Chinati Vergano is one of Italy’s most cult and influential producers of aromatised wine, creating small-scale vermouth, chinato and aperitif wines from a tiny workshop in Asti in Piemonte. Founded by Mauro Vergano, a trained chemist and oenologist, the project grew out of decades spent experimenting with herbs, spices, wine and historical recipes dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Before producing commercially, Mauro worked in the fragrance industry developing aromas and flavour compounds, experience that helped shape the remarkable balance, precision and aromatic detail now associated with Chinati Vergano’s wines. Rather than producing industrial vermouth, the focus has always remained on small-scale artisanal production rooted in wine quality and careful botanical blending.
The base wines are sourced from respected low-intervention growers across Piemonte, including varieties such as Moscato, Cortese, Grignolino and Nebbiolo. These wines are infused with carefully selected botanicals, roots, herbs and citrus peel to create aromatised wines with freshness, texture and complexity rather than excessive sweetness or bitterness.
Bottlings such as Vermouth Bianco, Americano Rosso and Luli have become favourites among sommeliers, bartenders and natural wine drinkers alike, helping redefine vermouth and aperitif wine as something to drink and appreciate with the same attention as fine wine. The wines work equally well served chilled, over ice or within classic aperitif cocktails while still retaining clear vineyard and varietal character.
Since Mauro Vergano’s retirement, the project has continued under his nephews Tommaso and Pietro Vergano, who maintain the same small-scale, detail-focused and highly individual approach that made Chinati Vergano one of the defining names in modern artisanal vermouth culture.