Barbera has been widely planted in California since the turn of the century.   The early Italian immigrants were quite impressed by its quality and consistency.   Unfortunately, this variety was almost totally wiped out by prohibition.   At Rabbit Ridge, we have been able to produce limited quanities of Barbera in an "old style" utilizing century-old vines.   Aged for months in French and American oak barrels, this wine exhibits a complexity, richness and finesse that can only be achieved by this long, slow maturing process.   Similar to the Barbera produced in the famous Piedmonte region of northern Italy, this wine exhibits medium ruby color, substantial body and a prolonged finish.   Flavors and aromas of chocolate, currant and cassis produce a powerful wine to be served with the richest of food or savored by itself.