Gaja Ca'Marcanda Promis 2023

1. Introduction

This wine is a 'Super Tuscan' blend from Italy, specifically the Tuscany region, bearing the Toscana IGT designation. Ca' Marcanda is the estate in Bolgheri (Alta Maremma) established by the renowned winemaker Angelo Gaja in 1996. Gaja, whose family winery was founded in Barbaresco, Piedmont, in 1859, sought to challenge himself with international varietals in the Bolgheri area of Tuscany. The estate's name, Ca' Marcanda, derives from a Piedmontese dialect phrase meaning 'The House of Endless Negotiations,' referencing the lengthy acquisition of the land. The winemaking philosophy focuses on achieving balance, elegance, and expressiveness, reflecting the unique characteristics of the Bolgheri terroir.

2. Wine Description

This red blend presents a deep ruby-red colour with purple hues. The aroma is captivating and layered, driven by wild fruits like raspberry, blackcurrant, and blueberry. Spicy notes of black pepper, cloves, pink peppercorns, and licorice are also present, enriched by fresh hints of red cherry, rhubarb, and roasted coffee.

On the palate, the wine is fruit-driven and approachable, offering flavours of aromatic herbs, blackberry, and black cherry, concluding with a savoury hint of olive. It has a medium body with round, fine-grained, and silky tannins. This blend of Merlot (55%), Syrah (35%), and Sangiovese (10%) displays a delightful balance of fruity freshness and spices, with vibrant, refreshing acidity. The wine shows elegance and complexity, with a persistent finish that reveals a slight smoky note. The optimal drinking window is generally considered to be from two to eight years after the vintage. The wine is not indicated as organic.

3. Accolades

• James Suckling - 94 points

4. Food Pairing

The refined and versatile character of this wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Suggested pairings tailored to its structure and flavour profile include grilled meats, hearty pastas with rich sauces, and roasted vegetables. Specific Italian dishes like 'Saltimbocca' or 'Scaloppine di vitello al limone' are excellent choices. It also complements crispy roast chicken, pork fillet with plums, and aged cheeses and charcuterie.

5. Vintage Quality

The 2023 vintage in Bolgheri yielded excellent results in terms of grape quality, though the frequent spring rains led to a lower initial yield due to compromised flowering. A warm winter and a cool spring characterized the year. The frequent rains required constant work in the vineyards to protect the vines. Despite these challenges, the grapes achieved a perfect balance between technical and phenolic maturity. The resulting wines are marked by elegance, higher than expected acidity, and sweet, integrated tannins, avoiding the opulent classic style of Bolgheri.