Learn about Barbera. Bill Elsey stops by to share some helpful information on the Barbera, a grape variety produced in northern Italy’s Piedmont region. Elsey calls Barbera, “One of the most quintessential food friendly wines.” Firm acid structure but mellow tannins make this wine approachable when young. Barbera is made in two styles, one more international style that are oak-aged and more full-bodied. The other style has less new oak-aging.