The Barra family, proprietors of BARRA of Mendocino and Girasole Vineyards wines, announce the release of their 2019 Charlie’s Blend. This wine will be made each year as a tribute to founder and patriarch Charlie Barra, who planted his first vineyards in Mendocino County in 1955 and passed away in 2019.
“After Charlie’s passing in 2019, we thought it would be fitting to name a wine in his honor,” explains Martha Barra, Charlie’s widow who now oversees farming for the family’s 350-acre estate. “This red blend is a fitting tribute to Charlie as it represents fruit from all three of our vineyard properties and beautifully exemplifies the payoff associated with committing ourselves to organic farming methods all these years. Our recent Double Gold designation from the 2021 San Francisco Chronicle wine competition was a wonderful third-party validation of the level of quality this wine delivers to our customers,” said Barra.
The grapes are sourced entirely from the family’s organic vineyards in Mendocino County. “This wine displays a rich, deep ruby color in the glass. It opens with alluring aromas of ripe boysenberry, light caramel and roasted pine nuts,” notes winemaker Randy Meyer. “On the palate, flavors of raspberry, toasted marshmallow and hints of vanilla tempt the tastebuds. The well-integrated tannins on this medium bodied red deliver a silk-smooth mouthfeel, and the finish is long and layered,” he adds.
The Barra family’s three vineyard properties are planted to nine different varietals. Their original 175-acre parcel purchased in 1955, Redwood Valley Vineyards, was certified organic in 1989. After selling their grapes for many years, they began making their own wine in 1997 under the BARRA of Mendocino label and added the Girasole Vineyards line in 2003.
The tasting room and event center at BARRA of Mendocino is located at 7051 North State Street, Redwood Valley, CA 95470. Outdoor tastings are by appointment only, 707/ 485-0322 or by email.
Set on 50 acres of certified organics vineyards planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir, the sprawling 5,000 square foot tasting room offers 40-foot ceilings, a circular tasting bar, indoor fountain and blooming gardens. Dating back to the 1970’s, this architectural phenomenon also serves as an anchor venue for Mendocino County weddings, corporate and non-profit community events.
Girasole Vineyards wines are available at retail nationally and from the website. Current releases are 2020 Rosé (SRP $15), 2019 Muscat Canelli ($15), 2019 Pinot Blanc ($15), 2019 Chardonnay ($15), 2019 Sangiovese ($15), 2019 Pinot Noir ($16), 2019 Zinfandel ($16), 2019 Charlie’s Blend ($16), 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon ($16).
Be the first to comment