April 03: Here is a Super Tuscan from the famous Angelo Gaja out of his latest acquisition in the Bolgheri-Maremma area of Tuscany near the Atlantic Ocean. This is one of three red Super Tuscans coming out of the award-winning Ca'Marcanda winery he created ten years ago in the vicinity of the legendary Sassicaia. Subhash Arora recommends
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Promis (Blue), Magari (Black) from Ca'Marcanda |
Crafted with Merlot (55%) blended with Syrah (35%), and Sangiovese (10%) brought in from his Brunello vineyards, this wine is often misquoted as the Ca'Marcanda winery's second wine. It is the least expensive of all red wines that are made by Gaja. Magari and Ca'Marcanda are the two other labels that are totally different wines, released at much higher prices. Promis may be the cheapest red wine from Gaja but it has his stamp of quality, passion and approval.
So it is not a second wine (like most Classified Growths have in Bordeaux ) in that sense. Although it is designed to be full and powerful with 14% alcohol, Promis has excellent structure where the alcohol does not overpower the varietal aromas. It is dark ruby red, dry, clean and brilliant full-bodied wine with flowery bouquets of roses and violets. On the palate it is full, rounded with excellent balance and a long after-taste. The tannins are soft with the lusciousness of Merlot and the spiciness of Shiraz adding to a flavour that Indians savour. Ideal with mutton and chicken kebabs and bhuna gosht (but go easy on the chilies, please).
Available for about US$ 40-60 in Europe and the US, it is a wine for connoisseurs who have money and taste, but don't want to burn a hole in the pocket and would look at their budget carefully. You can order it in Diva for a reasonable price or pair it with Indian food at Fire at The Park; the wine also figures on the wine lists of the Taj and Maurya.
Brindco is the authorised importer.
Serve at the standard re wine temperature of 16-18 °C.
Subhash Arora
Dated 13 July, 2006
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