Gaja Ca'Marcanda 'Magari' Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy

Dark berry fruit, coastal herbs, and a subtle saline edge introduce the 2023 Gaja Ca’Marcanda Magari, a wine that captures both the confidence and restraint of this flagship Tuscan estate. Conceived as an Italian interpretation of Bordeaux varieties grown by the sea, Magari blends power with precision, shaped by a demanding vintage that rewarded patience and meticulous vineyard work. It is a wine that reflects Angelo Gaja’s determination to let place, rather than reputation, define the final expression.

Product Details:

• Owner & Winemaker: Angelo Gaja
• Grape Variety: Cabernet Franc; Cabernet Sauvignon; Petit Verdot
• ABV: 14%
• First Vintage: 2000
• Soils: Lime-rich clay soils and limestone with stones
• Farming Practices: Sustainable

Sensory Description:

The nose is intense and layered, opening with saline notes, fresh wood, dried herbs, and floral tones that lean toward rose and violet rather than overt fruit. As the wine unfolds, darker berry elements emerge alongside oregano, aromatic herbs, and a distinctive marine character. On the palate, the wine is dense and juicy, showing depth and structure without heaviness. The mid-palate balances savory and floral components with ripe fruit, while the finish brings subtle chocolate tones and a persistent salty freshness. The 2023 vintage, shaped by a cool, wet spring followed by a hot summer relieved by late-season rainfall, delivers a Magari marked by bright acidity, supple tannins, and a sense of elegance that tempers its natural power.

Winemaker's Background:

Ca’Marcanda is Angelo Gaja’s Tuscan estate, established in 1996 as a personal challenge to reinterpret international varieties through an Italian lens. Situated near the coast, the estate’s vineyards benefit from maritime influence and complex soils that lend both freshness and structure to the wines. Magari was introduced as a cornerstone expression of the project, its name reflecting a quiet irony that belies the determination and precision behind its creation. Under Gaja’s direction, Ca’Marcanda has become known for wines that balance modern polish with a deep respect for site, favoring harmony and longevity over excess.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 16 to 18°C in a large-bowled red wine glass to allow the wine’s aromatic complexity and structure to fully express themselves. Magari pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats, herb-crusted lamb, rich pasta dishes, and aged cheeses, and it benefits from short-term decanting when enjoyed in its youth.