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Balsamic Vinegar
Traditional of Modena PDO
of Modena PGI
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Balsamic Vinegar
of Modena PGI
of Modena PGI
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (Aceto Balsamico di Modena) differs from wine vinegar in the balanced composition of its constituent elements. Its physical, chemical and organoleptic characteristics are combined in a unique way; in addition, it has a higher content of extractive substances and volatile compounds. This is why there must be a careful choice of the grapes that give Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (Aceto Balsamico di Modena) its unmistakable aroma.
Balsamic History
The practice of cooking the must of grapes can be traced back to the ancient Romans: the so-called sapum was used both as a medicinal product and in the kitchen as a sweetener and condiment.
Starting in the 11th century, the production of this very particular vinegar was linked with Modena: over time it would become synonymous of the culture and history of a territory that is unique for its pedoclimatic characteristics and its human knowledge and talent.
Towards the end of the 13th century, the art of vinegar production was cultivated at the Este Court in Modena. But it was only 1747, that the adjective balsamic made its appearance for the first time, in the registers of the cellars of the Dukes of Este: it was recorded as half balsamic and refined balsamic, distinctions which correspond to the current Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP) e Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO.
A few decades later – in 1800 – Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (Aceto Balsamico di Modena) began being appreciated and known abroad: it was presented in the most important exhibition events of the time, from Florence to Bruxelles. And it was again in the 19th century that the first dynasties of producers established themselves, some of whom today are among the associates of the Protection Consortium. It was in this period that the production processes were codified.
At the regulatory level, on March 25, 1933 the Minister of Agriculture Giacomo Acerbo acknowledged for the first time, with an official act, the “age-long and characteristic industry of the Balsamic Vinegar in the Modena area”. Thirty years later, in 1965, specifications were published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale (Official Gazette) relating to the “Composition characteristics and preparation modalities of the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena”. In 1994, the producers took steps to improve the production specifications and to protect the correct use of the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (Aceto Balsamico di Modena) designation in trade and consumption.
Another milestone in the history of this exclusive and distinctive product, which has become world ambassador for fine Italian eating, was European recognition: in 2009, after a long procedure, the European Commission inserted the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (Aceto Balsamico di Modena) designation in the register of PGI productions.
Balsamic Territory
The Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (Aceto Balsamico di Modena) production area, according to tradition and in compliance with current regulations, corresponds to the provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia. In this area there is an abundance of grapes with just the right concentration of sugars and acidity.
Modena and Reggio Emilia are located in the plains of Emilia Romagna, along the scenic landscape that follows the course of the River Po and crosses the Secchia and Panaro basins. This is the area of the old Este Duchy: a land rich in history and with a great culinary tradition. It was the farmers’ ancient knowledge and the innate love for living well and eating well, together with the pedoclimatic characteristic of the territory, that gave life to a local and exclusive product such as Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (Aceto Balsamico di Modena).Precisely because it is strictly linked to the knowledge, traditions and skills of local populations, the unique Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (Aceto Balsamico di Modena) is considered a symbol of the culture and history of Modena. This is decreed by the Official Journal of the European Union .
As symbol of the gastronomic quality of the territory of the two Emilia Romagna provinces, Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (Aceto Balsamico di Modena) is an integral part of the local culinary tradition. As well as being a versatile and intriguing ingredient of countless regional recipes, it is also the main feature of festivals and events dedicated to it.
Except for special occasions when Compagnia Del Montale ’s Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP is a delicious gift, every day is a good day for Balsamic! Outstanding for enriching all sorts of foods: meat or fish, appetizers or fruits, vegetables or desserts. When you drizzle Compagnia Del Montale’s Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP, there is no room for errors! It is a wonderful seasoning for all culinary cultures because it is the most natural vinegar and its refinement stands in its simplicity. It is the best travel mate for discovering different gastronomies. Like traditional foods of the land from which it originates, try it on Japanese sushi and sashimi, Chinese dumplings, Thai culinary pleasures or Moroccan couscous. Compagnia Del Montale’s Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP is synonym of style, seduction, elegance, refinement even for your kitchen thanks to its exceptional and unique flavor, expression of creativity, excitement, happiness.
For a proper storage, keep Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI in a glass bottle and carefully close it after each use. In addition to this, keep it away from substances that release extremely strong smell.
