Close to Parma is Modena, which is home to Balsamic Vinegar. Taking a couple of rules out of the french rulebook to protect their local goods, the Italians instituted a classification system for balsamic vinegar. Basically you can get the great stuff with the stamp of approval, the great stuff without the stamp or approval, the good stuff without a stamp of approval, and the common stuff. Prices range from $2 a bottle to $200. Age ranges from 1 day of aging to 80 years. Consistency ranges from a liquid like water or a thick syrup that is one step more fluid that mayonnaise. Taste (we did a tasting) ranges from good vinegar for a salad to a sweet elixir without a trace of acidity.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Italy: Modena
Close to Parma is Modena, which is home to Balsamic Vinegar. Taking a couple of rules out of the french rulebook to protect their local goods, the Italians instituted a classification system for balsamic vinegar. Basically you can get the great stuff with the stamp of approval, the great stuff without the stamp or approval, the good stuff without a stamp of approval, and the common stuff. Prices range from $2 a bottle to $200. Age ranges from 1 day of aging to 80 years. Consistency ranges from a liquid like water or a thick syrup that is one step more fluid that mayonnaise. Taste (we did a tasting) ranges from good vinegar for a salad to a sweet elixir without a trace of acidity.
