This bottle of balsamic condiment is named “The Patriarch” for good reason. It’s rich, bold and assertive without being too overpowering. Modena’s premier balsamic family, Acetaia Leonardi, labels Il Patriarca a condiment, as opposed to a vinegar, as it should be used as a finishing element for all kinds of dishes.
30 years of aging impart a full-bodied and syrupy viscosity, almost like a pear brandy, with layered notes of apple, baked pear, caramel, molasses and chestnut honey. Sweet and sour fruit notes of raisins, red currant, black figs and cherries persist throughout and linger on the palate.
How to use
Enjoy this balsamic condiment unadulterated to experience its unique complexity. Sip by the spoonful as a post-dinner digestif or serve with an assortment of dried fruit and nuts. Drizzle over steaks and other grilled meats or serve with fritto misto, a mix of fried vegetables and seafood.
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.
