The Dandelion Amaro from La Valdotaine is an herbal liqueur that embodies the most authentic and wild essence of the Aosta Valley mountains. Produced in small batches in an old distillery in Saint-Marcel, this amaro stands out for its use of dandelion (locally known as "Dente di Leone"), a plant with renowned medicinal properties that grows wild in the high-altitude alpine pastures.
La Valdotaine - Dandelion Amaro
The Dandelion Amaro is a mountain distillate produced following a traditional recipe that prioritizes the balance between the bitterness of roots and the sweetness of aromatic herbs. The absolute star is dandelion, hand-picked, with both its leaves and roots used to achieve a unique aromatic complexity. Other typical alpine botanicals, such as musk yarrow, milk thistle, and gentian, complete the recipe, all infused in high-quality alcohol and sweetened with muscovado cane sugar. It is a straightforward and natural amaro, free from artificial colorings, expressing all the strength and purity of the Alps.
Sensory Profile It presents a natural, intense brown color with amber reflections. On the nose, the profile is complex and balsamic: decisive notes of medicinal herbs, roasted roots, rhubarb, and a delicate hint of bitter citrus emerge. On the palate, the entry is full and enveloping; the typical bitter note of dandelion and gentian is perfectly balanced by the softness of muscovado sugar, which brings slight hints of licorice and brown caramel. The finish is very long, clean, and pleasantly bitter, with a balsamic trail that refreshes the mouth.
Production and Method La Valdotaine still uses small discontinuous copper stills, ideal for delicately extracting essential oils from botanicals. The process involves a slow cold infusion of herbs and roots, allowing the flavors to naturally blend over time. The use of pure mountain spring water and the choice not to excessively filter the liqueur ensure an integral product, rich in body, and true to the original raw material.
Serving Suggestions Perfect as an after-dinner digestive, served neat at room temperature to appreciate all its botanical nuances, or with an ice cube. It is also very interesting when used in contemporary mixology to reinterpret classics such as the Hanky Panky or the Negroni, to which it lends an unmistakable alpine and earthy note.
Technical Data
Producer: La Valdotaine
Product: Alpine Amaro
Name: Dente di Leone
Region: Aosta Valley (Saint-Marcel)
Main Ingredients: Dandelion, Gentian, Milk Thistle, Yarrow, Muscovado Sugar
Alcohol Content: 32% Vol.
Format: 1.0 L
