BARRA of Mendocino in the Spotlight
The Barra Family has deep roots in Mendocino County, and they continue to be a respected and valued contributor to the wine world there today. From the first time I was introduced to Martha and (the late) Charlie Barra and tasted their wines a decade ago, I knew they were onto something special, and I have been impressed ever since.
Charlie has often been noted as the godfather of Mendocino grape growing. He was born to Italian immigrants in 1926 in Capella (Mendocino County), California. From the time he was a young boy, he worked side by side with his grandfather and father, gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience in the deep red soils of Mendocino County’s Redwood Valley (which later, in 1997, became a designated appellation).
Charlie passed away a year and a half ago at age 92, months after he completed his 73rd harvest. Today, his wife Martha, herdaughter Shelley, and son Shawn carry on Charlie’s legacy at their Redwood Valley winery, which has been family owned and farmed since 1955. Their Barra of Mendocino brand was founded in 1997, and the Girasole Vineyards label followed in 2003. Total production annually is 25,000 cases. All of their wines are crafted from estate fruit, and their vineyards are organic certified.
Another one of my memorable experiences with Charlie and Martha happened back in 2012 when I participated in the SOMM Journal’s Terroir Experience. It was an enlightening trip for our group of sommeliers, who gathered to explore the Mendocino County wine country. I was completely enthralled with their 2006Sangiovese; elegant, precise, impeccably balanced, and true to variety. It was among the top new-world Sangiovese wines I had ever tasted. Here is what I wrote about that wine: Barra of Mendocino 2006 Sangiovese is a beautiful wine crafted from the estate-grown,organic-certified vineyards of Charlie and Martha Barra. The expressive floral and earthy aromas clearly identify the variety. On the palate, focused cherry and raspberry fruit marries nicely with earthiness, nutmeg, and clove spices. Well-structured and balanced with perfect offsetting acidity, and a long finish.
I just tasted a few more recent releases of Barra of Mendocino wines, and highly recommend them:
Girasole Vineyards 2019 Pinot Blanc: This delicious rendition of Pinot Blanc opens with delicate white flowers on the nose. Blossoming on the palate are layers of honeysuckle, fresh-cut Honeydew melon, crisp Pink Lady apples, waves of minerality, and hints of pineapple. It is smoothly textured with beautiful balancing acidity, and a nice tinge of spice adds depth to the lingering final sip. SRP: $14
Girasole Vineyards 2019 Pinot Noir: Forest floor and cherry aromas shout out Pinot Noir, and this example is silky and ethereal. Red Sweetheart cherries, exotic spice, pomegranate seeds, wild mushrooms, orange zest, gentle oak notes, and savory berry compote flow vibrantly across the palate. Purity abounds, the wine is nicely balanced and elegant with a divine finish, and what an incredible value, too. SRP: $16
Barra of Mendocino 2017 Petite Sirah: Wow, intensely built with berries and fresh ground black pepper on the nose. Huckleberries, juicy blackberries, hints of earthiness, vanilla bean, strawberry rhubarb notes, and chocolate-covered cherries swirl deliciously on the palate. Rich and mouth-filling, with a velvety texture. Approachable now if you can’t wait to pop the cork, however the chalky tannins, deep fruit, and precise balance promise years of enjoyment ahead. SRP: $22
I look forward to visiting and tasting their additional wine offerings, including current releases of Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Muscat Canelli, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and CORO of Mendocino red blend (composed of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon).
The winery is located at 7051 N. State Street, Redwood Valley, California. You, too, can schedule a reservation for a minimal-contact, outdoor tasting experience at their picturesque property, by calling the winery at (707) 485-0322. The tasting cost of $10 per person is refunded with a wine purchase, and I feel confident you will find wines to please any palate during your visit. For additional info, visit their website, www.barraofmendocino.com.
