Cocchi Barolo Chinato (50CL)

Barolo Chinato is a fortified wine which was traditionally drunk for medicinal purposes to guard against fevers and stomach upsets, but also gifted as a sign of hospitality. Today it is more commonly used as a digestif and is a wonderful way to round off a meal, as well as being unbeatable with chocolate.

Cocchi's Barolo Chinato still follows the traditional recipe: after a minimum of three years in oak casks, Barolo DOCG wine is infused with the bark of the Calissaja Quinine tree, red china, rhubarb root, gentian and cardamom seeds, as well as a secret blend of herbs and spices. It is then laid down for another lengthy maturation, allowing the complex flavours to carefully marry.

Heavy, rich and thick with both sweetness and bitterness on the nose. Stewed raisins, dark spiced fruit cake and rich, buttery almond notes dominate, with cherry, menthol touches and gentle ground mixed spice as a background. It’s almost like mulled wine, but with more richness and a definite sweet/sour acidity. On the palate, there is a blend of fruit, spice and chocolate, with tart berry and cherry notes balanced by woody sweetness, herbal bitterness and a background of spicy and fruity dark chocolate. Finishing heavy and rich, with red wine tannins mingled with cherry sweetness and gentle leafy bitterness. A perfect after dinner drink on its own – it makes a great alternative to a vintage port – or as a pairing for food: chocolate, cheese, rich charcuterie or dark fruit cake are all excellent matches.