Black grape variety grown in Apulia

Barbera n.

Barbera n. has good productive characteristics, therefore it is appreciated by viticulturists in many Italian regions. It is suitable for cultivation throughout Apulia.

Origin and Historical Outline

There is no certain information about his area of origin and his seniority, but it is believed that his homeland must be sought in the grape producing area of the Duchy of Monferrato. It is supposed, however, that it was born spontaneously from some seed of more ancient local vines, as it happened for many others who, for their good cultural and productive characteristics, met the favor of many winegrowers in many Italian regions and also in Apulia.

Synonyms

Barbera amaro, Barberone.

Shoot tip: expanded, whitish green with fairly red coloured tips, arachnoid.

Leaf: of medium size, pentagonal, pentalobate. Lyre-shaped, mostly closed petiole sinus with overlapping margins; lyre-shaped, closed upper lateral sinuses; not very deep lower lateral sinuses. Irregular teeth with a large base.

Bunch: low weight, mostly pyramidal and sometimes cylindrical.

Berry: low-medium weight, ellipsoidal, regular; thin, but fairly compact, deep blue skin; very juicy flesh with a sweet but acidulous taste.

Phenology

Time of bud burst: intermediate-early

Flowering time: intermediate

Veraison: intermediate

Ripening: intermediate

Agronomic and Cultural Characteristics

Vigour: good

Average bunch weight: 180 g (min 140 g – max 240 g)

Average berry weight: 2.5 g (min 2.3 g – max 2.7 g)

Number of seeds per berry: 2 3

Average rachis weight: 8 g

Fertility of buds: 2 – 1

Potential fertility: 1.7

Actual fertility: 1.4

Environmental and Cultural Requirements

This vine has a quite consistent production, good adaptability to dry and windy weather conditions.

Chemical Features of the Wine

Alcoholic content: 12 13 % by vol.

pH: 3.20 3.40

Total acidity: 7.5 9 g/l

Oenological Use and Sensorial Properties of the Wine

Barbera n. grapes are used exclusively for vinification, mostly as a single variety. The wine is powerful, quite strict.  It has an extraordinary scent and a very fine taste.

Economic Significance and Geographic Distribution

The vine is spread all over Italy, where it produces several PDO wines. In Apulia it is employed in the production of the QWpsr Rosso di Cerignola. It is registered among the varieties suited to being grown in all the Apulian provinces.

Author and Source

Antonacci Donato
antonacci.dona@gmail.com

The data sheet of the Barbera n., revised and updated, is extracted from: Antonacci Donato (2006). Viti di Puglia, Adda publisher. Its use is granted by the author citing the source.