There is no trace of Barbassese in the historical records prior to "Ampelografia della provincia di Alessandria" by Demaria and Leardi (1875). In fact, although a variety named ‘Carica l’asino' (‘Load the donkey’) is cited by Gallesio in his journal of travel (Baldini, 1995) it is likely that he was referring to Barbera bianca also sometimes called – as is the Barbassese – with this curious name.
The first two authors indicate that the Barbassese variety is mainly present in the surroundings of Acqui Terme and from which you get " good quality slight table wine."