The pinnacle of balsamic vinegars, with extraordinary sweetness and inimitable roundness in perfect proportion. Very shiny, almost purple in color and dense, with a fluid, syrupy consistency. Notes of caramel, oak and toast on the nose with a complex and unmistakable acid undertone. This vinegar features the traditional sweetness of an aged balsamic, accented by rich dark caramel flavor and potent bursts of dry fruit, figs and cherry.
To avoid losing the extraordinary aroma and complexity of flavor, drizzle this vinegar at the very end of cooking, after removing food from the flame. Serve it over bolliti (boiled meats) or as a finishing touch for meat or fish dishes. For a sweet treat, pour it over panna cotta or mixed berries or drizzle over shaved ice for a perfect granita.
About the Producer:
There are over 300 producers of balsamic vinegar in Modena, but the Leonardi family is truly special. They have been making balsamic vinegar since 1871 and are still one of the few producers to own the land where the grapes grow. Four generations in, the Leonardi family is still making this prized elixir using traditional methods, such as cooking the Lambrusco and Trebbiano grape must in a copper cauldron and aging the vinegar in specific kinds of wooden barrels. The result is a perfectly balanced vinegar worthy of the name balsamico.
About Traditional Balsamic Vinegar from Modena DOP:
In 1979, the Consortium of Producers of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena established a series of controls, rules and regulations for production of "true" balsamic vinegar. In April 2000, the European Union granted this product the highest recognition by awarding it a DOP (Protected Designation of Origin), ensuring consistency and continuation of its centuries-long tradition. Within the Consortium there is a board of assaggiatori (expert tasters) who guarantee that each vinegar bearing the exclusive Seal of Quality on its Giuggiaro-designed bottle (the same designer as Ferrari) has been produced in compliance with all the rules, regulations and procedures and offers the authentic characteristics of this magnificent product.
