CAMARCANDA 2018 NEW RELEASE - Elegance, balance and finesse are the characteristics of the 2018 vintage.
“The Ca’ Marcanda estate does not make a Bolgheri Superiore, although this bottle would qualify as such. The 2018 Bolgheri Rosso Camarcanda is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, and you definitely feel those full-throttle varietal aromas with big intensity and clarity. Spicy greenness comes forward as grilled rosemary and lavender essence, but the wine boasts nice depth and dimension, and enough textual richness to smooth it all out…. As the wine moves over the palate, it reveals more
substantial aromas of black fruit, spice and baker’s chocolate." 95 points | Monica Larner| October 2021
“Very typical for the region of Bolgheri, showing fresh and dried herbs, from sage to mint, with currants and dark berries. It’s medium-to full-bodied with very fine tannins and very attractive length and energy.” 94 points | James Suckling| August 2021
The name Ca’marcanda derives from a Piedmontese dialect expression which can be translated as the “house of endless negotiations” and refers to the several meetings between the previous land owners and the Gaja family. The long negotiation finally concluded in 1996 when the first vineyards were planted. Camarcanda is the estate’s flagship wine made only in exceptional years and from the coveted terre bianche. The high composition of calcareous clay and free draining soils provide ideal
conditions, producing long lived Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc wines. After 18 months of ageing in oak, separate lots are blended and aged for a number of months before release. A remarkable wine, powerful and structured, revealing crunchy fruit and pronounced finely grained tannins.
Tasting notes: Bright red in color. Expressive aromas of raspberry and cinnamon lead off, with floral notes of bay tree and Elicriso (Helichrysum italicum) in supporting roles. On the palate black cherry, plum and blackberry, wild herbs and savory underbrush. The tannins are fine and very well integrated with the freshness and suppleness of this wine. 2018 Camarcanda is a sophisticated wine, with no excess and a lingering finish.
Climate and harvest: 2018 was quite different if compared to the typical vintages of the Bolgheri area, mostly regarding the rainfall distribution. The winter was mild and dry, with no snow or rainfall and medium-high average temperatures, followed by a rainy and cold spring, particularly in May. Exceptionally, in 2018 a total amount of 330 mm of rain occurred from May 1st to October 1st, with heavy, short and close rainfall occurring especially in June and July, precisely when downy mildew and powdery mildew are usually more active. Those challenging rainy conditions made our effort in the vineyards particularly prompt and intense. August was cooler than usual, followed by a sunny, fresh and windy September, with great temperature changes between day and night, allowing the grapes to reach a perfect ripening condition. The harvest of Camarcanda started on September 28th with Cabernet Franc and finished on October 4 th with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Vineyards planted on white soil rich in limestone, firm clay and stones.
Appellation Bolgheri D.O.P.
Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc.
Winemaking method: The two varieties ferment and macerate separately for around 15 days. After 12 months of ageing in oak and further 6 months in concrete vessels, they are blended and aged for several months in the bottle before being released.
First vintage produced 2000
