Barbera del Sannio is a red grape variety native to Italy where it is indigenous to Castelvenere in the Campania region. It resembles but is not related to Piemonte’s Barbera, thus Ian D’Agata suggests giving it a distinct name to avoid confusion (Ian D’Agata: 2014, p.488). D’Agata notes Barbera del Sannio is less acidic compared to the Piedmont’s Barbera.

Where grown: In Campania it is found mainly in the countryside around Castelvetere in the Sannio area.

Viticulture: Sparse bunches with small thin-skinned berries. It is not too vigourous but a reliable producer, and susceptible to botrytis.

Wine style: Pleasant and easygoing, it has a juicy, savory quality to its red-cherry and delicate herbal flavors.

Bibliography

Ian D’Agata, Native wine grapes of Italy (University of California Press, 2014).