Ca'Marcanda by Angelo Gaja

Tonight we had an introduction to Ca’Marcanda, the Bolgheri wines of Angelo Gaja. These are fairly well known in the wine community, and several of these wines are some of the least expensive Gaja productions, hence their popularity.

All in all, there is always a definite pleasure to tasting/drinking wines from the Gaja world. I find a weight to the wines that is not always present in many other wines. I have to suggest that at the prices Angelo Gaja’s wines retail for they better stand out in a crowd. To date, I have never been disappointed in this respect. There is a richness on the palate that elevates the experience and tells you that you are definitely tasting a wine of substance, thought and even importance.

Tonight we tasted the three wines produced in the Maremma: Promis, Magari and Camarcanda. Here are my raw notes…

Ca’Marcanda Promis 2005
Toscana I.G.T. 55/35/10 – Mr/Sy/Sg
The small amount of Sangiovese comes from Gaja’s Pieve Santa Restituta Estate outside of Montalcino. This is a result of the fact that the sol in Bolgheri is not well suited for growing Sangiovese. The other varietals come from the Ca’Marcanda estate.
The wine has a rich, warm-cherry-fruit, herbal spice aroma. Thick, smooth texture on the palate. Lush but with dry extract. Long deep finish. “Seemless” integration of the fruit, acid and dark flavors. Great finish, which was delicious and long. It is easy to see why this wine is so popular.
Retail – about $45

Ca’Marcanda Magari 2005
Toscana I.G.T. 50/25/25 – Mr/CS/CF
Quite dark color. Deep, smoky, cherry and blackberry fruit. Silky smooth on the palate. Not quite as intense as Promis, but deep and dry with great extract of flavor and dusty tannins. Long and intense herbal infused flavors on the finish.
Retail – about $75

Ca’Marcanda Camarcanda 2003
Bolgheri D.O.C. 50/40/10 – Mr/CS/CF
Intensely dark, but bright and opaque. Huge deep black fruit on the nose. Riper blackberry flavors. Cool, smooth and supple on the palate. Elegant length across the finish. Quite lovely – a real treat. Texturally finishes dry and lush. Deserves the reputation.
Retail – about $150

for more info see: http://www.terlatowines.com/wines/italy/Gaja/ca_marcanda.asp