Barbera Wines

This month's top picks from the Lodi Wine and Vistor Center

compiled by MICHAEL PERRY

When thinking about red wine from Lodi most people think Zinfandel, yet there are many other red wines not as well-known that provide complex flavors, are food friendly, and represent good value. One of those is Barbera. A red Italian grape variety, Barbera is the third most-planted red grape variety in Italy (after Sangiovese and Montepulciano). Barbera is also one of the most successful of the Italian varietals widely planted in the Central Valley.

Historically used as a blending grape, in recent years California winemakers have been producing high quality varietal Barbera. Whether full-bodied or lighter, Barbera delivers ripe berry and cherry flavors, and is unique among the reds in that it retains a tart acidity that allows it to pair with traditional red wine meals but also with dishes reserved for whites. Here are some to try.

Bella Vigna 2006 Barbera

This wine is garnet-red with bright aromas of cherry and cranberry. Dark berry flavors are augmented with modest oak accents and soft tannins. Try this easy drinking Barbera with salad and pasta, and the nice part is you can have a nice marinara sauce but also a creamy alfredo sauce. ($14)

Pasos Vineyards 2007 Barbera

Garnet-red, with good clarity, Pasos Barbera has aromas of cinnamon, oak, watermelon, and red cherry. The wine’s flavors are similar with a pleasant, spicy oak character leading to a cherry and berry fruit finish with a hint of spicy oak. The wine has a nice mouth feel with modest tannins and good acidity. This wine would be perfect for spicy grilled chicken or barbequed ribs with rich sauce (only 45 cases produced). ($32) www.pasoswinery.com

St. Amant 2007 Barbera

A bright, clear appearance with ruby-red color, this Barbera has aromas of cranberry and red berry fruit with a slight floral note. Red berry candied fruit flavors with a modest oak accent work in perfect harmony with the wine’s bright acidity and soft tannins. A tart berry finish lingers enjoyably. This wine is perfect with pasta that has a sweet tomato sauce. A crisp salad and garlic bread would complete this meal. Also pairs well with all lightly grilled foods. ($18) www.stamantwine.com

Macchia 2007 Barbera

This pretty, light purple colored wine has nice clarity. Aromas of both red and black cherries dominate. Medium bodied, Macchia Barbera has flavors of tart boysenberry and cherry candy with a hint of spicy oak. The tart, lingering finish invites you to enjoy another glass. Serve with a rich risotto, pork or beef ribs, pasta of all types, and barbequed chicken. ($18) www.macchiawines.com

For more information: Visit the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center, and taste from a selection of over two hundred award-winning Lodi wines. 2545 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, (209) 367-4727, www.lodiwine.com