Castello di Verduno Barolo Chinato is a wine-based herbal liqueur from Verduno in Piedmont, Italy. It begins with the historic estate’s own Barolo, which is macerated with a closely guarded blend of botanicals based on a 19th-century family recipe. At its core are china bark, the source of quinine, along with rhubarb root, gentian, cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, and other spices.

The slow extraction of these botanicals gives the Barolo time to absorb their aromatic and bitter qualities, while extended aging brings the wine’s tannic structure into balance with the herbal components. The result preserves a clear connection to its vinous base rather than presenting as a conventional spirit-led liqueur. Tasting notes include cherry and dried roses alongside quinine bitterness, cinnamon, clove, star anise, dried orange peel, licorice root, and an incense-like spice character.

That foundation reflects the identity of Castello di Verduno, a historic Piemontese estate situated in the northernmost commune of Barolo. The property has belonged to the Burlotto family since 1909 and is known for traditional winemaking. Its broader cellar practices include long macerations and maturation in large casks, while the vineyards are farmed organically and wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts. Here, the estate’s Barolo becomes the canvas for an old medicinal-tonic tradition, transformed through botanicals into something bittersweet, aromatic, and distinctly rooted in Piedmont.

Bottled at 16% ABV in a 500ml format, Castello di Verduno Barolo Chinato is traditionally enjoyed neat at room temperature in a small glass after dinner. Its combination of wine, bitterness, and layered spice also makes it an intriguing ingredient for cocktails.