Chinato is perhaps Piemonte’s most famous digestif. Traditionally made with aged Barolo, it takes its name from the bark of quinine (or “China”) tree, which is the chief botanical here. Vergano prefers to use a younger wine from Barbaresco, the tannins not as firm, the perfume a little more lifted. The china bark lends the wine tea-like tannins, while herbs and spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, coriander, bay, ginseng and rhubarb provide warmth and real interest. There is no better way to end a meal.
After-dinner Mauro. Still credited as the only white Chinato out there, think of this as something like a Moscato d’Asti, but amped up with a host of citrus and herbs, and given a distinct bitter backbone with the use of quinine bark. Find out more.
