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Originated in Italy, Barbera grapes can be found in many generic red wine blends. The grape is hearty and grapey without a lot of nuances, but helps punch up the flavors of these blends. Well-cultivated and low-cropped Barbera vineyards, however, can produce flavorful grapes that result in a charming wine when bottled separately. This grape is part of the "Cal-Ital" varietal trend in California, but East Coast producers are experimenting with it as well.