The name itself means in Italian “if only it were true” and was chosen because it carries a touch of irony and hope. A typically Piedmontese — or perhaps Gaja-like — way of bringing out smiles when an enormous amount of work has been invested, as is certainly the case with the Ca’ Marcanda project.
Since 2015, Magari has been composed of 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, although the blend may vary slightly depending on the vintage. Each grape variety is fermented separately in stainless steel tanks. After malolactic fermentation, the three wines are aged for 12 months in new and one- to two-year-old barriques of 225 litres. The final blend is made a few weeks before bottling. The wine is then aged for a further few months before release.
From the grape composition, one might expect a wine in a Bordeaux style, but Bolgheri’s distinctive terroir, with its combination of structure and ripe fruit, comes through beautifully. The colour is, as always with Magari, extremely dark, and the nose reveals deep notes of blackberry, blackcurrant and liquorice, while also showing underlying fresh nuances. The fruit concentration is impressive, yet the wine never feels too heavy — it remains very pure and harmonious at the same time. The wine has tremendous ageing potential.
Magari is powerful on the palate and should therefore be served with dishes that can stand up to it: lamb, game, beef, or strong white- and red-rind cheeses.
