Barolo Chinato is an aromatized wine made from a base of Barolo to which bark, herbs and spices are added. It is bottled in 2009. It is usually consumed as an after-dinner drink, either as a dessert wine or a digestif. It is also considered an excellent accompaniment to dark chocolate, or it can be served as an aperitif with soda and ice (similar to sweet vermouth). Barolo Chinato is not a DOCG wine. However, only Barolo DOCG wines can be used to produce them. Chinato has been produced in the Barolo region since its invention in the early 19th century. It was developed by a pharmacist to be a medicinal remedy for a variety of ailments such as the flu, colds, headaches, upset stomach. It is a subtle digestif made of Barolo, with the addition of exotic spices such as Chinese cassia, rhubarb and the bitter gentian root. The color is dark garnet with an orange tint, the aroma is intense, spicy and harmonic with the palate, which is pleasantly smooth, velvety and balanced. This fantastic 2009 Chinato pairs perfectly with chocolate cakes, biscotti and cookies, and hard mountain cheeses from Piemonte. Serve at room temperature and keep chilled after opening.