Ca'Marcanda (Gaja)
Summary
Ca'Marcanda is the Gaja family's 100-hectare Bolgheri estate, established in 1996, where they cultivate primarily Bordeaux varieties across distinct terre bianche and terre brune soils that benefit from cooling maritime influences. Their winemaking philosophy combines traditional methods with modern precision in a gravity-flow winery, emphasizing sustainable farming practices and soil health while aging their wines in oak barriques for periods tailored to each cuvée.
Heritage & Leadership
Ca'Marcanda represents the Gaja family's expansion into Tuscany, established in 1996 when Angelo Gaja purchased land in Bolgheri after an extended period of negotiations with multiple landowners. The name itself—"Ca'Marcanda"—reflects this challenging acquisition process, translating roughly from Piedmontese dialect as "house of endless negotiations." While the Gaja family's winemaking heritage dates back to 1859 in Piedmont, this Tuscan venture marked their first significant investment outside their home region.
The estate remains firmly under family ownership, with Angelo Gaja serving as the visionary behind the project. His daughters, Gaia and Rossana Gaja, have progressively assumed greater responsibilities in the family business, with Gaia focusing on communication and marketing while Rossana contributes to production aspects. The modern winery facility, completed in 2000 and designed by architect Giovanni Bo, stands as a testament to the family's commitment to this Tuscan enterprise. The building's design integrates with the landscape, utilizing local materials and incorporating energy-efficient features.
## Vineyards & Wines
Ca'Marcanda encompasses approximately 100 hectares in the Bolgheri DOC within Tuscany's coastal Maremma region, with about 90 hectares under vine. The property is divided into distinct vineyard blocks based on soil composition: "terre bianche" (white soils) containing limestone and clay, and "terre brune" (brown soils) characterized by more iron-rich, silty compositions with stones and gravel. These varied terroirs inform planting decisions and contribute to the distinctive character of each wine.
The estate focuses primarily on Bordeaux varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot dominating the plantings, complemented by smaller amounts of Syrah and Sangiovese. The vineyards sit at elevations ranging from 80 to 180 meters above sea level, benefiting from cooling maritime breezes that moderate the Mediterranean climate.
Ca'Marcanda produces three principal wines: the flagship "Ca'Marcanda" (primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from the terre brune soils), "Magari" (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot), and "Promis" (featuring Merlot, Syrah, and Sangiovese). Each wine reflects specific soil types and vineyard blocks, with production techniques tailored to express these distinctions.
## Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Ca'Marcanda balances respect for Bolgheri's terroir with the Gaja family's experience in creating structured, age-worthy wines. Harvest is conducted by hand, with grapes sorted both in the vineyard and at the winery. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise extraction management and preservation of fruit character.
The aging regimen varies by wine: the flagship Ca'Marcanda matures for 18 months in oak barriques (with a measured approach to new oak), while Magari sees 12-14 months in barrique, and Promis undergoes a shorter oak aging period to preserve its fresher fruit profile. Before release, the wines receive additional bottle aging to ensure integration and development.
In the vineyards, Ca'Marcanda employs sustainable farming practices focused on soil health and biodiversity. Cover crops between rows help manage erosion and soil structure, while the maritime climate reduces disease pressure and the need for interventions. The winery's design incorporates gravity flow principles to minimize pumping and mechanical handling of the grapes and wine.
The Gaja family's philosophy at Ca'Marcanda emphasizes a long-term perspective, with vineyard management and winemaking decisions made not for immediate market trends but for the sustained quality and expression of the estate's terroir over generations.
Vineyards & Wines
Ca'Marcanda encompasses approximately 100 hectares in the Bolgheri DOC within Tuscany's coastal Maremma region, with about 90 hectares under vine. The property is divided into distinct vineyard blocks based on soil composition: "terre bianche" (white soils) containing limestone and clay, and "terre brune" (brown soils) characterized by more iron-rich, silty compositions with stones and gravel. These varied terroirs inform planting decisions and contribute to the distinctive character of each wine.
The estate focuses primarily on Bordeaux varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot dominating the plantings, complemented by smaller amounts of Syrah and Sangiovese. The vineyards sit at elevations ranging from 80 to 180 meters above sea level, benefiting from cooling maritime breezes that moderate the Mediterranean climate.
Ca'Marcanda produces three principal wines: the flagship "Ca'Marcanda" (primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from the terre brune soils), "Magari" (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot), and "Promis" (featuring Merlot, Syrah, and Sangiovese). Each wine reflects specific soil types and vineyard blocks, with production techniques tailored to express these distinctions.
## Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Ca'Marcanda balances respect for Bolgheri's terroir with the Gaja family's experience in creating structured, age-worthy wines. Harvest is conducted by hand, with grapes sorted both in the vineyard and at the winery. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise extraction management and preservation of fruit character.
The aging regimen varies by wine: the flagship Ca'Marcanda matures for 18 months in oak barriques (with a measured approach to new oak), while Magari sees 12-14 months in barrique, and Promis undergoes a shorter oak aging period to preserve its fresher fruit profile. Before release, the wines receive additional bottle aging to ensure integration and development.
In the vineyards, Ca'Marcanda employs sustainable farming practices focused on soil health and biodiversity. Cover crops between rows help manage erosion and soil structure, while the maritime climate reduces disease pressure and the need for interventions. The winery's design incorporates gravity flow principles to minimize pumping and mechanical handling of the grapes and wine.
The Gaja family's philosophy at Ca'Marcanda emphasizes a long-term perspective, with vineyard management and winemaking decisions made not for immediate market trends but for the sustained quality and expression of the estate's terroir over generations.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Ca'Marcanda balances respect for Bolgheri's terroir with the Gaja family's experience in creating structured, age-worthy wines. Harvest is conducted by hand, with grapes sorted both in the vineyard and at the winery. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise extraction management and preservation of fruit character.
The aging regimen varies by wine: the flagship Ca'Marcanda matures for 18 months in oak barriques (with a measured approach to new oak), while Magari sees 12-14 months in barrique, and Promis undergoes a shorter oak aging period to preserve its fresher fruit profile. Before release, the wines receive additional bottle aging to ensure integration and development.
In the vineyards, Ca'Marcanda employs sustainable farming practices focused on soil health and biodiversity. Cover crops between rows help manage erosion and soil structure, while the maritime climate reduces disease pressure and the need for interventions. The winery's design incorporates gravity flow principles to minimize pumping and mechanical handling of the grapes and wine.
The Gaja family's philosophy at Ca'Marcanda emphasizes a long-term perspective, with vineyard management and winemaking decisions made not for immediate market trends but for the sustained quality and expression of the estate's terroir over generations.