The strength of one’s roots, the tenacity of passion, the horizon of flight: in a single moment, a sip of Amaro Don Carlo encapsulates the three temporal dimensions along which a story must unfold to become unique.
Past, present and future, like three concentric rings, form the core of Amaro Don Carlo’s identity. It is both a product and a project born from the vision of Angela Caliendo and her husband Carlo Gargiulo, who select and offer quality products with enthusiasm and professionalism at Enoteca Gargiulo—founded in 1966 by Carlo’s father, Vito, in Eboli on Via San Berardino, and which has been located at its current premises on Viale Amendola since 1989.
Angela Caliendo has carried out numerous studies, tests and experiments with the aim of creating an artisanal amaro with a distinctive character, although initially intended for personal use. It was in 1994 that Angela developed her first formula, consisting of walnut husks (60%) and a blend of selected herbs and spices.
Closely linked to the feast day of 24 June, the feast of St John the Baptist, the tender walnut husks harvested at this time are left to macerate for 40 days with alcohol and all the other ingredients; after this resting period, Amaro Don Carlo reaches an alcohol content of 30% and its characteristic aroma and flavour profile begins to emerge.
However, Amaro Don Carlo is not simply the sum of its ingredients; it is the result of everything that cannot be measured, such as love and deep dedication, as well as the hard work, sacrifices and personal investment that Angela and Carlo have made over the years to ensure that it has taken its current form and become a project that looks to the future.
The organoleptic characteristics
Amaro Don Carlo is a delightful and elegant amaro that breaks the mould whilst remaining true to tradition.
Black in colour, with an intense aroma of nuts and spices and an aromatic flavour, it can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Its full potential is best appreciated when served at -20°C.
Its versatility means it can be enjoyed not only as a sophisticated after-dinner drink but also as a meditative liqueur and a valuable asset in mixology and cooking, for the preparation of cocktails and aperitifs, sweet treats, desserts and savoury dishes.
The labels
Over time, the labels have evolved whilst retaining a vintage feel.
From the first image, a vintage black-and-white photograph, a strong sense of conviviality and family emerges – a herbal liqueur to be enjoyed in the company of family and friends.
This was followed by three further designs, each centred on a different mode of transport: the steam engine, the bicycle and the hot-air balloon.
Thanks to the contribution of graphic designer Mario Cavallaro and illustrator Valentina Grilli, the current label was created, incorporating all three of these visual elements and thus fully embodying the spirit and philosophy of Amaro Don Carlo: the Steam Engine represents the past of Carmelina and Vito, parents of Carlo Gargiulo and founders of the Enoteca; the Bicycle represents the present of Carlo and Angela, who carry on the family business; the Hot-Air Balloon represents the future of Antonio and Rosario, sons of Carlo and Angela, to whom we wish to take flight, following the path they desire, whatever that may be, provided it is lived with passion. The yellow background, as well as harmonising well with the various graphic elements, makes Amaro Don Carlo highly visible on the shelf, whilst the gold accents add a touch of elegance to the whole design.
This new label was launched at the same time as a change to the formula, namely a reduction in the sugar content, to further enhance the wine’s aroma and flavour.
Awards and prizes
In 2016, Enoteca Gargiulo celebrated its 50th anniversary with the inclusion of Amaro Don Carlo in *Golosario*, Paolo Massobrio’s guide.
In January 2020, at the height of the Covid pandemic, the company was awarded the Bronze Award at the International Taste Awards.
For two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023, Amaro Don Carlo was awarded the Grand Gold at the Frankfurt International Trophy.
Amaro Don Carlo was awarded The Wine Hunter Spirits Award at the Merano Wine Festival in both 2023 and 2024.
In 2024, in addition to the Merano award, the Gold Award at the Women’s International Trophy, the Concours International de Lyon and the Campania Food Awards.
2025 marked a year of major accolades: at the Italy Food Awards, Gargiulo Coloniali received a Special Mention in the Liqueur category for its Amaro Don Carlo. This was followed by other major accolades: the Gold Medal at the Frankfurt International Trophy, the Silver Medal at the Concours International de Lyon, the Bronze Medal at the World Liqueur Awards, the Gold Medal at the Women’s International Trophy, the Silver Medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition and the Star at Great Taste 2025.
