The Tuscan winery, Ca'Marcanda owned by the legendary Angelo Gaja of Piedmont won the Italian wine Oscar for being the best winery of the year 2002. The 'Oscar was received by Angelo Gaja, the man behind the winery at a glittecring ceremony telecast live on 21st June in Rome.

The Italian Sommelier's Association initiated the concept of Oscar 3 years ago to recognize quality wines from different regions and varietals. Patterned after the famous Oscar of Hollywood, these Awards are meant to improve quality of Italia wines.

Ca'Marcanda was started less than 10 years ago, in 1994 as a part of the expansion plan by Gaja and to experiment and produce superlative red wines from international grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz. Castagneto Carducci, a small town South of Livorno on the Western coast, where the winery was set up boasts of excellent climate for growing these grape varieties.

Gaja is an international icon known for his unorthodox approach of producing only good quality grapes with lower yields. His Barbaresco made from local Nebbiolo grapes have helped dub him, Prince of Piedmont by the Wine Spectator in 1997 and won him several international Awards. His Sori` San Lorenzo, the famous red wine from Barbaresco has earlier won the Best Wine Award.

The winery has been built mostly underground with only the office being visible on the ground floor. The architects chose the natural materials so that the winery could subtly merge into the natural surroundings.

The winery has been built mostly underground with only the office being visible on the ground floor. The architects chose the natural materials so that the winery could subtly merge into the natural surroundings.