Questions

and answers

 

Villamodena's guide to choosing
the best balsamic for every occasion

B alsamic Vinegar is one of the most famous and fashionable Specialty Food Products but understanding the different types available on the market can be confusing.

Generally a high quality Balsamic Vinegar is thick, dense and syrupy as it contains a higher percentage of grape must than the less expensive versions. The Acetaia (Vinegar Factory) Villa Modena is based in Modena, Italy and we cover all market segments for both RETAIL and FOODSERVICE. Here is our guide to the most commonly found items on the market so that you can choose which items are best for you for each occasion.

Aceto Balsamico
Tradizionale di Modena DOP

What exactly is it?
This product is made in small batches of barrels and is regulated by the D.O.P. - Protected Designation of Origin regulations which attest that all the ingredients, the production, ageing and bottling have taken place in the regions of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Only about 100.000 bottles are availale each year for the World Markets.
How to read the label?
Look for the DOP Seal which must be present . In addition, "Extra Vecchio" means "Extra Aged and is used for the product aged more than 25 years. "Affinato" is used for the product aged more than 12 years but less than 25.
What are the recommended pairings / suggested uses?
Due to the cost and scarceness of this product this is reserved only for themost special of occasions and in the finest restaurants in the World. It is sufficient to drizzle just a few drops on an onion omelette, on vanilla ice cream or any meat dish to enjoy the richness of the taste.
How much does it cost?
12 years retails at around $ 150 whiclts Extra Vecchio at around $ 230.

Aceto Balsamico
di Modena IGP

What exactly is it?
Those seeking a high quality balsamic vinegar at an affordable price should look for bottles labeled "IGP". Which attests that the vinegar is produced and aged in the Modena region and the grapes used derive from 7 idenified varietals but they may come from elsewhere.
How to read the label?
Look for the IGP Seal which must be present . In addition, the less expensive versions will have wine vinegar as the first , primary ingredient as opposed to the more expensive "Grape Must" and they will indicat the coloring agent Caramel E 150 d.
What are the recommended pairings / suggested uses?
Ideal for everyday use in a salad dressing, sauce, on vegetbles, meat.
How much does it cost?
The pricing ranges from as low as $1.99 for the variety with wine vinegar as the main ingredient and the presence of caramel E 150 up to $ 38.


Condimento

What exactly is it?
Condimentos are one of the hardest categories to define, because unlike DOPSs and IGPs, they are not produced according to any strict regulations. Typically made in the traditional method, condimentos can be batches that didn't make the DOP cut or sometimes they are a DOP-IGP blend.
How to read the label?
You will see the word "Condimento" or "Dark Condimento" but not the DOP or IGP seals.
What are the recommended pairings / suggested uses?
Since most are made traditionally, the premium condimentos are used for drizzling not for cooking.
How much does it cost?
The pricing ranges from as low as $17.99 to around $ 38.

White
Condiment

What exactly is it?
This is the golden/white version of a Condimento.
How to read the label?
You will see the word "White Balsamic Vinegar " or "White Condiment".
What are the recommended pairings / suggested uses?
This is ideal for all the same uses as Balsamic Vinegar when you want the same taste profile but do not wish to colour the dishes.
How much does it cost?
The pricing ranges from as low as $9.99 to around $ 38.

Flavoured
Dressings

What exactly is it?
These are Condimentos , Dark or White, with the infusion of fruit.
How to read the label?
You will see the word name of the fruit used in front of "Balsamic" or "Condiment".
What are the recommended pairings / suggested uses?
These are ideal for everyday uses in salads or on desserts and ice cream.
How much does it cost?
The pricing ranges from as low as $9.99 to around $ 38.

Balsamic
glaze

What exactly is it?
Balsamic glaze is more viscous and sweeter than vinegar itself. It is usually made from a blend of grape must and Balsamic Vinegar of Modena with the addition of a thickening agent.
What are the recommended pairings / suggested uses?
Due to its viscosity it is ideal to make decorations on all types of dishes both sweet and savoury. It is also great as a Topping. The fruit-infused varieties are ideal to add a unique touch of colour an taste to all dishes.
How much does it cost?
The pricing ranges from as low as $ 4.99 to around $ 19.99.