The 2025 Alfonso Pepe ‘Ritratti di Territorio’ Food Award goes to Carlo Gargiulo and Angela Caliendo for Amaro Don Carlo
The award was presented at the 12th edition of the prize conceived by Nunzia Gargano
Carlo Gargiulo and Angela Caliendo were presented with the Alfonso Pepe 2025 Ritratti di Territorio Food Award for Amaro Don Carlo at the twelfth edition of the award, conceived by journalist Nunzia Gargano.
In a packed room at Dimora Bagatto in Pagani, filled with palpable energy and enthusiasm, the award was presented “for the constant attention to detail and care with which, over the years, they have transformed their shop into a triumph of good taste and refined products. Their passion for the world of spirits led to the creation of “Don Carlo”, a multi-award-winning amaro that stands out for its aromatic qualities”.
Angela Caliendo and Carlo Gargiulo, the owners of the historic Enoteca Gargiulo in Eboli, spoke with pride and great satisfaction. They highlighted the research and experimentation that, since 1994, has seen them working tirelessly and with dedication to create a product that has gone on to win acclaim from both consumers and judges and critics at national and international level.
Walnut husks (60%) and a blend of selected herbs and spices come together in this amaro, whose versatility allows it to be enjoyed not only as a digestif or a liqueur for contemplation, but also as a valuable ally in mixology and haute cuisine, where it lends depth and elegant aromatic notes to dishes.
Amaro Don Carlo is therefore fully in keeping with the underlying spirit of the cultural project *Ritratti di Territorio*, launched in 2014 by Nunzia Gargano. With the invaluable collaboration of Maria Pepe and Barbara Ruggiero, the project offers an opportunity to highlight the potential of the Campania region and to showcase the people who embody the beauty and goodness of this land.
Every year, the event also provides a platform for raising awareness of critical issues and social commentary. A particularly powerful and moving highlight of this year’s event was the screening of the video for the protest song “Il fiume Sarno” by rapper Amalinze (Francesco Nacchia).
Following the awards ceremony, a grand celebration took place in the beautiful garden of Silvio Iaquinandi’s venue, where guests were able to sample delicacies prepared by chefs, producers, restaurateurs, artisans, and master pizza makers and pastry chefs – the leading figures in the culinary excellence of the Agro Nocerino Sarnese region and Campania.
The Awards
The actor, playwright and writer Peppe Lanzetta has been awarded a lifetime achievement award, featuring a new trophy created by the Paganese sculptor Sasà Sorrentino.
The 2025 Ritratti di territorio Award was presented to: Costanza Boccardi, Renato De Simone, Igor Esposito, Paride Leporace, Gaetano Moraca, Maria Sole Limodio, Lorenzo Marone, Isabella Pedicini, Pasquale Qualano, Daniele and Gabriele Russo, Dario Sansone, and Lucia Serino.
The Alfonso Pepe 2025 Ritratti di territorio Food Award was presented to: Ciro Buonocore, Angela Caliendo and Carlo Gargiulo, Carmela Caiazzo and Claudio Milano, Carlo D’Amato, Vincenzo De Maio, Alfonso Del Forno, Riccardo Faiella, Claudio Gatti, Domenico Fortino and Lorenzo Oliva, Giada Giordano and Raffaele Licinio, Alfonso Rega, Gianfranco and Raffaele Romano, and Pierpaolo Strino.
