Best Balsamic Vinegar Brands

Giusto Sapore Dark Balsamic Vinegars of Modena are made following a traditional recipe using partially fermented, cooked or concentrated grape must, then added to pure wine vinegars. They are aged in wooden barrels for superior flavor. Only vinegar from the fermented, cooked juices of grapes such as Trebbiano and Lambrusco made in Modena province, in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, can be called "balsamic vinegar". Any product which is not made in the legal area of Modena, under specific European Union production regulations cannot receive the P.G.I certification (Protected Geographic Indication) and therefore cannot use the word "balsamic vinegar" in its product description. White balsamic is made by blending white grape must with white wine vinegar, cooked at a low temperature to avoid any darkening. The tastes are similar, though dark balsamic is slightly sweeter and tends to have a thicker consistency. The white has more of a clean aftertaste. Choose white balsamic to use for dressings, sauces or light-colored dishes.