Ca'Marcanda Promis 2021

From the Gaja family's Ca' Marcanda estate, this wine comes from vineyards located in the commune of Castagneto Carducci, in the heart of Maremma, on the Tuscan coast. The plots benefit from a Mediterranean climate tempered by sea breezes, with soils mixing clay, sand, and pebbles, locally called "terre brune" (brown earth) and "terre bianche" (white earth). This mosaic of terroirs allows for the expression of both the ripeness of the grapes and a preserved freshness, giving rise to a harmonious and accessible red.

The grapes for Ca'Marcanda Promis cuvée are harvested and then destemmed before alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, conducted varietal by varietal to preserve varietal expression. Maceration is controlled to gently extract color and tannins, with adapted pump-overs. After devatting and malolactic fermentation, the wines are blended and then aged in oak barrels, some of which are new, for several months to refine the structure, soften the tannins, and harmonize the aromatic profile before bottling.

This wine reveals notes of ripe red fruits, plum, and blueberry, enhanced by spicy touches of licorice and sweet pepper, as well as delicate floral nuances and a light woodiness with accents of cedar and vanilla. The palate presents a supple and velvety texture, supported by fresh acidity, fine and polished tannins, and a savory finish that lingers on sweet spices and dark fruits.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!