BEST ITALIAN VINEGAR
The vinegar, whether of wine or balsamic, represents a traditional dressing of the Italian cuisine and especially of the Emilia-Romagna region. It can be considered one of the most loved, hence most often imitated, Italian products whose quality standards are also guaranteed by the Protected Designation of Origin (DOP).
The fundamental difference between wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar is the raw material: for wine vinegarit is the wine, while for the balsamic vinegar it is the grape must.
The most famous Italian vinegar is the balsamic one and especially the one produced in Modena (Central-Italy). According to the experts, three main factors are important for the production of the balsamic vinegar: the quality of the grape, the composition of the soil where the vine grows and the slow preparation and processing of the must.
On the market there is a great variety of seasonings that are called “balsamic” which cover a very wide range of prices. Hence, the legislation has defined a number of denominations that help to consciously choose between quality and savings.In Italy, the legislation brings wine vinegars into five major product categories: common vinegars, quality vinegars, flavoured vinegar, special vinegars and decolorized vinegars.
The balsamic dressing is prepared with only must-baked Trebbiano and Lambrusco grapes and it gets aged for at least 4 years in oak, chestnut or cherry barrels. Additionally, the balsamic dressing present different manufacturing processes forevery different manufacturer which leads to the production of a large number of condiments with more traditional or more innovativearomas.
During the twentieth century there has been a large spread of the use and production of vinegar which, together with the olive oil, has started to become the unquestioning king of seasoning on tables around the world. In Italy, especially the balsamic vinegar from Modena has received large recognition at the international level.
The production of Italian vinegar (particularly the balsamic one) is characterised by both innovation and tradition. Indeed, vinegar continuously get renewedthrough the creation of always new derivative dressings. However, although the many and most innovative products, the traditional balsamic Modena vinegar IGP still remains one of the preferred variants to many consumers. The traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena has precise organoleptic characteristics that distinguish it such as its colour, density, scent and flavour.
Let’s then see which are the Top 5 Best Italian Vinegars!
Best Italian Vinegar: Oro Nero Balsamic Vinegar from Modena
250ml Balsamic Vinegar
For shopping Oro Nero Balsamic Vinegar from Modena in the UK go to The Italian Community Shop.
Oro Nero Balsamic Vinegar from Modena gets aged for two years in wooden barrels.
It is characterised by a low acidity and a sweet and sour and creamy texture which makes it ideal for seasoning meat, fish or for using raw on Parmigiano Reggiano.
It does not contain colorants nor preservatives. Oro Nero balsamic Vinegar from Modena IGP is the result of the combination between tradition and innovative processes that over centuries have led to the creation of its recipe closely linked to its production area.
The peculiar aromatic hints of the product are given by the ageing process in precious wood barrels like oak, chestnut and juniper.
The extreme versatility of this product makes it suitable for every type of dish. Thanks to its fragrant aftertaste and its aromatic sourness, it is perfect with vegetables, both raw and boiled, but also with all types of meat and fish. Plus, it is ideal combined with cheeses, sweets and ice creams.
This quality product is made only of selected grapes. It is characterised by a fruity scent and great density where the sweetness of the cooked must and the acidity are perfectly balanced. Oro Nero balsamic Vinegar from Modena IGP by Compagnia Del Montale is a synonym for tradition, elegance and enthusiasm and its exceptional and unique taste expresses creativity, originality and freshness.
Best Italian Vinegar: Ponti Balsamic Vinegar from Modena IGP
500ml Balsamic Vinegar
For Shopping Ponti Balsamic Vinegar from Modena IGP in the UK go to The Italian Community shop.
Ponti Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP is aged in oak barrels and produced in the Vignolia establishment at the foot of the Modena hill.
This quality vinegar It is the result of a slow maturation process of the concentrated grape must which is then followed by a certified ripening and refining period in wood of different essences.
It is ideal to season red meats, omelettes, raw or cooked vegetables and even on ice cream and strawberries.
The corporate culture of Ponti is the culture of taste. To cultivate taste means, for the group, a total commitment to quality that combines the genuineness of nature with the most advanced technology in the production processes.
Today, the Ponti Group has four production units in Italy where technology and automation are put to the service of quality. The Ponti quality system, whose main principles are food safety, traceability and traceability of the production batch, covers all Group plants.
Thanks to the rigorous selection of raw materials and respect for tradition, since 1867, Ponti is an internationally recognized leader in the production of ready-made vinegars and other ready-made sauces that are conquering the tables around the world. Its core mission is to bring products to the tables all over the world that combine the great Italian tradition of good food with the search for innovative flavours, to the highest standards of quality.
Best Italian Vinegar: Due Vittorie Organic Balsamic Vinegar from Modena IG
125ml Balsamic Vinegar – Pack of 2
For shopping Due Vittorie Organic Balsamic Vinegar from Modena IG in the UK go to The Italian Community shop.
Due Vittorie Organic Balsamic Vinegar from Modena IGP is obtained exclusively from grapes cultivated with the biological method without the use of pesticides and in full respect of the environment. All the process is certified to ensure compliance with the highest standards guaranteed by the Certifying Body.
The ingredients of this balsamic Vinegar of Modena are: organic cooked must and organic wine vinegar while it does not contain colourants, preservatives and allergens. This organic vinegar is characterised by an intense brown colourand a dense consistency. Its scent is persistent, intense and at the same time delicate, pleasantly acetic with light woody notes. While its taste is well balanced and predominantly sweet and sour.
The Due Vittorie group is the expression of all the agricultural activity and the experience of quality and genuineness of the real Emilian land. Due Vittorie is a 100% modenese reality, a result of the passion and commitmentwhich aims at producing a balsamic vinegar in respect and care of the traditions of this land.
The Due Vittorie production site is immersed in its vineyards from which raw material comes. It represents the continuity of tradition and agricultural work, but it has also been able to combine the precious heritage of the past with the modern technology. The production of Due Vittorie is in fact able to emphasize the genuineness and quality of its raw materials in order to offer a “naturally dense” balsamic vinegar which is recognized and certified as a natural, unique and exquisite IGP product free from colorants and preservatives.
Today the Due Vittorie Organic Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP is recognized as a special seasoning used by the best chefs in Italy and around the world.
Best Italian Vinegar: Solai Balsamic Vinegar from Modena IGP “Golden”
250ml Balsamic Vinegar
For Shopping Solai Balsamic Vinegar from Modena IGP “Golden” in the UK go to The Italian Community shop.
The Solai balsamic vinegar from Modena IGP is produced with grapes of seven specific vines: Lambrusco, Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Albana, Ancellotta, Fortana and Montuni. Each of which brings different and distinctive aromatic notes.These grapes are carefully added to the aged wine vinegar so as to allow the balance between sweet and agro, typical of balsamic vinegar of Modena.
The quality of this balsamic vinegars varies according to the selected raw materials hence the grapes and the must. Its density is derived from the amount of grape must used. While, the refining in oak barrels completes the production process allowing this vinegar to obtain its inimitable taste.
Although, the production processes change quickly, the places where this balsamic vinegar is produced are characterised by traditions, passion and dedication which remain unchanged over time. This place is Modena where climate, land and the work in the fields are the unique ingredients for the production of this traditional and unique product. And it is also thanks to this land and its climate, which goes from the cold winters to the sultry summers, that the production of balsamic vinegar is made possible.
This Balsamic Vinegar from Modena is perfect to match with many dishes of the Italian cuisine. Indeed, it can be used as a salad dressing, to enrich the risotto, but also on meat and fish, not to forget the cheeses and of course the fresh fruit.
Best Italian Vinegar: La Secchia Balsamic Vinegar from Modena aged in 12 Barrels IGP Certified
250ml Balsamic Vinegar
For shopping La Secchia Balsamic Vinegar from Modena aged in 12 Barrels IGP Certified in the UK go to The Italian Community shop.
The La Secchia Balsamic Vinegar from Modena aged in 12 barrels certified IGP is the result of a long experience of craft made of love for tradition and respect for its ‘laws’. It is produced with high quality raw materials and with strict and accurate procedures that totally exclude the use of chemical additives or artificial aromatic substances.
The result is a full and balanced product, where agro and sweet are perfectly blended to accompany and enhance the most popular dishes of your cuisine. This type of “Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP” is the synthesis of a patient selection process of themusts made of Italian local grapes and refined in wooden barrels, which then creates a product of excellence that can satisfy also the most refined gastronomic tastes.
This high quality vinegar is dominated by a delicate scent, a balanced taste and low acidity. It is suitable for cooked or raw vegetables and It is ideal for seasoning salads. It presents very particular organoleptic characteristics thanks to the refining process inoak barrels.
The Antica Acetaia La Secchia of Modena produces Balsamic Vinegar for both tradition and family vocation following itsoriginal recipe which has been officially registered in the procedural guideline of the Protected Designation of Origin (DOP).
If you like italian vinegar go to The Italian Community shop!
Giorgia Irti
The Italian Community