About the Wine

Gaja is one of the most prestigious and influential wineries in the Piedmont region of Italy. Few wineries evoke excellence and artistry the way the Gaja family name does. To utter these two simple syllables is to call forth one of the greatest and most venerated traditions in European winemaking. 

The Gaja family landed in Piemonte from Spain in the 17th century. Following WWII, Giovanni Gaja acquired extensive vineyard holdings in the area. His son, Angelo, is considered one of Italy's pioneers of modern winemaking. After studying wine in Montpellier, he was one of the first to bring French techniques such as barrique barrel aging, malolactic fermentation, and modern technical innovations. Yet, he continued to implement extended macerations following fermentation. By raising the level and recognition of Nebbiolo, Angelo Gaja has been commended by every major wine publication in the world and acknowledged as an innovator. Today, his two daughters Gaia and Rossana manage the extensive land holdings and global distribution of this important brand.

Angelo Gaja, driven by his passion for winemaking and a desire to explore new opportunities beyond his native Piedmont, took a daring leap to embark on a fresh endeavor. Compelled by the allure of a distinctive piece of land and the realization of his dream to extend his winemaking expertise to Maremma, he undertook a long journey from Barbaresco to Bolgheri. Following his acquisition of Pieve Santa Restituta in 1994, Angelo expanded his Tuscan holdings by purchasing another property in 1996, which he named "CaMarcanda." Situated in Castagneto Carducci in Bolgheri, this land possesses an ideal environment for cultivating Bordeaux grape varieties, offering optimal conditions for grape maturation and the creation of refined wines suitable for long-term aging.

Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes:  60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot.
See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.

Reviews

Cabernet franc makes up 60 percent of Magari, bolstering the blend’s structure and freshness (it no longer includes merlot). The wine’s flavors of blackcurrant and plum show a pleasant tangy edge, its earthy tannins firmly guiding the fruit tones without overwhelming them. Hints of licorice and graphite emerge with air, and the dark fruit mingles with iodine notes on the long, seamless finish. ~95 Wine & Spirits

The Ca' Marcanda 2019 Bolgheri Rosso Magari offers a surprisingly subtle side to the three very powerful grapes that make up the blend. These are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. The bouquet is generous and full, with intricate embroidery of lavender flowers, garden herbs, black fruit, spice, and tobacco. You might even detect a hint of black olive. Magari is structured and solid but never heavy, and it offers a good sense of fresh acidity that makes for a lively and bright finish. That more acidic vein is neatly folded into ample fruity sweetness and flavor. ~94 Wine Advocate

This is a firm yet velvety-textured red with blackberry, sage, pine needle, and dried-flower aromas and flavors. It’s medium-to-full-bodied with a lovely mouth feel and a long finish. Drink after 2023, when everything will have come together. ~93 James Suckling

In contrast to 2004, the 2019 Magari has no Merlot; instead, it's composed of 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot. It's a floral expression, with lavender and violet scents and bright red and black berries. There's a touch of cream on the palate alongside ripe black fruits, black tea and wild strawberry, leading to a slightly spicy finish. Softly textured but well structured, it displays great balance and should improve in the cellar for years to come. ~92 Decanter

Starts out rich, yet underscored by vibrant acidity and a line of refined tannins, which provide the support for this red's black currant, black cherry, wild herb and iron flavors. Finishes lean and firm. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2030. 6,670 cases made, 1,400 cases imported. ~91 Wine Spectator

Rich ruby ​​red. Delicately reductive on the nose, after a while clearly spicy notes on the nose, of dried rose petals, red pepper, juicy cherries, and bitter almonds in the aftertaste. The juicyness present on the palate, shows robust, wide-meshed tannins, and light vegetal spiciness, unfortunately still wears off a bit in the finish, and should be stored for a while longer. ~90 Falstaff

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