Extra Vecchio – Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO

Malpighi – Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP – Extra Vecchio

The Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena Extra Vecchio from Acetaia Malpighi is a magnificent balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy. A balsamic vinegar must mature for at least 25 years to be called Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale Extra Vecchio. This Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena Extra Vecchio is made from the best grapes of the Trebbiano and Lambrusco varieties, which come from the vineyards in Modena, and processed at the traditional Malpighi winery and acetaia in Modena.

Tradizionale – the king among vinegars

An Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale cannot be compared to any other balsamic vinegar. It is a small masterpiece made from cooked grape must from late-harvested Trebbiano and Lambrusco grapes, stored and matured for years in many large and small vinegar barrels made of oak, chestnut, cherry, mulberry, or juniper wood.

The must for Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale is slowly cooked in open kettles until it has lost about one third of its volume. Now, the in-house mother vinegar, which has sometimes been passed down from vinegar to vinegar for centuries, is added, and the thickened, cooked must is poured into the wooden barrels of the acetaia. Now it's time to be patient. Each year, the vinegars are decanted into other barrels or topped up from other barrels, because a part of the balsamic always evaporates through the pores of the wood. Over the years, it becomes increasingly complex in aroma and more concentrated, the consistency becomes thicker, and the color becomes darker.

After 25 years, the Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP, after passing a quality test by the consortium that controls and guarantees the designation of origin, may be bottled as Extra Vecchio in the characteristic 100ml bottle designed by Gioretto Giugiaro and provided with a gold-colored capsule.

Aceto Balsamico di Modena Extra Vecchio in the kitchen

The velvety smooth Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena Extra Vecchio shines dark brown and offers a balanced contrast between its taste components – sweet on the tongue and palate with a fine acidity on the finish. With a full, harmonious taste, it is characterized by high density and an intense and persistent aroma.

This great Aceto Balsamico can be used to season and refine gravy, to marinate fish and meat or risotto. It unfolds its best when used raw. It tastes fantastic with cooked vegetables and fresh salads and excellent with aged cheeses. The high content of natural umami excitingly enhances the taste of fresh strawberries, ricotta, and creamy ice cream.