Pdf Generator
Customize Sheet
    Customize Font Size to Fit
    • *Don’t forget to edit the price table.

    Tips to Save Space
    Customize & Print

    Save your page as a PDF using your built-in browser’s “Print” option. Just click the “Preview & Print” button and change the “Destination” from your local printer to any of your installed PDF applications. Please note: these steps vary slightly by browser.

    Stamp

    Barra of Mendocino

    Cabernet Sauvignon Mendocino

    United States, Mendocino, Redwood Valley

    Red

    Winery Overview

    In 1955 Charlie Barra purchased Redwood Valley Vineyards, 175 acres of vineyard located at the headwaters of the Russian River, nestled at the base of rolling foothills. When he purchased the vineyard, farmers were averaging as little as $40 a ton for their grapes, as the demand for quality wine based on true varietals had not yet been established. Most growers were still farming what Charlie called “standard” grapes that were used by the major wine producers to make Burgundy and Chablis--the basic table wines of the times. But after a few short years of growing “vin ordinaire," he could see the tide was turning. He began working with Karl Wente, Robert Mondavi and others on moving to a varietal-focused vineyard. Charlie was one of the first growers on the North Coast to plant Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir. And over the next 35 years, Charlie would add another six varietals to the soils of Redwood Valley Vineyards including Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, Merlot, Pinot Blanc, Muscat Canelli and Zinfandel. In the late 90's, low grape prices combined with the purchase of a tasting room facility in Mendocino County prompted the Barra family to launch it's first wine under the BARRA of Mendocino brand; the 1997 Petite Sirah. Charlie Barra was also a pioneer of organic farming in Mendocino. Their original 175-acre Redwood Valley Vineayrd was certified organic in 1989. Today, all the grapes grown on the 325-acre Barra vineyard in Mendocino County’s inland valley are 100% certified organic, and thanks to the Barra family’s efforts in eco-friendly agriculture, close to 25% of the vineyards in Mendocino County are also certified organic.

    Vineyard

    The Barra family owns and cultivates 350 acres of vineyards in Mendocino. All vineyards are certified organic by CCOF. The primary vineyard site was planted in 1955, with two other parcels joining the fold in 1990 and 2000. Each vineyard site draws water for drip irrigation or frost protection from man-made retention ponds that cycle rainwater. Elevation ranges from 260ft to 948ft, with nine different varieties growing across the acreage.

    Terroir

    Pinnobie & Redvine soils. Alluvial with sedimentary deposits

    Viticulture

    Organically farmed (vineyards are CCOF certified) estate fruit. Overhead frost protection. All water for frost and drip irrigation systems is collected from 2500 acres of watershed to fill 6 ponds on vineyards. Shoot positioning is practiced on new vines and shoot thinning on all vines. Hand harvested in late October.

    Vinification

    After crushing and destemming, the wine was transferred to stainless steel tanks for fermentation. Reds are fermented warm, and the fruit can reach 80-82F. Once primary fermentation was complete, the new wine was separated from the skins and seeds. The wine was stored in tank until malolactic fermentation was complete, and then moved to barrels for its final resting place. Total sulfur is less than 100ppm.

    Aging

    18 months in 20% new French oak, 20% one year old and 60% in neutral. Coopers: Francois Freres, Taransaud, Seguin Moreau, Marchive.

    Tasting Notes

    Deep ruby in color with aromas of sweet vanilla, ripe currants, black cherry and toasty oak. This wine exhibits flavors of cassis, dark plum, caramel and hints of dark chocolate. Soft, yet plentiful tannins balance out the velvety, layered mouthfeel.

    Additional Information

    Provide your own information here.


    Generating PDF