Ca'Marcanda is Angelo Gaja's bold venture into Bolgheri — the storied coastal Tuscan zone home to Sassicaia and Ornellaia. The estate's name means "the house of endless bargaining" in local dialect, a nod to the 300 visits Gaja reportedly made before securing the deal. Promis — from the Italian promessa, meaning "promise" — is the estate's most approachable wine, built for immediate pleasure with serious aging potential.
Details
Producer: Ca'Marcanda (Gaja)
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Appellation: Toscana IGP
Grape: Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese
Aging: 12 months in French oak, then several months in bottle
Alcohol: 14.5%
Drinking Window: 2024–2033
Tasting Notes
Deep ruby red with vivid purple hues. The nose is inviting and fruit-forward — ripe red cherry, raspberry, and blueberry lifted by pink peppercorns, licorice, and Mediterranean herbs. Medium-bodied with round, polished tannins and refreshing acidity. The palate opens with wild fruit and aromatic herbs, leading to a long savory finish with notes of black cherry and a whisper of olive.
Food Pairings
- Grilled ribeye or sirloin
- Lamb chops with rosemary
- Charcuterie and cured meats
- Rigatoni all'amatriciana
- Wood-fired pizza
- Semi-firm Italian cheeses
- Texas BBQ brisket
Sustainability
Certified Organic. The Ca'Marcanda estate in Bolgheri is certified organic. The 2023 Promis carries formal organic certification, reflecting the Gaja family's commitment to farming the 150-acre estate without synthetic pesticides or herbicides.