A name often used in Italy for grape varieties. The first mention of a Barbarossa from Tuscany was in 1600 by the agronomist Giovanni Soderini (1526-1596). The name could refer to the colour and shape of the grapes. Another version points to the German Hohenstaufen Emperor Frederick I (1122-1190), who was nicknamed "Barbarossa" after his beard. He stayed at a castle in Emilia-Romagna in 1177. Here, in Bertinoro (Forlì-Cesena), in an ancient vineyard at the foot of the castle, a vine was discovered and selected by winemaker Mario Pezzi (Fattoria Paradiso) in 1955. This vine is said to be shaped like the outline of the castle or the emperor's beard.
I have great respect for the scope and quality of the wein.plus encyclopaedia. It is a unique place to go for crisp, sound information on terms from the world of wine.
Dr. Edgar Müller
Dozent, Önologe und Weinbauberater, Bad Kreuznach