Ca'Marcanda winery - Tuscany

In conjunction with the architect, Giovanni Bo, Gaja has masterminded one of the finest wineries to be built in recent times – from both an aesthetic and a practical point of view. The visible portions of the winery have been clad in the stone recovered during the excavations of the cellars, and the slopes which cover the bulk of the building have been transformed into olive groves by the transplanting of 60 year old trees.  The overall effect is of a building that has been there for many years. The brilliance of the interior makes an even greater impact as a result.

The vineyard area is characterised by two distinct soil types - a red soil which contains more loam and clay and a whiter soil, where there is more limestone and deposits of bright white stones. These soil types, when combined with the warm day time maritime climate and cool evenings provides the perfect conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and even Syrah.

Angelo realised his dream in acquiring Ca'Marcanda and the whole estate was planted in 1996. From the extensive research he undertook he was able to pinpoint plantings by variety, which best suited the soil type and micro climatic conditions. By 2000, the Estate had established exactly the right mix and diversity, and the results in the wines from this time are dramatic. Today, Ca'Marcanda has rightly established a reputation of one of the leading estates in the renowned area of Bolgheri.

Pieve Santa Restituta - Tuscany

Though most of the buildings in this little hamlet date from the 13^th Century, the tiny church (pieve) of Santa Restituta has its origins as far back as the 4th Century. The farm that surrounds it occupies some of the finest terroir of Montalcino, to the south west of the town. Angelo Gaja bought a controlling interest in this 16 hectare estate in 1994, since when all his energy has been brought to bear on what had been hitherto an underperforming winery. Located in the heart of the Tuscan district, Brunello is one of the most famous vineyard areas producing luxurious and concentrated wines from the Sangiovese grape.

Angelo Gaja has long been fascinated by the wines and terroir of Tuscany and was drawn to both Bolgheri and Montalcino in the 1990's. Located some 350 metres above sea level, with a gentle south-west exposure and clay rich, pebbly soil this estate always had the potential to be one of the finest in the region and now in the right hands, that potential is being fulfilled. All 16 hectares are under vine, of which Sugarille is the oldest. Rennina is a blend of the other 3 sites.

Following Angelo's “modernistic” approach, the two wines are each aged in French barriques in their first year, of which up to 30% are new. The second year is spent in larger oak casks, followed by 2 years bottle aging before release. Angelo has imposed exacting standards with drastically reduced vineyard yields and stricter selection processes. This is exemplified by the fact that the 2002 and 2003 vintages were declassified.