“Camarcanda” Bolgheri Rosso DOC 2023 · 6 bottles in OWC

Ca' Marcanda | Angelo Gaja | Tuscany
Ca' Marcanda S.p.A. | Loc. Caccia al Piano | IT 57022 Castagneto Carducci

29052423 · 4,5 l · 294,22 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping2 units available

"Ca' Marcanda" is a term in the Piedmontese dialect meaning "the house of endless negotiations". For eleven months in the late 1990s, Angelo Gaja travelled back and forth between Barbaresco and Bolgheri, holding one discussion after another, until the owners of the plot at the foot of the Colline Metallifere finally put pen to paper. By 1996, the land was his. Six years later, the cellar was complete: two-thirds underground, seamlessly integrated into the landscape, just as Gaja had envisaged. A place where wine can be produced with minimal intervention. From the outset, Camarcanda was a Bordeaux blend. But which one? For decades, Merlot dominated – accounting for up to 50% – and gave the wine body and approachability. With the 2013 vintage, the last to include Merlot, a reorientation began. Since then, Cabernet Sauvignon has taken the lead, accompanied by Cabernet Franc. The 2023 vintage marks the completion of this evolution: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc. For the first time, this blend is recognised as the estate's established standard. A turning point in the history of the wine.

Angelo's daughter Gaia, who now heads the Bolgheri project, openly describes 2023 as "not a classic Bolgheri vintage". That is precise, not diplomatic. A mild start to the year, unevenly distributed rainfall, and a summer that gave the vines less concentration than in the great vintages. The result is a Camarcanda of a different quality to 2021 or 2019 – lighter in colour, fresher in aroma, with more primary fruit, more herbal spice and a tannin-driven, more austere finish that requires time. 12 months in barriques, 6 months in large 60-hectolitre casks.

A bright, luminous ruby red. The bouquet offers delightful, fresh aromas: cherry, strawberry, herbs and a hint of vegetation, all still primary and not yet fully developed. On the palate, pure, elegant fruit and sinewy tannins, with a spicy, well-structured finish. A wine that calls for food and needs time to show what it is capable of becoming. SUPERIORE.DE

"A brilliant ruby red with a hint of violet. Cherry, tomato, wild berry sweets, balsamic notes, brown bread, elderberry syrup; fragrant. Well-balanced, juicy, slightly salty, rounded and with delicate finesse; seems almost too light-footed, goes down very well." Falstaff

"This supple, lively red wine combines rich aromas of plum, blackberry and earth with subtle herbal notes, whilst the robust tannins are well integrated. The finish lingers gently. Overall, the wine displays a delicate vigour and a spicy, Mediterranean flair." Wine Spectator

"The 2023 Bolgheri Rosso Camarcanda, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, is soft and lush on the palate, unfolding in successive waves of intense dark fruit aromas. The 2023 vintage captivates with its attractive fruit intensity and fullness, underpinned by a subtle tension, whilst maintaining its balance without ever seeming ponderous. This vintage, which has often been regarded as an outsider in recent years, performs better than expected." Wine Advocate

"The Ca' Marcanda 2023 is one of the finest wines I have tasted here – a remarkable achievement given the vintage. Crushed blossoms, mint, tobacco and incense are just a few of the many notes that characterise this exquisite Bolgheri red. I particularly admire its richness of detail and precision. The 2023 is a Ca' Marcanda in which finesse takes precedence over opulence. Unfortunately, there will be no 2024 vintage." Vinous

"The nose is sweet and earthy, like springtime, with aromas of damp earth, undergrowth, mixed berries, tea leaves and pencil shavings. On the palate, notes of sweet berries and dark chocolate interplay with peppery, zesty earthy tones, whilst structured tannins and lively acidity underpin the already remarkably balanced flavour profile." Wine Enthusiast

"Complex, spicy and slightly herbaceous, with pleasant aromas of lively blackcurrant, kiwi and a hint of well-integrated cloves. Full-bodied with graceful tannins, a velvety texture, crisp and elegant acidity, and a supple, lush and crisp finish. Can be enjoyed now, but will be at its best from 2027." James Suckling