Barbera might be known for its rich color and deep Italian roots, but in the heat of summer, it’s also one of the most refreshing reds you can chill. With naturally bright acidity, expressive fruit, and a soft, easy finish, Barbera takes to a cooler temperature beautifully—making it a smart pick for backyard dinners, beachside picnics, and everything in between.
Why Chill Barbera?
While some red wines can lose their character when chilled, Barbera does just the opposite. Serving Barbera at a slightly cooler temperature—around 55–60°F—highlights its vibrant red fruit flavors (think cherry, raspberry, and plum), keeps the acidity crisp, and smooths out any rough edges. It’s structured enough to pair with food, but light enough to enjoy on its own on a warm afternoon.
At Scott Harvey Wines, we’ve long believed in the versatility of this varietal. Barbera has a place at every summer table.
And we’re not the only ones who feel that way. As Jana Harvey puts it:
“Now that summer is upon us, there are times when it may feel too hot for a glass of red wine. Of course, it’s never too warm for a delightfully chilled, crisp, and refreshing white wine. Scott is quite particular regarding the temperature of red wine. On many occasions, he has asked our server for either an ice bucket or a glass of ice for our bottle of red wine. He’s gotten many an eye roll, and boy, are they surprised when he leaves his winemaker card.”
Scott’s preference for properly chilled red wine inspired a full summer series—if you’re looking for more creative ways to keep your reds refreshing, check out our latest blog on Red Wine Refreshers.
Styles of Barbera: From Classic Reds to Rosé
Barbera may be one grape, but it wears many hats. Its naturally vivid acidity allows it to be crafted in several distinct styles:
- Bright & Fresh Reds: Often unoaked or lightly oaked, these Barberas showcase lively cherry, raspberry, and plum notes. They’re fruit-forward, easy to pair, and perfect for a summer chill.
- Rich & Structured Reds: Aged in oak and built for more complexity, these wines often come from older vines or selected vineyard sites. They show darker fruit, spice, and a smoother, more concentrated profile—excellent for grilled meats or heartier fare.
- Rosé of Barbera: With just a short time on the skins, Barbera transforms into a vibrant, dry rosé. The high acidity keeps it crisp and refreshing, while flavors of strawberry, watermelon, and citrus make it a natural choice for summer sipping.
Wines to Try This Season
If you’re looking to explore the chilled side of Barbera, here are three wines that show off just how refreshing it can be:
- 2021 Scott Harvey Mountain Selection Barbera
Grown in the high elevations of Amador County, this Barbera balances ripe fruit and bright acidity with notes of blackberry and spice. - 2019 Scott Harvey Cattedrale Barbera
Our reserve-level Barbera, crafted for depth and ageability, still surprises when lightly chilled. Its complex structure and dark cherry profile evolve beautifully with a cooler touch. - 2023 Jana Winery Rosé of Barbera
Summer in a bottle. This dry rosé shows off Barbera’s lively fruit and clean finish—serve it cold and pair with everything from garden salads to fresh goat cheese.
Built for the Heat: Barbera’s Summer-Ready Personality
Unlike heavier reds that can feel overwhelming in the heat, Barbera’s zesty character and smooth, easy finish make it refreshing—especially when lightly chilled. It’s a red that doesn’t weigh you down. That juicy core of cherry and plum? It shines even brighter in warm weather. Think of it as the red wine that behaves like a white: crisp enough to sip by the pool, yet bold enough to stand up to grilled fare. If summer had a house red, Barbera would be it.
What to Pair with a Chilled Barbera
Chilled Barbera pairs wonderfully with a variety of summer dishes. For al fresco meals, think grilled Italian sausage, marinated chicken skewers, or tomato-based pasta salads. The wine’s acidity cuts through rich foods, while its fruitiness complements smoky or spicy flavors. It also works well with vegetarian fare—roasted red pepper sandwiches, caprese salad, or grilled eggplant with herbs.
Light, bright, and versatile, chilled Barbera proves that red wine doesn’t need to sit out the summer months.
The Final Pour
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering Barbera, this summer is the perfect time to try it chilled. Explore different styles—from rosé to bold reds—and see how this versatile varietal shines in warmer weather. Stock up on a few bottles, keep them cool, and let Barbera be your go-to summer red.