From Sparrow’s amaro list, Cardamaro is a softer, wine-based Italian amaro that wins over even people who think they do not like amari, $11 by the pour, or $16.50 for a larger pour.
About Cardamaro
Despite the name, Cardamaro is not made from cardamom. It is made from cardoons and blessed thistle, two plants related to the artichoke. It comes from the Bosca family in Canelli, in the heart of Piedmont, who have produced wine and amaro there for generations. The recipe traces back to a family herbalist who became fascinated by the cardoon, a thistle grown locally, and built a wine-based amaro around it. Unlike most amari, Cardamaro uses Moscato wine as its base rather than a neutral spirit, which gives it a softer, more vermouth-like quality than many of its cousins. The blend is rounded out with a couple dozen additional botanicals and rested in oak, which adds warm spice and a gentle, rounded texture.
Tasting Notes
Cardamaro is mellow and lightly bitter, with notes of caramel, dried herbs, and a touch of oak-driven spice. The Moscato base keeps it soft and approachable, more about gentle bittersweetness than a sharp bitter bite, which makes it an easy entry point into the world of amaro.
What to Pair It With
Cardamaro works beautifully as either an aperitivo before dinner or a digestivo after. Sip it lightly chilled or over ice, or pair it with something rich from the Sparrow menu like the Braised Duck or the Truffle Deviled Eggs. It is also lovely after the meal with an espresso in our 21+ lounge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cardamaro made from?
Cardamaro is an Italian vino amaro from Piedmont made from cardoons and blessed thistle, both relatives of the artichoke, on a base of Moscato wine. The wine base gives it a soft, vermouth-like character.
How much is a pour of Cardamaro at Sparrow in Kirkland?
A pour of Cardamaro at Sparrow is $11, or $16.50 for a larger pour, available at our restaurant in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside.
Find Cardamaro on the Sparrow beverages menu near gentler relatives like Cynar and the bolder Campari. We are on Kirkland’s Eastside, so reserve a table and discover it.