Aceto Balsamico di Modena

The Renaissance brought us notables Michelangelo and Leonardo do Vince and provides us with the culinary specialty of aged balsamic vinegar, "Aceto Balsamico di Modena". Balsamic vinegar can only be produced in northern regions of Modena and Reggio in Italy.

The first reference to balsamic vinegar dates back to 1046; believed a gift given to Emperor Enrico ll of Franionia. Used in the middle ages as a disinfectant, it had a reputation of a miracle cure for just about anything from sore throats, labor pains, also used as a refined drink and believed to remedy the plague.

Balsamic vinegar is an aged reduction of white sweet grapes boiled to a syrup consistency. Then the grapes cook slowly over an open flame until the watery contents reduce to about half. The "must" (results of the reduction) were placed in wooden barrel and older balsamic vinegar was added to help with the acidification.  Each year the vinegar product was poured into wood barrels to obtain the flavors of the various woods. The approved woods are oak, cherry, chestnut, mulberry, juniper and ash. Vinegars are then divided into groups- Young 3- 5 year maturation, Middle age 6-12 year and the prized variety of Aged 12 - 150 years.

Authentic Balsamic vinegar or "Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale" only named such if it has been certified by either Consorzio Tutela Aceto Balsamic di Modena or Consorzio Tutela Aceto Balsamico di Reggio Emilia. In order to be awarded the consortium seal vinegar must have been made in the traditional artisanal method, aged a minimum of 12 years and produced in Modena or Reggio. No additives of wine vinegar or caramel added.

Producers bring their vinegar to a board of 5 expert tasters and must pass a test for color, density, taste and aroma. A unanimous approval wins, only one -third of the vinegars submitted are winners. Once accepted it will be bottled in the presence of the producer and the consortium members into 100ml bottles bearing the seal of guarantee and the producers label.

Produced today by the Mussini family of Modena:

12 year old Tradizionale Balsamic vinegar

25 year old Extra Vecchio Balsamic vinegar

50 year old ll Privilagio Balsamic vinegar

100 year old Grande Vecchio Balsamic vinegar

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