# Calisaya (F.lli Rovero)

> Fortified, Chinato by [F.lli Rovero](https://ilvinobello.com/wineries/f-lli-rovero.md), Asti, Piemonte, Italy. From Il Vino Bello (https://ilvinobello.com/wines/f-lli-rovero-calisaya).

- **Producer:** F.lli Rovero
- **Style:** Fortified
- **Denomination:** Chinato
- **Grape:** Barbera 100%
- **Harvest:** From late September to mid-October, selected from several estate plots.
- **Vinification:** Barbera ferments in stainless steel at 26-28 C with 15 days of maceration, then matures 2 years in 16 hl oak barrels. Herbs and cinchona are infused separately in alcohol and added to the Barbera, then rested about six months in small European oak casks. Infusion of China Calissaia bark, quassia wood, gentian, cardamom, juniper, tonka bean, mace, chamomile. Can age over 20 years.
- **Last updated:** 2026-09-30



## Summary

An old Piedmontese chinato recipe built on Barbera d'Asti, with cinchona bark and herbs.

## Tasting notes

Strong, rich personality with intense ruby colour and orange notes. Red fruit bouquet with spice and botanical aromas. The bitter cinchona impact is balanced by sugar, with long flavours and a slightly bitter finish.

## Food pairings

Aperitif or digestif. Dark chocolate, chocolate desserts, cream ice cream, Piedmont hazelnut cake, or served warm.