Barolo Chinato is the world’s best digestif and the secret elixir of the initiated, where select lodge members nod knowingly to each other as they inhale the delightful aroma of this drink—then smile and let themselves be transported into a mythical universe of aromas rooted in a bygone era.
And no, this is not Barolo from a vineyard named Chinato, but rather a true classic: the house’s delightful, slightly fortified Barolo, infused and aged with a myriad of aromatic spices, herbs, and a touch of sugar.
In the 1800s, Barolo Chinato was used by the more affluent citizens of Langhe as a remedy against influenza, among other ailments. But as people discovered how pleasant this particular medicine was, it eventually became more of a hedonistic indulgence, and today, no doctor we know of prescribes it for any condition. The exact composition of the herbs and spices used remains a family secret, passed down through generations. However, cinchona bark—known in Latin as China Calissaia—is the key ingredient and the source of the name Chinato. Classic ingredients also include cinnamon, ginger, licorice, clove, anise, vanilla, cardamom, and rhubarb.
The primary difference between Fratelli Alessandria Barolo Chinato and other wine-based digestifs lies in the quality of the base wine. Fratelli Alessandria uses their outstanding Barolo, giving the drink an unparalleled quality. Fratelli Alessandria Barolo Chinato has an aroma often described as a glass of Barolo with Christmas cookies on an old pharmacy counter. The wine carries a distinctive oxidative tension, with the sugar perfectly balancing the 16.5% alcohol. The scent is hypnotically complex, featuring deep, warm spices and a vibrant acidity. The taste is mildly sweet, with rich body, tightened by a finish of slight bitterness and warmth.
This aromatic wine is undoubtedly for the initiated and not a beginner’s drink—but once you acquire the taste, the enjoyment of a single glass is extraordinary. Barolo Chinato is not cheap—neither to produce nor to purchase—but one glass is often enough, and an opened bottle stays fresh for weeks, so there’s no need to worry about finishing it quickly.
Enjoy it in a large white wine glass as a meditative drink, after-dinner entertainment, or with honey or chocolate cake.
Depending on the occasion, serve this aromatic wine at 12–16°C. When served cool, it offers a refreshing quality, while serving it slightly warmer allows the aromas to unfold more fully.
