Chinato Vermouth Rosso. Barolo Chinato is perhaps Piemonte’s most famous digestif. Traditionally made with Barolo grapes, it takes its name from the bark of quinine (or “China”) tree, which is the main botanical here.
Vergano prefers to use a younger Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, where the tannins not as firm and the perfume a little more lifted. The quinine bark gives the wine tea-like tannins, while herbs and spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, coriander, bay, ginseng, and rhubarb (and more..) provide warmth and real interest.
Size 50cl
CHINATI VERGANO VERMOUTH, Asti
After earning a degree in chemistry, Mauro Vergano studied oenology and viticulture at one of Italy's top schools. Soon after, he started working in the “flavours and fragrances” sector of a company full-time as a chemist. In his 15 years there, Mauro spent extensive time mastering the equipment that produce fragrances, all the while training his nose to correctly identify aromatic blends.
In the late 1970's, Mauro channelled his combined interest in wine and aromatized fragrances by producing small batches of his own Chinato.
For years it remained a hobby, but with the encouragement of his friends and family, the idea of turning his passion into a full time job started to grow on him. Three years after retiring as a chemist, the first bottles of Chinato were ready for sale.
Using base wines sourced from some of Piedmont’s best natural winegrowers and the finest botanicals, herbs, citrus and spices, they are truly one-of-a-kind. Mauro is a man of impeccable taste and each and every one of his drinks displays great balance, length and complexity. There is no better way to begin or end a meal.
In 2019, Mauro retired from this second, unexpected career. Fortunately, his nephews Tomasso and Pietro have decided to keep the operation alive. While there are plans to eventually up the quantities made, for the time being production remains miniscule.
Vermouth has a precise historical origin as a fortified and aromatized wine. Born in Turin in 1786, since then it became an aperitif drink and ingredient for numerous cocktail. The name derives for the german word Vermuth translate in Absinthe which is one of the main component.