Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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On Earth Day, we take stock of what we can do as human beings to protect the planet and create a healthy habitat for all forms of life.  BARRA of Mendocino has been focused on that since its inception in 1955, when pioneering wine grower Charlie Barra began his mission of growing premium wine grapes by sustainable and organic principles, before it was even trendy or certifications were available.  Today, BARRA not only grows the grapes but produces high quality wines at an affordable price, ahead of their time by aligning their wine business with caring for Mother Earth.
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BARRA planting and construction, Courtesy of BARRA of Mendocino
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Charlie Barra, Courtesy of BARRA of Mendocino
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The wine founders of Mendocino County, Courtesy of BARRA of Mendocino
Today’s BARRA is the culmination of a vision and 66 years of experience, which started with Charlie Barra.  According to his widow, Martha Barra, who is now running the winery with her two children, Charlie was a “big idea guy”.  Born of Italian immigrants, Charlie had plenty of experience with vineyards, both sides of the family had worked in the vineyards of Piemonte, Italy.  Growing up, he was surrounded by many Italian families whose expertise in winemaking make up a who’s who of California wineries; Fetzer, Parducci, Testa and Graciano to name a few.  Charlie bought Redwood Valley Vineyards, located at the headwaters of the Russian River, in 1955.  That initial purchase of 175 acres of vineyards grew to 256 acres, and other vineyards were added for a total of 350 today.
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BARRA vineyards, Courtesy of BARRA of Mendocino
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Martha Barra, Courtesy of BARRA of Mendocino
Throughout the years, Charlie was an innovator and pioneer in Mendocino County, becoming an advocate for North Coast grape growers.  He championed organically grown wine grapes from the beginning, and received California’s highest honor, the CCOF certification, over 20 years ago.  Charlie’s favorite saying was, “I’ve really been farming organically for 55 years, I just didn’t know it the first 30!”  After over 40 years of organic farming, BARRA of Mendocino wines were born in 1997, thanks to his wife Martha.  In fact, Martha is credited with growing the brand, her keen business sense and hard work propelling BARRA into the international spotlight, with their focus on affordable, organically farmed, and family owned wines.
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Redwood Valley Vineyard, Courtesy of BARRA of Mendocino
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Courtesy of Mendocino Winegrowers
The stats for Mendocino County are amazing, 25% of the grapes grown today are certified organic, and 1/3 of the total amount of organically grown grapes in California are grown here.  Within the Mendocino branch of the larger North Coast AVA, there are 12 smaller AVAs, 570 vineyards and 108 wineries.  Mendocino County is blessed with a cooler climate, and between the diurnal temperature swings and varied soils, winegrowers can grow many different varietals.  The long hang time gives the wines a fruit-forward character, with deep rich flavors, balance and mouthfeel.
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Redwood Valley Vineyards, Courtesy of BARRA of Mendocino
BARRA of Mendocino grows nine varietals, from the white grapes of Pinot Blanc, Muscat Canelli and Chardonnay to the red grape stars of Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah.  Three vineyards provide the 100% estate fruit for their wines, Redwood Valley, Bella Colina, and Tasting Room vineyards.  Farming is the key here, going way beyond sustainable.  Cover crops, no conventional chemicals or fertilizers, beneficial insects, drip irrigation from man-made rainwater fed ponds, abundant wildlife in the vineyards that provide biodiversity. and hand harvested fruit are just some of the practices that elevate BARRA.  Their finished wines have minimal sulfites, are vegan-friendly and GMO-free.
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Bella Collina Vineyard, Courtesy of BARRA of Mendocino
BARRA produces 20,000 cases of wine under two labels, Girasole Vineyards and BARRA of Mendocino, and also sells bulk wine to other producers.  Nine Girasole Vineyards wines, outfitted with a screw cap, retail for $15-16 a bottle, incredible when you realize you are getting an organic wine in every sense.   Seven BARRA of Mendocino wines, sealed using Nomacorc, a plant-based biopolymer cork with a zero carbon footprint, retail from $22-38 a bottle.
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I had the pleasure of a LA Wine Writers Zoom tasting with Martha Barra, her daughter Shelley Maly, who handles sales, distribution and PR, and Randy Meyer, Director of Winemaking and Operations.  Three wines were sampled, two under the Girasole label, and one from BARRA of Mendocino.  The consensus, the wines were absolutely delicious and distinctive, the quality so high for the price!
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Martha spoke about her marketing plan for both labels.  Girasole, which is Italian for sunflower, is crafted with an organic bent, fruit forward, lighter oak, and a lower price point.  She noted, “I recognize that women buy 80% of wine, and Girasole is targeted to women, with its sunflower on the label.”  Martha explained the differences in labels, “BARRA is the best of the best, handled with kit gloves, aged in the best barrels, and is the premier brand that receives lots of loving attention”.
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Randy Meyer, Director of Winemaking and Operations, Courtesy of BARRA of Mendocino
Randy Meyer left his studies in medicine to pursue winemaking, attending UC Davis in a space where “art and science blend”.  Working for Korbel, M. Draxton, and Geyser Peak over the past 30-plus years, Randy joined BARRA in 2019 after Charlie Barra passed, overseeing their organic winemaking and custom crush facility, which is also CCOF certified.
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Now for the wines:
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Girasole Vineyards Rosé 2020 (SRP $15) is a 51% Pinot Noir/49% Zinfandel blend, fruity yet refreshing in its mouthwatering essence.  Aromas of strawberries, rose petal, and passion fruit bring a juicy wine to the palate, lightly structured and mineral with flavors of raspberry, strawberry, white peach, citrus and a touch of spice.  It’s fresh, bright and balanced, delicate in the dance of fruit and acidity.  What an amazing deal, and a perfect summer sipper.
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Girasole Vineyards Charlie’s Blend 2019 (SRP $16) is an enticing blend of 39% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Zinfandel, and 16% Petite Sirah.  This very first vintage pays tribute to Charlie Barra, who loved to blend the leftovers from various BARRA lots into one succulent wine.  Smooth and silky, with aromas and flavors of boysenberry, raspberry, caramel, vanilla, and toasted marshmallow, well-integrated tannins usher in a long and nuanced finish.  Each of the four varietals contribute to the blend:  Cabernet Sauvignon is the backbone and structure, Merlot from the 2019 vintage was a fruit bomb, Zinfandel brings boysenberry fruit and black pepper, and Petite Sirah adds a deep purple hue and tannic backbone.  This wine slowly blossomed once open, and became almost seamless in its ripe character and subtle flavor notes, a delight to drink by the glass and great with food
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BARRA of Mendocino Petite Sirah 2018 (SRP $26) is rich and full-bodied, 100% Petite Sirah with all of its boldness.  Aromas of blackberry, black pepper, spice, earth and cedar draw you in, highlighting flavors of cocoa, roasted coffee and caramel within its dense texture, while luxurious tannins coat your palate.  It’s an intense, structured wine, enticing with its aromatics and mouthfeel, and certainly not as tannic as many other Petite Sirahs.  This award-winning wine is their flagship, launching the BARRA brand in 1997, and today’s price point is incredible.  It’s a high quality wine, comparable to other California Petite Sirah that is much more expensive.  Although it would benefit from cellaring, opening it ahead of time and serving it with a ribeye steak would be nirvana.
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CORO project, Courtesy of BARRA of Mendocino
BARRA is involved with the CORO Mendocino project, which was established in 2000 to showcase the world-class grapes of Mendocino County.  CORO comes from the Latin root for “Chorus”, and refers to select producers blending a distinctive wine based on the heritage wine grape varietals of Mendocino County.  These ultra premium, signature blends are crafted with 100% Mendocino County fruit, mostly Zinfandel-based, with the addition of small amounts of Syrah, Carignane, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Dolcetto, Charbono, Barbera, and Primitivo.  The wines are produced with strict protocols, and must pass four reviews by a tasting panel.  Only then can they receive the CORO label for distribution.
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BARRA of Mendocino tasting room, Courtesy of BARRA of Mendocino
BARRA of Mendocino has a tasting room in the heart of Mendocino wine country, and a membership wine club, The Chanterelle Club, which is a big part of its wine sales.  Girasole is widely available, while BARRA wines are more limited, but online wine sales can fulfill your order.
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Courtesy of BARRA of Mendocino
BARRA of Mendocino not only talks the talk, but walks the walk, embracing all of the vineyard and winemaking practices that earn them the distinction of organic and sustainable, at a price that consumers can afford to drink every day.