Yes...and in the end is seems like a steal.
Balsamic & Bohaboy
Paige and Sadie are big fans of balsamic. A frequent dessert in our household is Greek yogurt + Balsamic.
The Birthplace of Balsamic
Modena, Italy is the birthplace of balsamic. On our road trip south through Italy we weren't going to miss a chance to indulge. We read about Acetaia di Giorgio in the NY Times, which described the 'real' vinegar they produce as "gold and pyrite" when compared to the grocery swill we've apparently been buying all along.
Arrived without an Appointment
We didn't manage to secure a booking to visit, but instead simply showed up. We were greeted by Giorgio and Giovanna, the owners. It's a generationally run family business, the product produced in their home! Despite not having an appointment Giovanna spent an hour with us explaining the process and giving us tastes of their amazing vinegars.
What is Authentic Balsamic?
100% from grapes (vs alcoholic liquid), no sugar added
Grapes from a defined region (ie, parmesan reggiano or champagne)
Wood barrels age vinegar for minimum 12 years and 25+ years
Various species of wood are used, each adding complexity to flavors of the product
Young Balsamic Sommeliers
Giovanna graciously guided us on a tour to the village of balsamic nirvana. She was impressed with the girls' young palates and opinions on which balsamics were better than others.
Only the Real Stuff...For Our Time in Italy
In the end the girls helped choose the 25 year aged in cherry barrels. We'll be enjoying it daily for the next 3 weeks...
Front Row at the Rolling Stones
The saying goes...once you've been front row at a Rolling Stones concert, every other seat just seems ordinary. Like a New York bagel, this Modena balsamic vinegar cannot be replicated.
Alas, perhaps next time we'll get the €350 bottle ;)
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