Straight from the heart of Italy's Modena region, Oliviers&Co proudly presents a distinctive and exceptional collection of balsamic vinegars. Delve into the art of balsamic vinegar appreciation and discover the myriad ways to incorporate its rich flavors into your culinary creations.
How is balsamic vinegar made?
The art of crafting balsamic vinegar begins with a meticulous selection of grapes, primarily trebbiano and lambrusco varieties, renowned for their sweetness and nuanced flavors. These grapes, harvested at the peak of ripeness, undergo pressing to extract their juice, known as "must."
This freshly extracted must is then subjected to a slow and careful cooking process over low heat, typically lasting around 12 hours. This prolonged cooking allows the sugars in the grape must to caramelize, resulting in a thick and syrupy consistency characteristic of balsamic vinegar.
Following the cooking stage, the grape must undergoes a natural fermentation process. This transformation occurs within wooden barrels, traditionally crafted from oak, cherry, chestnut, or other aromatic woods. These barrels, arranged in a specific sequence known as a "batteria," facilitate the exchange of flavors and aromas as the balsamic vinegar matures.
The aging process is critical to the development of balsamic vinegar's distinctive flavor profile. It can last anywhere from several years to several decades, depending on the desired intensity and complexity. Throughout this aging period, the balsamic vinegar absorbs the essences of the wood and undergoes gradual evaporation, further concentrating its flavors and enhancing its depth.
Ultimately, the result is a meticulously crafted condiment prized for its rich, complex flavor, and versatile culinary applications. Each batch of balsamic vinegar represents a harmonious blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and time-honored techniques, making it a cherished culinary treasure from the heart of Italy's Modena region.
The composition of Balsamic Vinegar
"Traditional balsamic vinegar DOP" (the Italian equivalent of our PDO) is made of 100% grape must. It is 12 years old or more, and the older it is, the more expensive.
More common and affordable, PGI balsamic vinegar, contains a mixture of grape must (min. 20%) and wine vinegar (min. 10%) but with no maximum content.
At Oliviers&Co, our IGP Balsamic vinegars of Modena contain between 25% and 90% grape must depending on the range and quality, the rest being only wine vinegar: they do not contain any caramel or colouring.
It is important to read the order in which the ingredients are listed. If the ‘must’ is first in the list then it is the main ingredient thus leaving the vinegar sweeter and of better quality. On the other hand, if wine vinegar is listed first, then the acidity will take precedence, its taste and texture will be lessened and we advise you against chosing these vinegars.
Another tip: Although permitted, beware of additives, especially caramel. They falsely colour the vinegar and aim to replace the slow reduction in the barrel and add an artificial sweetness.
Which Balsamic Vinegar to choose?
Balsamic vinegar has a long shelf life, as long as it is well sealed and kept away from direct light. All our Vinegar-based products here at Oliviers&Co have no expiration date.
The versatility of balsamic vinegar extends beyond its flavor profile to its age, dictating its ideal culinary applications. While younger vinegars lend their vibrant acidity to salads, the nuanced sweet and sour notes of older varieties, typically aged 6 to 8 years, elevate dishes like mozzarella and tomatoes, duck breast, fish, strawberries, and desserts.
It's essential to exercise caution when using balsamic vinegar in cooking, as excessive heat can compromise its delicate flavors. Therefore, it's best to add balsamic vinegar just before serving to preserve its distinctive taste and aroma, ensuring a culinary experience that delights the palate.
Is Balsamic Vinegar good for you?
Balsamic Vinegar is an easy and effective way to integrate healthy nutrients into your meals. The conidment has been known to facilitate weight loss, lower cholesteral and generally balance blood sugar levels. This is due to the high levels of nutrients stored in the grapes, such as the acetic acids and antioxidants.
However be warned that balsamic vinegar benefits are only apparent in vinegars that have grape must as their main ingredient, many balsamic vinegars use food dyes to darken the color of their balsamic vinegars, and these will not be as rich in nutrients as a more natural product. All our Balsamic vinegars here at Oliviers&Co are made without the addition of any food dyes. Read more about the benefits of balsamic vinegar here.
