The Glory of Gaja: Bolgheri Collectibles Now In Stock
Brilliant Bolgheri bottlings from one of Italy's most renowned winemakers... Sunday Feb 16th, 2025 View in Browser KL-emailheader.gif "Arrestingly Beautiful" Super Tuscan Selections In
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In Stock from Gaja's "Ca'Marcanda" Estate "A fantastic way to introduce yourself to one of the most respected producers in the world—without hurting your wallet too much.”— Orazio Campoli, K&L Italian Buyer When Barolo legend Angelo Gaja purchased Ca' Marcanda in 1996, Bolgheri was not yet the internationally recognized appellation it is today. However, Angelo had a vision: to create incredible Tuscan wines that would represent this unique coastal terroir. Fast-forward thirty years, and the exceptional Super Tuscan bottlings of Gaja have become the gold standard by which the region is measured. "These wines offer a smooth, refined experience that balances the energy and elegance of Piedmont with the distinctive force of Bolgheri," says K&L Italian Wine Buyer Orazio Campoli. The story behind the estate’s name is quite amusing. "Ca’Marcanda," meaning "house of endless negotiations" in Piemontese dialect, reflects the long—and, as Orazio puts it, "stereotypically Italian"—discussions that were required to secure the property. After two years of persistent negotiation, Angelo convinced the previous owner to sell the estate to him—an effort that has since proven its worth time and time again. Today, Bolgheri is renowned across the globe for its dynamic wines, and there may be no better example than these incredible bottlings from one of the world’s greatest winemakers. Continue reading Gaja’s Ca’Marcanda: A Bold Vision in Bolgheri on our On the Trail blog! 
K&L Notes: The "Vistamare" from Gaja's Ca'Marcanda estate in Bolgheri, Tuscany, is a stunning white blend that captures the coastal elegance of the region. This wine combines Vermentino, Viognier, and a small portion of Fiano, offering a rich yet refreshing expression of the Tuscan coastline. "Vistamare," meaning "sea view," is a fitting name for a wine that embodies the essence of the Mediterranean with its vibrant aromatics, freshness, and refined complexity. On the nose, it reveals an enticing bouquet of citrus blossom, ripe peach, apricot, and tropical fruit, complemented by delicate notes of white flowers and honey. Subtle hints of herbs and almond add depth to the aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with bright acidity, offering flavors of lemon zest, pear, and melon, balanced by a creamy texture and a touch of mineral salinity that reflects its proximity to the sea. The finish is long and clean, with lingering notes of citrus and a hint of vanilla.
The only white wine from the estate, Vistamare is an elegant blend of Vermentino, Viognier, and Fiano, three varieties that thrive in Bolgheris Mediterranean climate. The name, meaning sea view, evokes the breezy freshness and floral aromatics that define this wine, balancing ripe stone fruit, citrus, and saline minerality with a textured, layered mouthfeel. 93-96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Tasted as a barrel sample, the 2023 Vistamare is lifted and packed with aromas of citrus zest along with a floral bouquet of concentrated key lime, starfruit, sea spray, and loads of floral citrus blossom. Medium to full-bodied, with a bit of white pepper spice, it has a fresher, more linear drive at this stage that should round and flesh out over time. (AF) " (01/2024)
K&L Notes: Gaja Ca'Marcanda "Promis" Toscana IGT Rosso is a refined and approachable red blend from the Ca'Marcanda estate, located in Bolgheri, Tuscany. Created by the iconic Gaja family, "Promis" combines Merlot, Syrah, and Sangiovese to craft a wine that embodies the elegance and warmth of the Tuscan coast. The name "Promis" reflects promise, commitment, and the realization of quality—values that guide the Gaja family's winemaking philosophy at this estate. On the nose, "Promis" offers inviting aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, and dark cherries, accompanied by hints of Mediterranean herbs, spice, and a touch of leather. Subtle notes of licorice and a gentle earthy undertone add complexity. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and smooth, with well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity that carry flavors of dark fruit, black pepper, and a hint of chocolate. The finish is long, polished, and satisfying, with a touch of minerality that reflects the coastal terroir.
This is the entry point to Ca'Marcanda's red wines (if not all the red Gajas). It is a blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Sangiovese. The choice of Toscana IGT over Bolgheri DOC reflects Gaja's creative freedom, allowing the inclusion of Syrah and Sangiovese, which do not fit into Bolgheri's traditional Bordeaux-focused classification. The terre brune soils lend depth to the wine, offering juicy blackberry, spice, and herbal undertones, with the freshness of Sangiovese adding vibrancy.
K&L Notes: Gaja Ca'Marcanda "Magari" Toscana IGT Rosso is a sophisticated and expressive red blend from the Gaja family's Ca'Marcanda estate, situated in the renowned Bolgheri region of Tuscany. "Magari," meaning "if only it were true" in Italian, reflects a sense of hope and possibility. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, crafted to showcase the richness, complexity, and elegance that Bolgheri's unique coastal terroir can offer. On the nose, "Magari" reveals a complex bouquet of blackcurrants, ripe plums, and dark cherries, with subtle layers of Mediterranean herbs, eucalyptus, and spice. Hints of tobacco, licorice, and a touch of graphite add depth, reflecting the influence of the Bordeaux varietals. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and well-structured, with velvety tannins and balanced acidity that frame flavors of dark fruit, black pepper, and a touch of cocoa. The finish is long, smooth, and layered, with a refined minerality that lingers elegantly.
Meaning "if only" or "perhaps," Magari represents Gaja's interpretation of a Bordeaux-inspired blend with an Italian soul. Made from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, this wine is deeper and more structured than Promis. The use of terre brune and terre bianche soils creates a harmonious balance between richness and elegance. Expect dark plum, graphite, and herbal notes, with a long, polished finish. Love this wine; the Cabernet Franc here shines. One of my favorite Cab Franc-dominant wines in Italy, for sure. 96 points Wine Advocate: "The Ca' Marcanda 2021 Bolgheri Rosso Magari is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. It brings forth a floral bouquet, showing subtle elegance at the start. Give it a few moments and the wine hits on all cylinders with integrated oak, bright fruit, black cherry, pomegranate seed, iris root and dustings of oak spice that never overshadow the fruit. The wine is refreshingly uncomplicated but shows refined nuance instead. This is the proverbial understated elegance that Gaja achieves so beautifully. It closes with lovely acidity and dusty tannins. (ML)" (02/2024)
K&L Notes: The 2017 "Ca' Marcanda" from Gaja is a bold, polished blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot from the iconic Bolgheri region. The wine offers aromas of dark plum, blackberry, and Mediterranean herbs, with subtle hints of tobacco and spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and structured, with silky tannins and a core of ripe black fruit balanced by vibrant acidity. The finish is long and layered, featuring notes of graphite and savory herbs. A sophisticated Super Tuscan, the 2017 "Ca' Marcanda" is perfect for pairing with grilled meats, game, and aged cheeses, and has excellent aging potential.
The flagship of the estate, this Bolgheri DOC wine is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with Cabernet Sauvignon as the dominant variety. Unlike Promis and Magari, this blend adheres to the strict Bolgheri classification, emphasizing the structured elegance of Cabernet Sauvignon. Grown in terre bianche soils, "Ca' Marcanda" is a wine of both intensity and finesse, offering layers of blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, and minerality, with a seamless integration of tannins and impressive aging potential. 96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Moving into a more solar vintage, the 2017 Camarcanda is expressive of generous purple flowers, menthol, and cassis. The palate is more fleshed out with compact blackberry fruit, though it remains fresh with acidity and crunchy saline. Its sweet fruit and inviting nature make for a wine with a lot of charm. Drink these now while you wait for the 2016s. Drink 2023-2040." 95-96 points Vinous: "The 2017 Camarcanda is rich and heady in the glass, with all of the natural radiance of the vintage on full display. Ripe, racy and exotic in its beauty, the 2017 is a prototypical modern Maremma red. Generous fruit, racy contours and lifted savory notes add to its considerable allure. It, too, is arresting in its beauty. The 2017 offers plenty of voluptuousness, but with no excess weight. I loved it. Production is down 40% because of the low production of the year and then severe selection."
K&L Notes: The 2018 "Ca' Marcanda" from Gaja is a refined and elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, capturing the essence of Bolgheri’s coastal terroir. The wine opens with aromas of blackberries, cassis, and violets, layered with notes of cedar, licorice, and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet polished, with silky tannins and vibrant acidity balancing the ripe dark fruit flavors. The long, mineral-driven finish highlights its sophistication and aging potential. A versatile and age-worthy Super Tuscan, perfect for pairing with roasted meats, pasta with rich sauces, and hard cheeses. Enjoy now with decanting or cellar for a decade or more.
The flagship of the estate, this Bolgheri DOC wine is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with Cabernet Sauvignon being the dominant variety. Unlike Promis and Magari, this blend follows the strict Bolgheri classification, emphasizing the structured elegance of Cabernet Sauvignon. Grown in terre bianche soils, "Ca' Marcanda" is a wine of intensity and finesse, offering layers of blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, and minerality, with seamless tannin integration and excellent aging potential. 96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2018 Camarcanda is lifted with medicinal herbs, balsamic, and fresh mint. It is youthful with baby fat now but is more lifted overall compared to the previous two vintages of 2017 and 2016. It offers elegant and fine tannins, with notes of black raspberry, strawberry, violets, and a long and tapered finish that is more about its stony mineral texture than the length and concentration of its fruit. Drink 2024-2044." 95 points Wine Advocate: "An 80-20 blend of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, the Ca' Marcanda 2018 Bolgheri Rosso Camarcanda is another gorgeous edition of this important wine, although this vintage does start off slower than some of the other wines in this vertical. The wine is initially shy or restrained, with earthy and herbal sensations that frame dark fruit and blackberry. However, the bouquet also proves quite fluid, and it shifts to darker plum and spice with a few quick swirls of the glass. That substantial fruit intensity holds well from start to finish." |
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