Ca’ Marcanda, a masterpiece by Angelo Gaja on the Tuscan coast, reflects the perfect harmony between Piedmontese elegance and Bolgheri’s maritime terroir. Founded in 1996 after “endless negotiations” — a name that truly honors Ca’ Marcanda, a Piedmontese dialect expression meaning “house of endless negotiations” — Gaja demonstrated great patience over more than two years to acquire the estate near Castagneto Carducci.
In a landscape renowned for its fertile soils and gentle hills, he planted around 80 hectares with international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, along with white varieties like Vermentino, Viognier, and Fiano. The soils are divided into clay-rich “terre brune” and chalk-gravel “terre bianche”; the former lend depth and structure to the wines, while the latter impart freshness and minerality.
The cellar, designed by Giovanni Bo and largely built underground, was harmoniously integrated into the terrain — a structure conceived out of respect for nature and the hillside. Viticulture at Ca’ Marcanda follows a natural, biodiversity-driven approach: on-site compost replaces chemical fertilizers, while pest control is largely limited to sulfur and copper.
Today, the estate is managed by the younger generation — Gaia, Rossana, and Giovanni — with Angelo still actively involved. Over the years, the proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc has been increased, favoring stronger structure and elegance, while Merlot has been retained in the finest parcels.
