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Following in the footsteps of his father, Antonio Barra, and his maternal grandfather, Giuseppe Rovera (who immigrated to Mendocino County from Piedmont, Italy in 1906), Charlie began farming grapes in the mid 1940’s. By 1954 he had purchased Redwood Valley Vineyards, the ranch that is now home to over 265 acres of organically grown Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Muscat Canelli.
The Barra vineyards have been certified by the CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) for over 20 years now. But Charlie’s favorite saying was “I’ve really been farming organically for 55 years…I just didn’t know it the first 30!” Prior to World War II, growing without commercial chemicals and fertilizers was standard procedure.
Hand picked from the organically farmed home ranch located on the bench lands at the headwaters of the Russian River in Redwood Valley, CA, this Chardonnay was barrel fermented in 25% new French oak with the remainder fermenting in neutral barrels. After primary fermentation, the wine was left on the lees and stirred weekly using the bâttonage method. The malolactic fermentation took place over 30 days. The bâttonage stirring and malolactic fermentation give this wine its full, round, nutty mouthfeel.
This Chardonnay opens with enticing ripe pear aromas and warm caramel notes. The richness of this wine is balanced by refreshing acidity and zesty lemon/lime flavors. Flavors of caramel, shortbread and stone fruit round out the palate and leave a long, lingering finish.
Producer: Barra of Mendocino
Country: USA
Region: California
Varietal: Chardonnay
Appellation: Mendocino
Vintage: 2019
Size: 750ml
