Ca' Marcanda
(Gaja) "CaMarcanda" Toscana IGT 2020
(Tuscany, Italy) - [VM 96] [WS 95] [DM 94]

About the Winery:

Ca’Marcanda, GAJA’s estate in Bolgheri (Alta Maremma), was born in 1996 propelled by Angelo Gaja’s ambition to challenge himself with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.  

The search for the best terroir was possible thanks to the latest land zoning maps which pointed out the specific vine growing suitability of clayey-calcareous soils at the foot of the Metalliferous Hills. These are firm clayey soils, therefore fresh and suitable for water and mineral preservation, which slow down ripening and result in fresh and acidic wines. Eventually, the only land in that area not planted with vines was identified, and after several meetings with the previous owners, the negotiations successfully closed at the end of 1996. For this reason, the name  Ca’Marcanda derives from a Piedmontese dialect expression which can be translated as the “The House of Endless Negotiations”. This land was uncultivated and used for breeding and fruit growing; this was a unique opportunity to entirely design a winery on an untouched land, which started with the selection from the soil, to the different varieties and ultimately the cellar structure. 

GAJA’s ambition is to produce wines reflecting the characteristics of Bolgheri: balanced by a middle structure, moderate alcohol and a vibrant expression of freshness. 

About the Wine:
The winery's flagship wine takes its name from the estate, the ca'marcanda, the house of endless negotiations. The name refers to the many hours that Angelo Gaja spent convincing the property's previous owners to sell the estate vineyard that produces this wine to him. This vineyard is one of the stoniest sites of the Ca'Marcanda estate in Castegneto Carducci (Bolgheri). Its 100% terre bianche (white soils) are ideal for producing long-lived, structured wines.

Grape Variety/Varieties:
50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc

Length/Type of Fermentation:
Separate for the three varieties, which are blended in the January or February after the harvest.

Length/Type of Aging:
The wine ages in new and slightly used barriques for 18 months and undergoes at least 12 months of bottle aging at the winery before being released on the market.

Tasting Notes:

Very expressive and less austere than the 2019 vintage, this wine has a bright, purple-red color. The nose is austere yet impactful showing hints of small fruits such as blueberry, and raspberry, with a hint of blood orange along with aromatic notes of licorice, Mediterranean pine, and rosemary all classic to Bolgheri. On the palate, the wine is fat and salty with silky tannins and a medium structure, ending with a long, persistent finish.

Ratings & Reviews:

96 Points - Vinous Media

“Suave, elegant and wonderfully expressive. Lifted aromatics and silky tannins give Camarcanda tons of finesse. Deceptive in its mid-weight feel, the 2020 is beautifully resonant. Pretty floral and spice notes open the finish effortlessly. The 2020 is without question the finest Camarcanda to date. Bravo.”

95 Points - Wine Spectator

“The aromas in this red are a bit muted today, yet the black currant, blueberry, violet, cedar and wild herb flavors are expressive and well-delineated. Gains support from lively acidity and a dense matrix of tannins as this finishes long and palate-staining.”

94 Points - Decanter Magazine

“This Cabernet dominant blend is overtly aromatic with notes of Mediterranean scrub, smoky flint and juicy black figs. The palate shows excellent depth and complexity to complement a wonderful texture. Redolent red and black berry fruits mingle with a saline character, as tinges of graphite lead this wine into its finish.”