2018 GAJA Ca’ Marcanda Vistamare
2018 GAJA Ca’ Marcanda Vistamare, Other White Blends from Tuscany, Italy
Winemakers Notes: Intense floral notes of acacia and linden flowers. The refreshing presence of Fiano gives notes of fern, musk and menthol. On the palate, it is fresh and compact with notes of bergamot, pear, nectarine and white currant. Then it shifts toward a more mineral and spicy character, with notes of flint, rosemary, saffron. The wine gets riper in the finish with hints of mango, almond and fig leaves.
The playful name of this wine was inspired by the sea breeze, sun, and cheerful, lighthearted outlook of the Tuscan coast. “Vistamare” means sea view and is often used by the coastal hoteliers to entice would-be guests, even though their rooms may only offer a limited view of the Mediterranean. The vineyards used for Vistamare actually enjoy a panoramic view of the Tuscan horizon and their grapes are gently touched by the salt air and brilliant colors of the Tuscan sea.
GAJA: Perched atop a steep hill in the Langhe sits the small village of Barbaresco, home of the GAJA winery. The story of the GAJA Winery can be traced to a singular, founding purpose: to produce original wines with a sense of place which reflect the tradition and culture of those who made it. This philosophy has inspired five generations of impeccable winemaking. It started over 150 years ago when Giovanni Gaja opened a small restaurant in Barbaresco, making wine to complement the food he served. In 1859, he founded the Gaja Winery, producing some of the first wine from Piedmont to be bottled and sold outside the region. Since that time, the winery has been shaped by each generation’s hand, notably that of Clotilde Rey, Angelo Gaja’s grandmother. Her passion for uncompromising quality influenced and informed Angelo Gaja. Through Angelo, these values have become the cornerstone of the GAJA philosophy and are engrained in every aspect of wine production
In 1961, Angelo Gaja began his mission of bringing this great winery to an even higher level. He was the first to use barriques, 225-liter French oak barrels. Under his direction, GAJA pioneered the production of single-vineyard designated wines and was the first to plant Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc varietals in Piedmont. He was also instrumental in elevating the native Nebbiolo grape to world-class esteem.