Barra of Mendocino - Mendocino Petite Sirah 2018

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.

The signature varietal that launched the BARRA of Mendocino brand in 1997, 100% of this petite sirah comes from the 50 acre hillside vineyard, Bella Collina, located high above the Ukiah valley in Mendocino County.  Following the advice of Karl Wente and Louis Martini in the early 60’s, Charlie planted the petite sirah varietal, and continues to bottle limited quantities of this luscious, hearty wine.

This wine is deep purple in color with aromas of cedar, black pepper, ripe wild blackberries and earthy spice notes. Extremely full-bodied, with rich flavors of cocoa, dark roasted coffee, and caramel.  With its opulent tannins and dense mouthfeel, this wine delivers a long, lasting finish and is well suited for long term cellaring.

Producer: Barra of Mendocino

Country: USA

Region: California

Varietal:  Petite Sirah

Appellation: Mendocino

Vintage: 2018

Size: 750ml