Ca' Marcanda
(Gaja) "Magari" Bolgheri Rosso 2022
(Tuscany, Italy) 750mL - [JS 95] [JD 94] [DM 93] [WA 93] [WS 93] [VM 91]

VINTAGE NOTES

2022 was a year marked by a particular drought that began at the end of winter and lasted for a good part of the summer. May registered higher than usual temperatures: this heat continued during June and the weather conditions became torrid and very dry during July. In the final phase of the season, a rainy August and September allowed the vines to get some relief and the grapes to reach full ripeness and balance, while still maintaining excellent acidity. The vines have shown that they were able to react in a very positive way, resisting the initial lack of water and metabolizing the rain as best and as quickly as possible. In total we had 600 mm of water throughout the year but the distribution was very uneven and was concentrated at the beginning (October and December 2021) and the end of the season (August and September). Harvest started in mid-August for the whites and finished on October 3rd with the last Cabernet Sauvignon. The quality of the vintage is very good and the wines are surprisingly fresh: as a consequence of drought and heat, the vines slowed down the vegetative cycle and managed to retain high levels of acidity in the grapes.

WINEMAKING

The three varieties ferment and macerate separately for around 15 days. After 12 months of aging in oak, they are blended and then aged for several months in the bottle before release.

TASTING NOTES

The nose is remarkably intense, immediately presenting saline notes, flower bulbs, fresh wood logs, oregano and other aromatic herbs. The floral aspect dominates over the fruit, with a mature, almost wilted flower character. The wine is dense, exhibiting substance and juiciness. In the aftertaste, the fruit melds with sweet notes of chocolate. The wine boasts a very good structure, rich and slightly above average for the Bolgheri region, with prominent notes of rose and violet. A distinctive salty marine note adds complexity.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - James Suckling:
"Redcurrant, cherry and olive-leaf aromas follow through to a medium body with very fine, caressing tannins and a long, juicy finish. Lightly crunchy and chewy. Extremely well crafted and delicious already, but better in a couple of years. Drink or hold." (Aug 2024)

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck: 
"The medium red 2022 Magari has a more generous feel but offers pure aromas of cherry liqueur, pine, balsamic herbs, and forest earth. The palate is full but remains elegant without excess weight, with supple tannins, good underlying freshness of acidity, and a more rounded feel through the mid-palate and finish. It closes with delicate savory notes and is very well-managed. Drink 2025-2040. (Drink between 2025-2040)" - Audrey Frick (Mar 2025)

93 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Floral and lifted red fruit aromas are accompanied by plenty of black and white pepper and a hint of volatile acidity, which lead to a mouthful of silky tannins, fresh and dried cherries, and rich dark fruits. The finish is woody – a bit drying and chocolatey – and it needs more time for the oak to integrate. (Drink between 2025-2035)" - James Button (Aug 2024)

93 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Of the Ca' Marcanda estate's two headline red wines, this bottle is released earlier. The 2022 Bolgheri Rosso Magari is a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot. It shows lovely richness and a soft texture with a more accessible overall personality. That immediacy is reinforced in a hot vintage such as this. There are hints of interesting spiciness with laurel leaf, curry and dried blackcurrant. Indeed, the fruit starts to show some evolution." - Monica Larner (Feb 2025)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Supple in texture and laced with black currant and black cherry fruit, this red is polished and approachable. Light herbal, graphite and tobacco accents add detail as this cruises to a firm conclusion. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2028. 1,833 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (Oct 2024)

91 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2022 Magari is plump, juicy and very easy to like. Soft, silky contours wrap around a core of red-toned fruit, cedar, sweet spice and flowers. This easygoing Maremma red is best enjoyed over the next few years. I find it a bit light, especially in the mid-palate, but its balance is impeccable. (Drink between 2024-2029)" - Antonio Galloni (Dec 2024)