Ca'Marcanda di Gaja

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

Founding and origins of Ca’Marcanda di Gaja

The Ca’Marcanda winery was founded in 1996 by Angelo Gaja. He recognized the potential of the Bolgheri area and acquired an until-then undeveloped plot of land 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 venture into Tuscany. He was one of the first to establish high-quality wines from international grape varieties in Bolgheri. Today, the winery extends over around 80–120 hectares of vineyards in the DOC appellation Bolgheri. 

Philosophy and objectives

Angelo Gaja aims to create wines that reflect the unique terroir of Bolgheri while conveying elegance, freshness and drinking pleasure. He focuses on expressing the special soil and climate rather than 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 breezes and an expressive terroir.

Terroir and soil composition

The vineyards are characterized by two distinctive soil types:

• Terre brune – clayey, dark soils that retain water and minerals and contribute to fresh, high-acid wines.
• Terre bianche – limestone- and gravel-rich, stony soils that promote minerality and elegance.

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

Grape varieties and wine ranges

Internationally known grape varieties are cultivated at Ca’Marcanda:

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

These varieties form the basis for the estate’s characteristic blends.

Wine ranges at Ca’Marcanda

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

Winemaking and maturation

The grape varieties are vinified separately – blending takes place afterwards. Maturation generally takes place in new and used barriques over a period of 12–18 months, followed by bottle aging (in some cases 6–12 months or longer) before the wines are 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, well-balanced fruit and Mediterranean character – always in the service of the terroir. 

Awards and recognition

Ca’Marcanda wines regularly receive outstanding ratings (e.g. Parker points for Camarcanda 2019/Bolgheri DOC). Individual vintages – especially Camarcanda – are rated very highly by 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. Diversity of international grape varieties and precise blends with regional identity.
4. Careful maturation, aging and bottle storage for complex development.
5. Consistently top ratings establish the wines as collectors’ items and among the finest of the region.

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