Balsamic Vinegar
What is aged balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar is such an essential part of both classic and modern Italian cuisine that it’s hard to imagine life without it. Made from fermented grape must, which includes the stems, skin, and juice of a grape, Italian balsamic vinegar has a characteristic sweet, tart taste and a velvety texture. Traditional balsamic vinegar starts with grapes, specifically the Lambrusco or Trebbiano varieties. During the fermentation process, the balsamic vinegar is transferred to different barrels in order to absorb the range of aromas from specific types of wood. Some varieties have a smoky, savory quality while others have hints of fig, molasses, cherries, or raisins. The aging process ranges from a minimum of three months for a “Balsamic Vinegar of Modena” to 12 years for the “Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP.” The best traditional aged balsamic vinegar comes from Modena, a city and commune in Emilia-Romagna.