Affinato - Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP 12 Years

Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP, aged for at least twelve years in the Acetaia Malpighi attic in Modena. Limpid, dark and lustrous brown in the glass, with a density of 1.30 and an acidity of 5-6%. Pungent yet balanced on the nose, decisive, round and full on the palate, with woody notes from the batteria. 100% natural — no caramel, no colourings, no additives.

In Modena, time is an ingredient. Cooked grape must from Trebbiano and Lambrusco grown by the family is poured into the largest barrel of a batteria, then slowly transferred, year after year, into smaller and smaller casks of six different woods — chestnut, cherry, juniper, mulberry, oak and acacia. Each wood gives something. Each year takes something away, evaporating liquid, concentrating flavour, deepening colour. The DOP discipline requires a minimum of twelve years to call the result "Affinato".

Acetaia Malpighi has been tending its barrels since 1850, five generations of one Modenese family watching over more than 3,500 casks. The 100 ml bottle is the official one designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro for the DOP, sealed and presented in the case of the Consorzio Produttori Antiche Acetaie, with a TIC dosing cap and a recipe booklet. Use a few drops at the end, never cooked — on Parmigiano Reggiano well into its ageing, on red meats, on grilled fish, on a finished risotto.