18 Year Traditional Dark Balsamic Vinegar

Description Our 18 Year Traditional Vinegar is the finest grade and highest quality of Aged Balsamic Vinegar from Modena, Italy produced in the Traditional style from cooked, high quality caramelized grape from Trebbiano and Lambrusco grapes.  It is cooked down to the same consistency, density and dry solid extracts as DOP Traditional balsamic would be made in Modena.  DOP Traditional Balsamic dictates that wood-fire-cooked grape must is then put directly in to old, fired wood barrels which were used to age balsamic in years past.  It is aged using the Solera System for up to 18 years in chestnut, oak, mulberry and ash barrels. Pro-biotic wild yeast and acetic bacteria colonize it and eventually raise the acidity. It slowly ages in this manner and turns in to “vinegar” by itself over the course of many years, hence the scarcity and price tag.  With a 4% acidity, this vinegar is exceedingly rich, complex and dense. It pairs beautifully with any olive oil in our collection for vinaigrettes, glazes or marinades. Scrumptious paired with Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil drizzled over fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh garden greens! Use it as a drizzle on cheeses, meats, fresh fruits, or for a dessert sauce on vanilla ice cream and strawberries. So delicious you could sip it from the bottle!