White Barbera is a type of white Italian wine produced in the DOCG zone of Barbera d’Asti. It can also be made as a sparkling or passito style wine.
It takes its name from the grape variety used to produce it, Barbera Bianca. This grape is believed to have originally come from France, which was imported into Italy by King Umberto 1st in 1881.
White Barbera wine usually has less than 14 degrees alcohol and tends to go well with salads and sushi.
The taste of white Barbera can vary depending on how it is aged, but it may include flavors such as apple and pear notes balanced with spice and sweet notes like vanilla and honey.
What Does White Barbera Taste Like?
White Barbera wine tastes very distinct from other wines made using the grape variety of Barbera, but its light color and fruity flavor are always identifiable.
The flavors of white Barbera are typically fruity like apple or pear but may also include floral notes of honeysuckle or lychee depending on how long the wine was aged before being sold or served. It is off-dry with low acidity, making for a pleasant after-taste that lingers in your mouth afterward.
Overall, white Barbera has a crisp texture that makes it easy to drink.
Best Examples of White Barbera Wine
Villa Toscano White Barbera – This wine is made by the Collina Boschis family, famous for producing wines since the 17th century. Their vineyards are located in Curiglia con Monteviasco, where they share a border with France and Switzerland. The wine is made using the grapes of Chardonnay, Arneis, Cortese, Nebbiolo, and Marzemino, which add up to 60%. To finish the wine, they add both Riesling Italico and Sauvignon, which make up another 30%, and the last 10% is added using Barbera, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. The wine has a light gold color and gets more fruity once it settles in your glass after opening. It can be enjoyed with seafood like shrimp or lobster and goes well with salads and sushi.
Jim Olsen’s Fantasia White Barbera – Named for its delicate flavors to create a fresh taste of apples, peaches, and apricots. The delicate flavors of the fruit are paired nicely with fresh-tasting foods like shrimp or vegetables.
d’Art White Barbera – Also made using grapes varietals, including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Arneis, which add up to 55% of the wine. This is then mixed with Barbera, Cortese di Gavi, Chardonnay, and Viognier, 35%. For the last 10%, they use Riesling Italico giving this wine a slightly sweet flavor, including honey notes. This wine can be enjoyed independently but would go well with shellfish or light pasta dishes.
Cielo White Barbera – This wine has an even stronger fruity taste than other white wines due to its balance of 60% Arneis, 15% Chardonnay, and 24% Barbera. For the last 1%, they add Riesling Italico, which gives this wine its honey notes. This makes it a nice match with fish dishes like salmon or white fish in cream sauce.
Symbiosis Sparkling White Barbera – Named for the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature where both sides benefit each other. This wine flavors include peach, apple, and citrus. It is best enjoyed with pasta or seafood dishes like shrimp or clams.
What Food Pairs with White Barbera?
Trout Almondine – One of the most well-known fish dishes globally, trout almondine is a deliciously prepared filet of trout that has been topped with slivered almonds and then drizzled with white wine sauce. This food pairs well because it offers a delicate taste that perfectly complements the light flavors of the Barbera.
Fried Green Tomatoes – These crispy fried green tomatoes are fried to perfection and served with a white wine sauce. This old southern meal is perfect for late summer evenings, so invite some friends over for dinner and try pairing it with your White Barbera.
Spicy Chicken Tacos – The White Barbera pairs well with the spiciness of these tacos; this food pairs well because the flavors are bold, but they are not overpowering.
Potato Gratin: The creamy texture of this potato gratin is complimented by the fresh fruit that accompanies it on your palate. This dish pairs well because the pairing gives you a new flavor to taste with each bite.
Ricotta Cheese Ravioli – A classic Italian dish; these cheese ravioli are served with a creamy white sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese. The savory flavors of this dish pair well with the White Barbera because they stand out and don’t overpower the taste of the wine.
Honey-Balsamic Roasted Salmon – This roasted salmon is seasoned and finished with a honey-balsamic glaze. This dish pairs well because the slightly sweet glaze contrast with the tartness of the White Barbera, allowing you to taste both flavors simultaneously.
Is White Barbera Sweet or Dry?
Typically white barbera wines are slightly sweeter than other wines made from the grape variety of Barbera since they only use the white grapes in their mix instead of the red.
Most white barbera wines will taste herb and spices such as thyme or basil mixed with peach flavors and other fruity overtones depending on what it is blended with.
How is White Barbera Made?
White Barbera is similar to rosé in that they use only the grapes skins for a short period which helps keep the wine’s flavor smooth and light instead of harsh like red wines can be when using tanning extracts.
Many wineries use this process to make slightly sweet wines that are easy to drink, such as Riesling Italico (white riesling), which add up to 25%.
White barbera wines should be served chilled at around 50F so you can enjoy the flavors of the fruit in them.
Summary
That’s everything a wine enthusiast needs to know about white Barbera. Add a bottle of this unique wine to your hitlist and break it out during dinner or a party to surprise your guests.
The next time someone tells you white Barbera doesn’t exist, just point them to this article. We will do the rest.
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