Giovanni Bosca ‘Cardamaro’ Amaro

Location: Italy, Piedmont

Winemaker: Giovanni Bosca & Mariacristina Castellatta

Grapes: Moscato

Winemaking: Moscato base, flavored with cardoon and blessed thistle; elevage in oak for spice and texture

From the Importer Haus Alpenz: Cardamaro is a longstanding product of what is today an eighth-generation winemaker in Canelli d’Asti. Drink as aperitif or digestif, outstanding with cider, or use in place of vermouth in many cocktails. Because of the subtle oak treatment, it is possible to use Cardamaro in place of bourbon or rye; combine with Dolin rouge for a lighter take on a Manhattan. Pair with saltier cheeses or charcuterie.

Cardamaro comes from an Italian family producing wine and amaro since 1820 in Canelli, in the very heart of Piemonte. Today, principals Giovanni Bosca and Mariacristina Castelletta, along with their sons Giulio and Guglielmo, helm the company. Ancestor Rachele Torlasco Bosca, a scholar and herbalist, created Cardamaro Vino Amaro in the 1950s after she became fascinated with the physiological properties of the locally grown cardoon. Over the following years, Bosca’s herbalists perfected the recipe, incorporating 23 additional botanicals on a base of local wine.