In 2020, exports of red wines with a Piedmont appellation increased by 5.8%. "This shows how Piedmontese wine is increasingly gaining a foothold on the 5 continents." Filippo Mobrici, President of the Consortium for the Protection of Barbera, views the data with satisfaction, "These figures are more than encouraging when we think back to last year, to all that happened, the analysis of the figures gives us a smile.

55 million bottles of Barbera are produced. 66 million bottles of all DOC and DOCG wines are now protected; the 0.4% increase in the number of bottles bottled in the year of the pandemic was an important achievement.

Barbera d'Asti Superiore is growing, with 4.9 million "fascette" (+2.1%) and Piedmont Barbera is also growing, with more than 21 million bottles and up 8%, increasing production by 1.8 million bottles. "We have positioned ourselves in the international market and are reaping the benefits - indicates the president of the consortium that protects 13 Monferrato appellations - Consumers today are increasingly aware of what Barbera is in its various facets. Barbera d'Asti Superiore is a wine of great elegance and pronounced longevity. Then we have everyday wines like Barbera d'Asti and Piemonte Barbera that are constantly invading the homes of Italians and wine lovers around the world. There are also important signs of Ruché, a native vine, which is now steadily around one million bottles."

If one goes into detail, one discovers how the wines that leave for abroad reach more and more countries. "We can say without fear of contradiction that China, Russia, Dubai and the Baltic Republics have become an interesting market place. Volumes are increasing, but above all the desire to drink Piedmontese wine is growing." In five years, Piedmont wine imports to Russia have increased by 17.4%. Good data also from China, where growth was 5.1% compared to 2019. A change of pace by Piedmont which reached 17.9% of total national exports. "Each country has specific characteristics - indicates the President of the Consortium - Russia loves made in Italy and always asks for more. China, on the other hand, is a more complex country. Wines pass through great communicators who are able to condition consumption. If we analyze exports, we discover that Barbera Piemonte raisin wine is one of the most appreciated varieties. Each culture has its own approach to wine and this is a factor that must always be taken into account."

The Baltic republics are a different matter. Countries like Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania have sparkling economies and wine lovers are increasingly interested in Piedmont red wines. "We have a young and curious audience there. They are looking for historic wines such as Barbera and lesser known indigenous grape varieties. Wine is no longer a simple consumer good, but a concentration of European stories and traditions to be discovered." -