Barolo Chinato, Non Vintage Sweet Wine
Giacomo Damilano - Stravecchio
Bottle size: 100cl
ABV: 16%
Price:
£129.00
Description
The Giacomo Damilano *Barolo Chinato Stravecchio* is a rare and fascinating expression from one of Piedmont’s most respected Barolo producers. Barolo Chinato is a traditional aromatised wine from the Langhe, crafted by infusing mature Barolo with a carefully guarded blend of herbs and spices—most notably quinine bark (*china* in Italian)—alongside ingredients such as rhubarb, gentian, cinnamon, and cloves. The “Stravecchio” designation indicates an extra-long ageing period, allowing the wine to develop extraordinary depth, harmony, and complexity.
In the glass, this *Barolo Chinato Stravecchio* would display a deep garnet-brown core with amber highlights, reflecting both its Barolo base and extended maturation. The bouquet is intensely aromatic, with dried cherry, plum, and rose petal layered over warm notes of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Bitter-sweet herbal tones of quinine, gentian root, and liquorice mingle with cocoa, dried orange peel, and hints of balsamic—creating a nose that is both medicinal in complexity and luxuriously inviting.
On the palate, the wine is rich, velvety, and beautifully balanced between sweetness, bitterness, and spice. The mature Barolo base provides depth and structure, with flavours of dried red fruit, fig, and subtle leather, while the herbal infusion adds an intriguing bitter-sweet complexity. Layers of warm spice, dark chocolate, and citrus zest unfold slowly, supported by a gentle tannic grip and a persistent, warming finish that lingers with echoes of spice, fruit, and bitters.
Traditionally served as a digestif, *Barolo Chinato Stravecchio* is best enjoyed slightly chilled or at cellar temperature in a small tulip glass, allowing its aromatics to shine. It pairs superbly with fine dark chocolate, spiced desserts, or strong blue cheeses, and is equally captivating sipped on its own as a contemplative after-dinner drink. The Giacomo Damilano *Barolo Chinato Stravecchio* is more than an aromatised wine—it is a piece of Piedmontese heritage, uniting the elegance of aged Barolo with the artistry of herbal infusion in a way few other wines can match.
Condition
Good conditions
