GAJA | Ca’Marcanda | Promis | 2019
merlot | syrah | sangiovese
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Located in Piedmont, in northwestern Italy, the Gaja Winery is considered to be one of the greatest estates in the world, producing collectible iconic wines. The quintessence of the winery can be attributed to a single purpose: to produce wines with a sense of place, which would reflect the tradition and culture of those who made them – a legacy that continues to reshape the standards for excellence in the world of winemaking.
Angelo Gaja was the first to produce single-vineyard wines in Piedmont and revolutionized winemaking practices in the region, by introducing international grape varieties and the use of french oak barriques.
Today we are going to review a wine that hardly requires any introduction, as it is one of the most recognizable wine labels from Tuscany in the northern Italy – Ca’Marcanda Promis 2019 by Gaja Winery. This wine is a harmonious blend of three grape varieties: merlot (55%), syrah (35%) and sangiovese (10%), where merlot forms the wine’s main body and adds up-front richness, syrah enhances the wine’s color, adds structure and brings black fruit flavors to the forefront, while sangiovese adds finesse on the palate and creates a leaner and a more dynamic finish. Promis (the name reminds of the italian word promessa, which means promise) was created by the Gaja family to denote commitment, expectation, fulfilment and hope, with the promise of utmost quality and the reward of excellence. The grapes for this wine were sourced from the estate’s terre brune (dark soils rich in limestone and clay) vineyards in the Bolgheri and Bibbona areas, and in order to soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity to the final blend, the wine has been aged for 12 months in traditional oak barriques, then aged for several months in the bottle before release. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:
//Visual
color: medium-deep ruby color
clarity: hazy ruby shades on the rim
//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & dusty
fruit character: ripe
On the nose, the wine is expressive and inviting from the go. A burst of ripe black fruit aromas takes center stage, with notes of bitter dark cherries, black plums and juicy blackberries, that are complemented lovely by a nuanced earthy dustiness, with hints of black soil dust and pencil lead. This pronounced earthiness adds a touch of complexity and creates a vibrant contrast with the ripe fruit. In the background, whispers of oak emerge, adding hints of oaktree bark and sun-dried oakwood without overwhelming the primary fruit layer, followed by subtle hints of peppercorn and tonka seeds that peek through, further enhancing the wine’s aromatic profile. This wine delivers a delightful olfactory experience that skillfully balances the vibrancy of fruit with the genuine charm of Bolgheri terroir.
//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: long | aftertaste: crisp & seedy
The palate mirrors the nose, offering a wave of ripe black fruit flavors that echo the aromas of dark cherries, blackberries and black plums. Hints of dust and earth emerge as well, adding flavour complexity without being too insistent. The crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the fruit, keeping the wine fresh and lively, while the tannins, ripe and seedy, add more structure, that is further enhanced by a touch of alcoholic warmth that peeks through on the mid-palate, yet doesn’t overwhelm the wine’s overall balance. The aftertaste is crisp and slightly seedy, leaving a lingering impression. This is a well structured wine that offers harmony and finesse, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a honest, terroir-driven wine blend that is vinified in a modern style, mixing traditions with technology.
//Verdict
maturity: developing | needs more time | drink now or in the next 3-5 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary
Overall, this wine delivers a firm and surprisingly rich mouthfeel, and unveils an inviting dusty character, that integrates beautifully with the other elements. It feels bold and harmonious, with a complex palate and nuanced fruitiness – a wine that drinks beautifully today, striking a remarkable balance between power and finesse, yet a wine with a very good ageing potential. This is a clear example of a terroir-driven wine, where the influence of the growing region shines through in every sip – a true gem for those who are looking to explore the Tuscany wine area in all its little details.
//Scoring
GAJA | Ca’Marcanda | Promis | 2019
variety: merlot | syrah | sangiovese
country: Italy
region: Toscana
rating: 95.0
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This is definitely a great wine of Italy and, with a total of 95.0 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.
Pairing: Due to the wine’s complex, dusty and rich flavor profile, we would recommend to pair it with a venison loin with coffee, juniper berries and anise. The wine’s firm structure, along with its ripe black fruit flavors, will harmonize beautifully with the gamey flavours of the dish, while the wine’s pronounced dustiness will be complemented by the coffee-flavored sauce. In the same key, the subtle oak and earthy undertones in the wine will pair lovely with the spicy flavors of the anise, while the slightly seedy aftertaste and crisp acidity of the wine will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and tender texture of the venison. This pairing will create a culinary tasting experience that celebrates the wine’s terroir-driven character and elevates the dining experience to a completely new level of hedonistic complexity. Enjoy!
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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.
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WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
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WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a monthly donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a yearly donation so that we can review even more wines.
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