and effortless, the other deep and meditative. Both are unmistakably Piedmontese, and both deserve a place in your wine rack, depending on the moment.

If you're new to Italian wine, Barbera is the perfect place to start. If you're ready to explore something more refined and age-worthy, Barbaresco is your next step.

Food Pairing Guide

Barbera pairs with: Pizza, pasta with tomato sauce, grilled vegetables, casual weeknight dinners, charcuterie boards, and anything with high acidity that needs a wine to match. The bright acidity makes it perfect for cutting through rich, tomato-based dishes.

Barbaresco pairs with: Braised meats, aged cheeses, truffle dishes, special occasion meals, slow-cooked stews, and game meats. The tannin structure can handle rich, protein-heavy dishes that would overwhelm lighter wines.

Building Your Italian Wine Knowledge

Understanding the difference between grape varieties and wine regions is fundamental to Italian wine appreciation. For more insights into Italian wine regions, explore our guide to popular wine varieties.

If you're interested in exploring more Italian wines beyond Piedmont, we also stock exceptional examples from other renowned regions in our Italian wine collection.

Start Your Piedmont Journey

Start with our curated taster packs to discover both styles and taste the diversity of one of Italy's most revered wine regions. Whether it's a Tuesday night or a special occasion, Piedmont has you covered.

For those ready to dive deeper, our Fontanabianco mixed 6 Piedmont collection offers a comprehensive exploration of the region's wines, including both Barbera and Barbaresco expressions.

Join our mailing list for Laura's weekly wine discoveries and get 10% off your first order: Subscribe here

Want personalised Italian wine recommendations? Call Laura directly for expert advice on building your Piedmont collection.