Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP – Affinato (12 Years)

When you hear people talk of a dense, super-expensive balsamic elixir, they are talking about the Traditional PDO Balsamic vinegars. Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP is the real deal and come in 2 types, the silver Affinato (minimum 12 years aging) and its older brother the Gold Extra Vecchio (min 25 years aging).

Only 100 or so producers are allowed to produce the DOP vinegars after gaining the official seal of the Consortium of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and the Traditional PDO vinegars from Compagnia del Montale have always been ranked among the finest.

This silver label is aged for a minimum of 12 years in small casks of 6 different types of wood. Over time, the woods instil their own unique character into the vinegar and through gentle evaporation, a sweet elixir with deep, complex flavours and a luscious natural density develops. As per consortium regulations only this 100ml bottle designed by Giugiaro can be used. Ours is then packaged into a beautiful red designer box.

Just a few drops of this can exalt any dish, from grilled meats to exotic sweet and sour dishes. Try it with fruit, all kinds of desserts and ice cream. Superb on its own too as a digestivo!

Learn all about Balsamic Vinegar here