Gaja Ca‘Marcanda Magari 2023

Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. Angelo Gaja is regarded as one of Italy’s finest winemakers thanks to his pioneering vision and sheer determination. In 1970 he took over the running of his family’s winery which dates back to 1859. Angelo set about crafting top quality wines from the stunning local terroir that would be able to rival the very finest bottles from the likes of Burgundy and Bordeaux. To achieve his vision, Angelo replanted much of the estate’s vineyards and introduced modern winemaking techniques like temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. To the surprise of other local winemakers, he also brought in small oak barrels for ageing instead of the large chestnut wood casks traditionally used in Tuscany. This particular cuvee is named Magari after the Italian expression “if only it were true!” which expresses hope for the future. Its crafted from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot grown on limestone-rich soils in the coastal region of Bolgheri. Each of the varieties is fermented separately and then aged in oak for 12 months before the final blend is created. The result is a lively, intense red that’s bursting with sour cherry, mulberry, juniper and licorice notes along with hints of graphite and spice on the long finish.