To celebrate its 130th anniversary, Cocchi has launched Barolo Chinato. The new offering is modeled after a 19th-century recipe.
Founded by Guilio Cocchi in Asti in 1891, the company is now owned by the Bava family, and boasts a portfolio of vermouths, spirits, winesm, and more. “What a landmark we’re celebrating this year,” commented Roberto Bava, managing director for Cocchi. “For the last 130 years, Cocchi has been a pioneer in the aromatised wine category, mixing a modern vision with authenticity and tradition.”
To commemorate its 130th anniversary, Cocci has created a single-cask aromatised wine called Barolo Chinato Tipo Esportazione, based on a recipe first developed in the 19th century. The recipe was originally formulated with a higher ABV and a specific blend of herbs and spices, so it would maintain its quality throughout long journeys by ship. It will be exclusively for export markets.
“We found in our archives a unique recipe which we brought back to life in a limited edition to mark the anniversary,” explained Bava. Made from the 2016 Barolo DOCG vintage grown in a single vineyard on the Bava family’s estate in Castiglione Falletto, Piedmont, Italy, the apéritif features a variety of botanicals, including cinchona bark, rhubarb root, gentian flowers, laurel leaves, cardamom, coriander and orange peel.
Bottled at 18% ABV Cocchi Barolo Chinato is best enjoyed sipped straight and paired with dark chocolate. On the nose, it offers rich, woody notes of cinchona bark, dried tobacco leaves, dried roses and cocoa beans, while the palate brings sweetness, dark berries, violets, velvety tannins along with cardamom, liquorice and bitter orange peel. The finish delivers charred wood, cloves and eucalyptus, plus lingering dark chocolate.
Each bottle is wax-sealed by hand and features a reproduction of the 1900s label. In preparation for the gifting season, it comes in a ‘luxury’ box, along with reprints of vintage Cocchi postcards.
“This highly collectable edition showcases the adventurous spirits and forward thinking of Giulio Cocchi. We hope that fans will accompany us to raise a glass to the next 130 years of Cocchi,” said Bava.
Cocchi Barolo Chinato Tipo Esportazione is available to purchase via The Whisky Exchange for £115 ($156 USD) per 750ml bottle.
For more information, head over to Cocchi’s official website.
