1. 🇮🇹 The Origins of Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar has its roots deep in the culinary traditions of Modena, in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. This is where the finest balsamic vinegar has been crafted for centuries and used to be reserved to the Italian aristocracy. Traditionally made from cooked grape must, primarily from Trebbiano and Lambrusco grapes, it is aged in wooden barrels to develop its complex flavour and smooth texture.
The Consorzio Tutela Aceto Balsamico di Modena (link) oversees the production of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, ensuring each bottle meets strict quality and geographic standards. It also sets specific rules on the format in which balsamic vinegar can be sold and packaged.
2. 🍇 The Taste Profile of High-Quality Balsamic Vinegar
Not all balsamic vinegars are created equal. A truly high-quality balsamic vinegar, such as Due Vittorie Oro Balsamic Vinegar, is naturally sweet and balanced, with no additives, no caramel colouring, and no added sugar. It owes its depth to time—not shortcuts.
With its 6% natural acidity, Due Vittorie Oro is known for its luxurious texture and lingering sweetness that enhances both savoury and sweet dishes.
Many customers on our website have praised its exceptional flavour. One Feefo reviewer wrote:
“Absolutely beautiful vinegar. It’s so smooth and full of flavour—nothing like the harsh ones you find in supermarkets.”
3. 🍽️ How to Use Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is one of the most versatile ingredients in our kitchen. A few examples of how to enjoy it:
-
Over salads: Drizzle onto mixed leaves, rocket and cherry tomatoes.
-
With cheese: Pair with Parmigiano Reggiano or goat’s cheese.
-
Over fruit and desserts: A splash over strawberries and vanilla ice cream creates a perfect harmony of acidity and sweetness.
-
As a glaze: Use it to glaze roasted vegetables, meats, or even tofu.
Try using Due Vittorie Oro Balsamic Vinegar in place of traditional sauces or condiments—it elevates everything from bruschetta to roast lamb.
4. 👨🍳 Recipes That Showcase Balsamic Vinegar
🍳 Balsamic Mayonnaise by Chef Massimo Bottura
World-renowned chef Massimo Bottura, based in the homeland of balsamic vinegar, created a simple but elegant twist on a classic: balsamic mayonnaise.
Ingredients:
-
1 egg yolk
-
150ml neutral oil
-
1 tbsp mustard
Method:
Whisk the egg yolk and mustard, then slowly drizzle in the oil to emulsify. Slowly add the balsamic vinegar at the end for a rich, tangy finish. Perfect with grilled vegetables or cold meats.
🥗 Balsamic Salad Dressing – BBC Food
This classic dressing is simple and flavourful.
Ingredients:
-
3 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
-
1 tsp Dijon mustard
-
½ shallot, finely chopped
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Shake all ingredients in a jar until emulsified. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. (BBC Recipe)
🍖 Balsamic Lamb Shoulder – Jamie Oliver
Chef Jamie Oliver’s slow-roasted lamb gains incredible depth with balsamic vinegar.
Key ingredients:
-
Lamb shoulder
-
Fresh rosemary
-
Garlic
Method:
The lamb is marinated with rosemary, garlic, and balsamic vinegar, then slow-roasted until tender and glazed. Perfect for Sunday lunch. (Jamie Oliver Recipe)
5. 🔍 What’s the Difference Between Balsamic Vinegar and Balsamic Glaze?
While both products may appear similar, they are quite different:
-
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP is naturally aged, with no added sugars or thickeners. It offers a balanced, complex flavour ideal for purists and chefs alike.
-
Balsamic glaze, however, is often reduced balsamic vinegar combined with added sugars and starches to create a syrupy consistency. While convenient, it lacks the depth and elegance of a premium balsamic vinegar like Due Vittorie Oro.
6. ✅ What Qualifies as Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP?
For a vinegar to be recognised as Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP (Protected Geographical Indication), it must:
-
Be produced and bottled in Modena or Reggio Emilia
-
Contain at least 20% cooked grape must and wine vinegar
-
Be aged in wooden barrels for a minimum of 60 days
-
Pass the quality tests of the Consorzio Tutela Aceto Balsamico di Modena
Due Vittorie Oro proudly meets and exceeds all these criteria.
7. 🏆 Best Balsamic Vinegar Producers
Looking for exceptional balsamic vinegar? Start with these two trusted names:
-
Due Vittorie: Makers of Oro Balsamic Vinegar, winner of a Great Taste Award from the Guild of Fine Food
-
Giuseppe Giusti: The oldest balsamic house in Modena, known for traditional barrel-aged vinegars of extraordinary character
8. 🛍️ Where to Buy Exceptional Balsamic Vinegar in the UK
To taste the difference, shop where quality is prioritised:
-
Independent Delicatessens across the UK
-
Department Stores such as Harrods and Selfridges
-
Online at Artisan Olive Oil Company – your trusted source for authentic Due Vittorie Oro Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP
Final Thoughts
Whether drizzled on strawberries, whisked into a dressing, or glazed over lamb, Due Vittorie Oro offers the purity, richness, and complexity of a true Modena balsamic. This is not just a condiment—it’s a celebration of Italian cooking.