Understanding Balsamic
The origins
B alsamic Vinegar is a condiment originating from Italy and precisely from the village of SPILAMBERTO (home to VILLA MODENA), in the province of Modena.
Balsamic has been known since the Middle Ages but it's origin is still shrouded in mystery : the locals in Spilamberto claim that it originated from a "mistake" : a parcel of cooked grape must, (unfermented grape juice), was left forgotten in a wooden barrel for a long period of time and when it was found again a natural acidification process occurred and the product was deliciously dense , bitter and sweet. The word balsamico means "balsam--like" in the sense of "restorative" or "curative" because this has always been considered as a healthy condiment.
T radizionale. Considered one of the rarest and most expensive food products in the World, (only about 100.000 bottles become available each year for the World market), Tradizionale is protected by the European Union with a PDO designation (Protected Designation of Origin) .
This means that, by law, all the raw materials and the production methods and ageing need to take place within the province of Modena , Italy. The product can be aged either min. 12 years ("Affinato") or a minimum of 25 years ("Extra Vecchio"). It is available in the 100 ml Giugiaro-designed bottles and comes with a single unit box and recipe booklet. Due to its thick and dense consistency and balanced taste one ore two drops can be used on any sweet or savoury dish.
