Introduction
Balsamic vinegar is a type of condiment that is made from fermented grape juice. It originated in certain provinces in Italy, and it is popularly known for several of its characteristics. Balsamic vinegar has a dark color that ranges from brown to almost black. It is also famous for its unique flavor and powerful aftertaste.
This condiment is stored and aged in barrels. In some cases, they are kept in storage for many years to achieve their distinctive taste. Because of the time and lengthy process needed to create it, real balsamic vinegar can be quite costly. So, it is a great idea to exercise caution when purchasing balsamic vinegar for sale online.
Fresh Fin Gourmet is a specialty store that offers various products, such as balsamic vinegar. Before you place an order on our balsamic vinegar products, be sure to take into account the following things:
Type
Many people think that all kinds of vinegar that come from Italy can be considered “balsamic.” However, Italian law only accepts two types of balsamic vinegar. The first one is called the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar DOP, and the second one is the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP. Here is a brief guide of how the two differ from each other:
Traditional Balsamic Vinegar DOP
Italians call this the Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale DOP. This type is considered the “ultimate” Italian vinegar because of its strong and lasting taste. It is aged in barrels for at least 12 years, so it has a mixture of different flavors and thick viscosity. In most cases, only Lambrusco and Trebbiano grape varieties are used to create this type of balsamic vinegar.
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP
In Italy, this vinegar is called the Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP. Compared to the other one, this type is less expensive and does not need as much as 12 years to age. The grapes used in making this vinegar are also not restricted to Lambrusco and Trebbiano varieties alone. Even so, it still has a distinctive taste and brown color that balsamic vinegar products are known for.
Here at Fresh Fin Gourmet, we offer this kind of balsamic vinegar. If you wish to have a taste of it, feel free to place an order today.
Other Types
There are many other vinegars that are sold and marketed as “balsamic.” These products are not necessarily inauthentic. The only difference is that their manufacturing process does not follow the standards set by Italian authorities. Instead, their producers tried being more creative in making them by adding different ingredients or changing the color of the product.
Seal
The best balsamic vinegars contain the DOP or IGP seals. The acronym DOP stands for Denominazione d’Origine Protetta, which roughly translates to Protected Designation of Origin. If a balsamic vinegar bears this seal, it means that its manufacturers followed very strict guidelines in creating the product. By looking for the DOP seal, you can rest assured that the balsamic vinegar that you will buy online will be high-quality.
IGP, meanwhile, stands for Indicazione Geografica Protetta, which can be translated to Protected Geographical Indication. Compared to products with the DOP seal, balsamic vinegars that carry the IGP seal were manufactured following a less rigorous set of guidelines. In most cases, balsamic vinegars with IGP seals are aged for only about three years and contain additional ingredients aside from fermented grapes.
Packaging
There are two aspects of packaging that you should consider when purchasing balsamic vinegars for sale online. The first one is the shape of the bottle, and the second is the label that is placed on the container.
Balsamic vinegar products with the DOP seal come in a uniquely shaped glass bottle. It is relatively small and has a spherical lower part, which makes it look like a bulb. A circular or rectangular flat base is used to let it stand on its own. Products that carry the IGP seal are usually placed in longer bottles. The seal is always properly stuck on top of the cap.
If you are planning to purchase balsamic vinegar that does not have the DOP or IGP seals, it is best to check the label before paying for it. This way, you can ensure that the ingredients that are used in making it. By looking at the label, you can also check whether the product is really made in Italy.
Age
In a nutshell, older balsamic vinegar is more flavorful. This is why age is a huge factor to consider when purchasing online. Products that have the DOP seal are aged for at least 12 years, but there are options that are kept in storage for as long as 25 years. Those that bear the IGP seal are aged for a fewer number of years.
A decent balsamic vinegar product should be aged for at least three years. If you are purchasing balsamic vinegar for sale online, be sure to read the descriptions carefully to ensure that the product meets this requirement.
Balsamic Vinegar Products Available at Fresh Fin Gourmet
Fresh Fin Gourmet offers a wide range of balsamic vinegar products. Here is a list of their names, as well as their brief descriptions:
Rosso - Red Wine Balsamic Vinegar Condiment From Lambrusco Grapes
This vinegar is made from real Lambrusco grapes, the same variety that they use in making DOP-certified products. You can use this product as an additive to salads and cocktails. It comes in a 250-mL bottle, and each one costs $19.99.
White Balsamic Made From Trebbiano Grape Vinegar
Priced at $19.99, this product is made from 100% Trebbiano grapes, so it is sure to be really flavorful. They have a thick viscosity, so they are perfect for dressing and marinating food.
Balsamic Apple Vinegar
If you have $34.99, you can get a bottle of Balsamic Apple Vinegar from us here at Fresh Fin Gourmet. This product is made from Trentino apples, so it has a unique taste of its own. Feel free to order one online today.
Oro - Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP
Although it is only aged for at least three years, this product still has the look and taste of a 20-year-old balsamic vinegar. It comes in a 250-mL bottle, and you can purchase one online for $34.99.
Conclusion
When you purchase balsamic vinegar online, be sure to consider its type, seal, age, and packaging. This way, you can ensure that the product you will buy will be worth every cent. If you are looking for balsamic vinegar for sale online, Fresh Fin Gourmet can help. Feel free to place an order on our various products today!
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