Ca' Marcanda (Gaja) Bolgheri Camarcanda 2011

Ca’ Marcanda is Angelo Gaja’s Tuscan estate on the Bolgheri coast, which the Gaja family founded in 1996, and today his daughter Gaia is closely involved. Camarcanda is its flagship. The name refers to the many hours that Angelo spent convincing the previous owners to sell him the vineyard that produces it, which is one of the stoniest sites on the estate at Castagneto Carducci. The blend has changed over time. It was Merlot-led until the 2013 vintage, at 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, and the 2014 was not made, but since 2015 there has been no Merlot, and it is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, for a lighter, more elegant style. It is aged for about 18 months in French oak, only 10% new, with a small share of whole bunch. Although it could legally be called Bolgheri Superiore, Gaja prefers not to use terms such as Superiore, Classico or Riserva.

The result is a refined, elegant Bolgheri with real depth. Blackcurrant, black cherry and plum lead, with fresh and dried herbs, sage, mint, cedar, tobacco, graphite and smoke, and sometimes a saline, marine note. The palate is full-bodied but finely textured, with ultra-fine tannins, integrated acidity and a long, savoury finish.