Ca'Marcanda di Gaja

Welcome to Ca’Marcanda di Gaja, a visionary project by the Gaja family in Tuscany. 

Founding and Origins of Ca’Marcanda di Gaja

The Ca’Marcanda winery was founded by Angelo Gaja in 1996. He recognized the potential of the Bolgheri area and acquired a previously undeveloped plot at the end of 1996 – hence the name, derived from the Piedmontese dialect meaning “house of endless negotiations”. 

History and Background of the Winery

Ca’Marcanda marks Gaja’s move into Tuscany. He was one of the first to produce high-quality wines from international grape varieties in Bolgheri. Today, the winery covers around 80–120 hectares of vineyards within the DOC Bolgheri appellation. 

Philosophy and Objectives

Angelo Gaja aims to create wines that reflect Bolgheri’s unique terroir while conveying elegance, freshness and drinking pleasure. His focus is on expressing the distinctive soil and climate rather than pursuing an international wine style. 

Regional Location and Climatic Characteristics

Ca’Marcanda is located in the municipality of Castagneto Carducci, in the Bolgheri area of the Tuscan Maremma, south of Livorno. The region benefits from hot summers, cool sea air and an expressive terroir.

Terroir and Soil Composition

The vineyards are characterized by two distinctive soil types:

• Terre brune – dark, clay-rich soils that retain water and minerals and contribute to fresh, acidity-driven wines.
• Terre bianche – stony soils rich in limestone and gravel that enhance minerality and elegance.

This diversity allows for nuanced, terroir-driven wine profiles. 

Grape Varieties and Wine Lines

Internationally renowned grape varieties are cultivated at Ca’Marcanda:

• Merlot
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cabernet Franc
• Syrah
• Petit Verdot
• Sangiovese
• Vermentino
• Viognier
• Fiano

These varieties form the basis of the estate’s distinctive cuvées.

Wine Lines at Ca’Marcanda

1. Promis – A cuvée made from Merlot (approx. 55%), Syrah (35%) and Sangiovese (10%), grown on terre brune and aged in used barriques for around 12 months. (IGT Toscana)
2. Magari – A blend of Merlot (approx. 50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) and Cabernet Franc (25%), grown on a combination of terre brune and terre bianche, and aged in new and used barriques for 18 months, followed by at least 6 months of bottle ageing. (IGT Toscana) 
3. Camarcanda – DOC Bolgheri cuvée, often consisting of Merlot (approx. 50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) and Cabernet Franc (10%), grown on the stoniest terre bianche plots and aged in new and used barriques for 18 months, followed by at least 12 months of bottle ageing.
4. Vistamare – White wine cuvée made from Vermentino (40%), Viognier (40%) and Fiano (20%), created to express the coastal climate. 

Vinification and Ageing

The grape varieties are vinified separately, followed by blending. The wines are predominantly aged in new and used barriques for a period of 12–18 months, followed by bottle ageing, in some cases for 6–12 months or longer, before being released to the market. 

Style and Character of the Wines

The wines reflect a combination of southern richness and elegance. They are characterized by mineral freshness, powerful structure, balanced fruit and Mediterranean character – always in service of the terroir. 

Awards and Recognition

Ca’Marcanda wines regularly receive outstanding ratings, such as Parker points for Camarcanda 2019/Bolgheri DOC. Individual vintages – particularly Camarcanda – receive very high praise from critics. 

Conclusion – Why Discover Ca’Marcanda di Gaja?

1. A project by Angelo Gaja, one of Italy’s most renowned winemakers.
2. An early pioneer in the Bolgheri area, with a focus on terroir and elegance.
3. A variety of international grape varieties and precise cuvées with regional identity.
4. Careful ageing, maturation time and bottle storage for complex development.
5. Regular top ratings establish these wines as collector’s items and as leading examples of the region.

Experience the harmonious combination of Tuscan terroir, innovative tradition and stylistic finesse – with the white and red wine highlights of Ca’Marcanda di Gaja.