What is Chinato?

Chinato is indeed classified as a type of Vini Amari, which refers to a category of Italian bitters. Traditionally crafted in the Piedmont region of Italy, Chinato is a fortified wine that is infused with various herbs, spices, and often a significant amount of chinchona bark, which gives it distinctive bitter notes.

The process of making Chinato typically involves using a base of Barolo or another high-quality red wine, to which sugar and various flavoring agents are added. The result is a complex, aromatic beverage that balances sweetness, bitterness, and a rich blend of flavors, making it particularly suited for sipping as an after-dinner digestif.

This classification as a Vini Amari highlights its role within the broader family of bitter liqueurs in Italian tradition and emphasizes its unique characteristics derived from local ingredients and traditional production methods.