Balsamic Vinegar

Oil and Vinegar

Italy produces a wide range of exquisite, flavorful cheeses that rival any in the world. More Italian Cheese Here

Balsamic Vinegar Demystified P1 P2 P3

How To Buy Balsamic Vinegar Given the wide range of brands and prices, the Balsamic Vinegar shelf can be the most confusing place in the store. So in 2002, a group of 11 Balsamic Vinegar producers launched a standardized grading system to help identify the quality of the vinegar in the bottle. An independent company, CSFA, analyzes Balsamic Vinegars for color, fruitiness, viscosity, sweetness, pungency, and odor, and then assigns a grade. It rates Balsamic Vinegars on a scale from zero to four, signified on the label by "leaves." A one-leaf vinegar will be thinner and more acidic, whereas a four-leaf vinegar will be decidedly thick, mellow and rich. About 60% of the vinegars on the market today do not even attain the one-leaf designation. Because of this, and a slow adoption rate, there are still over 40 producers that have not yet agreed to use the new grading system. Unless you are familiar with a brand, we would recommend against buying a zero-leaf Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. A one-leaf is light and thin, sweet and zesty. It is the perfect vinegar for use in salads. Two-leaves indicates a round and spirited vinegar, brisk yet vibrantly balanced. Use it as an ingredient in marinades and barbecue sauces, or as a condiment drizzled over steamed vegetables. A three-leaf balsamic is smooth and full-bodied with a polished finish and tangy accents. This grade is perfect for use as a condiment served with meat or fish, or as an ingredient in warm sauces and gravies. The top of the line is the four-leaf grade. Superbly lush and intense, its flavor approaches that of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar. It is syrupy with complex flavors and a heady aroma. A four-leaf Balsamic should be reserved for special applications. Try it drizzled over cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano. It is also a superb dessert topping, lightly poured over ice cream or fresh fruits. igourmet.com sells all four grades of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, each in a beautiful bottle. We also offer a unique Taster Pack that includes four 100ml bottles, one of each "leaf" designation. Finally, we carry the Ferrari and Lamborghini of the category, the 12-year and 25-year "Tradizionale" Balsamic Vinegars. Please Click Herefor even more information or to go shopping. Previous

Italy produces a wide range of exquisite, flavorful cheeses that rival any in the world. More Italian Cheese Here