Synonym for the grape variety Barbera; see there.
The red grape variety originates from Italy. The name is possibly derived from "Berberis", an alcoholic drink made from barberry berries with a similar acidic taste. Synonyms are Barbera Amaro, Barbera a Peduncolo Rosso, Barbera a Peduncolo Verde, Barbera a Raspo Rosso, Barbera a Raspo Verde, Barbera Amaro, Barbera Black, Barbera Crna, Barbera d'Asti, Barbera di Piemonte, Barbera Dolce, Barbera Fina, Barbera Forte, Barbera Grossa, Barbera Mercantile, Barbera Nera, Barbera Nera a Caule Rosso, Barbera Nera a Caule Verde, Barbera Noir, Barbera Noire, Barbera Nostrana, Barbera Riccia, Barbera Rossa, Barbera Rosta, Barbera Vera, Barberone, Blue Barbera, Gaietto, Nigruz, Lombardesca, Olivella and Sciaa. It must not be confused with the varieties Barbera del Sannio, Barbera Sarda (possibly related), Barberùn, Mammolo, Neretto Duro, Perricone or Vespolina (Ughetta), despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities.
There are several legends about the origin of this certainly very old variety. It is said to have been introduced to Piedmont by the Lombards as early as the 7th century. In 1255, a document from the municipality of Casale Monferrato mentions a variety called "bonis vitibus barbexinis"....
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