Barbera is a red wine grape variety planted mostly in Italy, where it is the third most grown red grape variety. Barbera has a low tannin and high acid content and is known for its tarry flavor. The wine which can be medium to full bodied is primarily used as a blending agent for increasing the acidity. When the wine is made from young grapes it gives a deep aroma of fresh blackberries while it gives a hint of black cherries and blackberry when it is made of ripe grapes. The grapes are also widely grown in California, equal to that of Merlot grapes. In warmer regions the alcohol level in the wine can be quite high due to the high sugar levels.