The Castello di Perno Barbera from the Nizza zone is a Piedmont red wine poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Produced by the organic estate Castello di Perno in Monforte d’Alba, it is a premium expression of Barbera from one of Piedmont’s most prestigious appellations for the grape. We pour it for guests who want to taste how serious and age-worthy Barbera can be.

About the Winery

Castello di Perno is centered on a historic castle that overlooks the village of Perno in the commune of Monforte d’Alba. Built originally as a medieval fortress and later transformed into a residence, the property has a rich literary past and is today a certified organic wine estate. The winery, founded in 2013, farms vineyards across prized sites in Monforte d’Alba, with its reputation built on Barolo, Barolo Castelletto, and this premium Nizza Barbera.

Region & Grape

This wine is made from Barbera grown for the Nizza appellation, the top-tier zone for Barbera in Piedmont. Nizza is a small, strictly defined area whose wines must come entirely from Barbera and meet stricter standards than ordinary bottlings. The result is a Barbera with more depth, structure, and aging potential than the everyday style, while keeping the grape’s signature freshness.

Tasting Notes

Expect a rich, layered nose of ripe dark fruit, plum, and warm spice. The palate is full and structured, with concentrated berry fruit framed by Barbera’s bright, lifted acidity and a smooth, lingering finish. It is a more serious, dinner-anchoring style of Barbera that still drinks with energy and freshness.

What to Pair It With

This is a wine for hearty plates. Pair it with our Lasagna, the Pappardelle Bolognese, or the Spicy Sausage Rigatoni. See more on our full dine-in menu.

How It’s Served at Grappa

This wine is offered by the bottle at Grappa for $110.

FAQ

Where is Castello di Perno Barbera from?

It is from Piedmont in northwest Italy, made by the organic estate Castello di Perno in Monforte d’Alba and bottled under the premium Nizza appellation for Barbera.

What does this Nizza Barbera taste like?

It shows ripe dark fruit, plum, and warm spice on a full, structured palate, with bright acidity and a long, smooth finish. It is a richer, more serious style of Barbera.

Is Nizza the same as ordinary Barbera?

No. Nizza is the top-tier appellation for Barbera in Piedmont, with stricter rules and a more concentrated, age-worthy style than everyday Barbera.

Ready to enjoy it with dinner? Book a table, browse the full wine list, and see the dine-in menu.