Gaja Ca’Marcanda Promis 75 cl

This is the red you open when you want something crowd-pleasing, but you’re not in the mood for boring. Promis is Gaja doing the Tuscan coast in a modern, juicy, seriously drinkable style, with enough depth to keep you coming back for “one more glass”.

What makes it special is the vibe: ripe fruit up front, then a savoury twist. You get dark cherry and black plum, then cocoa powder, dried herbs, and that little cedar, tobacco thing that makes it feel restaurant-level without the formality.

• Appearance: Deep ruby with a bright rim, clean and glossy in the glass.
• Nose: Black cherry, plum, violet, a touch of mocha, plus dried rosemary and cedar.
• Taste: Dark berries and cherry, then cocoa and subtle spice, lively acidity, and fine, grippy tannins that keep it structured.
• Body: Medium-bodied, with a polished, energetic feel rather than heavy weight.
• Finish: Long and savoury, with lingering dark fruit, herbs, and a gentle cedar note.

It’s also a great “upgrade” bottle for anyone who usually drinks straightforward red wine and wants more complexity without jumping into super-stiff, super-serious territory. The tannins are present, but not punishing. The fruit is generous, but not jammy. It hits that sweet spot where you can nerd out on the layers, or just enjoy it while talking nonsense with friends.

Food-wise (because yes, this one begs for it), it loves anything with a bit of char and salt. Think grilled steak, mushroom pasta, peppery sausages, or a proper burger. It’s the kind of Tuscan red wine that makes simple food taste like you planned it.

And if you’re building a small home cellar, this is a smart pick because it’s immediately enjoyable, but still has the structure to hold its shape over time. You don’t need a lecture to enjoy it, just a decent glass and a good reason to pour.

Fun Fact: Ca’Marcanda is Gaja’s Bolgheri estate on the Tuscan coast, and the name means “house of endless negotiations”, a nod to how long it took to finally secure the land.