Barra Chardonnay
Organic Mendocino Chardonnay, barrel fermented since the Barra family planted it.
The story behind Barra
Charlie Barra started farming vineyards in 1945 and bought the Redwood Valley ranch in 1955. The family has farmed that Mendocino County ground without synthetic chemicals ever since, earning CCOF organic certification in 1989. The BARRA of Mendocino wine label itself arrived in 1997, when the family began bottling the estate fruit under its own name rather than selling it off.
Charlie died in 2019. Martha Barra and their children still own and run the winery, and the Chardonnay is still handpicked from estate vines, barrel fermented in French oak at roughly 30 percent new, and stirred on the lees for texture. Same ranch, same family, seven decades of dirt under the same fingernails.
Explore the Barra range
Barra Chardonnay is the white to know from this house. Here is what we carry and what sits alongside it on our shelves.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barra Chardonnay 750mL | White wine, Chardonnay | 14.0% to 14.5% ABV | Barrel fermented French oak, lees stirred, apple and stone fruit |
| Barra Cabernet Sauvignon 750mL | Red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon | Not published | Estate Mendocino fruit, dark berry, firm structure |
| Barra Pinot Noir 750mL | Red wine, Pinot Noir | Not published | Cool climate Redwood Valley, red cherry, soft earth |
| Girasole Vineyards Chardonnay 750mL | White wine, Chardonnay | Not published | Sister label, lighter everyday style, organic estate fruit |
| Barra Chardonnay, current vintage | White wine, Chardonnay | 14.0% to 14.5% ABV | Malolactic in barrel, buttery edge, crisp finish |
Which Barra is right for you?
Our listed Barra Chardonnay 750mL runs $19.99, and the Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir are each $22.99. The broader Barra Chardonnay tier in the US market sits roughly $22 to $26 depending on vintage, so our shelf price is worth a look. Stock moves, so call (631) 343-7200 or check the listing before you drive over. If you want to buy Barra online, order for free curbside pickup in Commack or local delivery.
Certified organic estate grapes since 1989, farmed without synthetic chemicals since 1955.
French oak barrel fermentation and lees stirring give the butter and vanilla they want.
Same estate, same family, a sturdy Mendocino red for the table.
Barra cocktails and pairings
Chill it to about 48 to 53°F and pour in a standard white wine glass so the vanilla and stone fruit open up. Rich food suits it.