Delve into the deep, mysterious side of Italian fortified wine with Del Professore Vermouth Chinato. This exceptional spirit is a collaboration between the visionary bartenders of Rome’s Jerry Thomas Project and the historic Antica Distilleria Quaglia. Inspired by 19th-century recipes, the Chinato expression takes the traditional vermouth profile and enriches it with an extra infusion of Cinchona Calisaya bark, the source of natural quinine. The result is a bold, medicinal, and profoundly complex vermouth that honors the "Golden Age" of mixology and the ancient art of the apothecary.
Del Professore Chinato is distinguished by its intense character and masterful balance of bittersweet elements. In the glass, it reveals a deep, dark amber color with mahogany reflections. The nose is a powerful and evocative blend of roasted coffee beans, dark cocoa, and vanilla, layered over a potent herbal core of bitter orange, gentian, and the unmistakable earthy spice of cinchona bark. On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied, offering a velvety texture that coats the mouth. The initial sweetness of the wine base is quickly met by a sophisticated, long-lasting bitterness that provides incredible structure and a clean, woody finish that lingers with notes of spice and dried herbs.
For the serious collector or the adventurous cocktail enthusiast, Del Professore Chinato is an indispensable tool for adding depth and "muscle" to a drink. Its robust bitterness and spice profile make it the perfect choice for a heavy-hitting Boulevardier or a deeply complex Manhattan. However, it is perhaps best appreciated in the traditional Italian manner: as a digestive. Serve it neat or over a single large cube of ice after a rich meal to allow the herbal properties to shine. It pairs remarkably well with very dark chocolate, dried figs, or a cigar, making it the ultimate "meditation wine" for a slow evening.
This vermouth is produced in Piedmont using a base of high-quality Italian wines, which are fortified and then macerated with a secret blend of herbs and spices, with a double infusion of Cinchona bark. Unlike mass-produced vermouths, Del Professore uses artisan methods that prioritize the integrity of the botanicals. To fully appreciate its layered complexity, serve it at room temperature as a digestif or slightly chilled if enjoying it as an aperitif.
Del Professore Vermouth Chinato is a bridge between the cellar and the pharmacy. It is a bold, uncompromising spirit that captures the soul of traditional Italian herbology, offering a tasting experience that is as intellectual as it is delicious.
