GAJA CA'MARCANDA
TUSCANY, ITALY 2023
WHY BUY: The extraordinary 99-point Ca' Marcanda 2023 headlines this pleasure-giving trio of wines from GAJA's brilliant Bolgheri outpost, where sun-drenched slopes, radically low yields, meticulous terroir focus, and French oak aging add up to wines of intensity and profundity. Wines that are can't-live-withouts for lovers of Italian wine, and all those who adore big, powerful reds that go on and on and on.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: Jeb Dunnuck awarded a stunning 99 points to the Ca' Marcanda 2023, praising its "layered profile of redcurrants, spice, juniper, and herbal notes," its "refined texture, even acidity, and a balance of structure and flesh," and — crucially — its "excellent length and the ability to age for decades while remaining accessible now." He was enamored as well of the Magari 2024, calling it, in a 96-point rave, a wine of "elegance and finesse rather than weight," with "well-defined tannins, integrated oak, and a long finish," plus "impressive concentration for the vintage.” (N.B: the Promis has yet to be reviewed.)
OUR TASTING NOTES: The Ca' Marcanda is the flagship, and this bottling affirms its greatness. This is a wine of phenomenal concentration and power that never once tips into excess, holding its intensity in perfect, poised balance. If you have the patience, you could cellar for a decade, but it's drinking beautifully already. The Magari is no less serious, but, perhaps, quicker to charm, with power and finesse working in tight accord. We loved its fine-grained tannins, its deft use of oak, and its long and almost meaty finish. The Promis rounds things out, and demonstrates GAJA's knack for delivering exceptional value without sacrificing intensity or terroir character. A blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Sangiovese, it offers ripe red fruit, Mediterranean herbs, a gentle and lingering note of smoke, and a long, persistent finish.
THE STORY: By now, you know the story; Angelo Gaja's remarkable legacy scarcely needs recounting. The boldly innovative techniques he pioneered in Piedmont (from his early embracing of barriques to radical low yields) shattered tradition, and drew heaps of scorn from purists. Yet his all-out pursuit of terroir purity revolutionized not just the Langhe but virtually every great appellation across the bel paese. This fifth-generation winemaker broke from tradition, often flamboyantly, earning controversy even within his own family. But time has proven him to be less a provocateur than a prophet: today, Gaja is widely acknowledged as one of Italy's greatest winemakers. When he set his sights southward, in 1996, purchasing the Ca' Marcanda vineyard in Bolgheri, the wine industry was curious but doubtful. Seismic shifts were underway for Tuscany. Gaja proceeded to do with Ca' Marcanda what he had done previously with his Piedmont vineyards: elevate it to world-class by focusing on terroir, limiting yields, and aging the wines in French oak barriques. By applying his proudly and stubbornly non-conformist philosophies, he transformed a once-balky property and further cemented his legend.
WHAT TO PAIR THEM WITH: The Ca' Marcanda needs something substantial and rich: a rack of lamb, a thick, juicy tomahawk, or a standing rib roast. The Magari is the bottle to reach for when you're cooking Mediterranean or grilling chops. And the Promis is a natural with pasta in a zesty, aromatic tomato sauce, with an eggplant parmigiana, or with a plate of sausages and peppers.
FUN FACT: Ca' Marcanda derives from a Piedmontese dialect and translates, roughly, as "the house of endless negotiations,” a cheeky allusion to the contentious back-and-forth that took place in 1996, when the estate's original owners, exasperated with the process, broke off discussions and swore they'd never sell the property to Signor Gaja.
OUR GUARANTEE: As always, we only source directly from the producer to ensure that your bottles arrive as they should: with pristine provenance guaranteed.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2026 (Dec.21st - Mar. 20th, 2027). With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NY, OK, or TN. This offer is valid for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Wednesday, July 29th, 2026.