Location and history
The winery Angelo Gaja is based at Via Torino 5 in Barbaresco in Piedmont, Italy. Giovanni Gaja founded it there in 1859. The historical focus lies on Nebbiolo from Barbaresco. The Gaja vineyards in Barbaresco and Barolo are designated as separate vineyard plots.
Wine portfolio in Tuscany
The portfolio of the Gaja family includes, in addition to the main site in Barbaresco, Ca’ Marcanda in Bolgheri and Pieve Santa Restituta in Montalcino. Pieve Santa Restituta was acquired in 1994. The estate produces Sangiovese Brunello-di-Montalcino wines; Rennina and Sugarille are marketed as Brunello di Montalcino DOP.
Pieve Santa Restituta and Ca’ Marcanda
The vineyards of Pieve Santa Restituta lie at different altitudes. The higher-lying vineyard areas of the appellation include Bolsignano and Passo del Lume Spento. The soils include sand, Galestro, gravel, limestone and clay; the two locations mentioned are described as rocky. Vineyards near the church in the Tavernelle area have a dry, well-ventilated microclimate. Ca’ Marcanda in Bolgheri was acquired by Angelo Gaja in 1996; the first vines there were also planted in 1996. The proximity to the sea and to the coastal woods shapes the location; the Camarcanda vineyards are planted on light soils with limestone, compact clay and stones.
Wines and ageing
Camarcanda is produced from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc; Merlot is also listed in the varietal listing. The wine carries the name Bolgheri DOP. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are vinified separately, macerated and aged for 18 months in wood, after which they are blended and further matured for six months in concrete containers. The Vistamare Toscana IGP consists of Vermentino, Viognier and Fiano. The first vineyard was established in 2005 in Bibbona on a hill overlooking the Tyrrhenian coast, with further vineyards later located closer to the Ca’ Marcanda winery in Bolgheri. Vistamare is vinified in stainless steel and aged for six months in stainless steel and wood. The single-vineyard wines Costa Russi, Sorì Tildìn and Sorì San Lorenzo have been listed again under the Barbaresco appellation since the 2013 vintage.
