A piece of Modena balsamic vinegar history: the monk Donizone
The history of balsamic vinegar of Modena has its roots in the distant past, but even today it is still an extremely topical product and suitable for all occasions, often even used as a gift to celebrate moments to remember. However, its diffusion hides incredible episodes and curiosities that make this typical product of our territory even more special: one piece of this history even bears the ‘signature’ of the monk Donizone.
Are you curious to know what it is about and what happened so long ago? Today we at Acetaia Marchi tell you about it in this article, starting from its earliest origins right up to the present day and the new proposals most in vogue!
A monk and his poem never delivered to the protagonist
Between the 11th and 12th centuries there lived a Benedictine monk named Donizone. He lived in the monastery of Canossa, of which he later became abbot. The monk wrote ‘Vita Mathildis’, a poem in two books, whose actual title was ‘De principibus Canusinis’. But why did this monk become part of the history of balsamic vinegar of Modena?
In these pages, the monk recounted part of the life of Countess Matilda of Canossa, more precisely what happened in her last years. At the end, he also had to add a chapter about her death. The latter occurred in July 1115, before she could even read the work written expressly for her. An additional chapter, the final one, was dedicated to the arrival of Emperor Henry V at Canossa, which took place in the spring of the year following her death.
From heroic deeds to the history of balsamic vinegar of Modena
The monk’s intention was to write a poem praising the Canossa dynasty and in particular Countess Matilda, making the entire lineage even more heroic in the eyes of readers. For this very reason, the man took great pains to emphasise every important event that occurred.
The monk was the only witness to many real events and it is these that give life to his poem. His stories also include the part that intersects with the history of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. In fact, the text recounts that in Matilda’s time balsamic vinegar was produced. Donizone spoke of this nectar being produced in the fortress of Canossa as early as 1046.
When the king and future emperor Henry II passed through the territory of Piacenza, he decided to send a messenger to Matilda’s father, Marquis Boniface. He was to ask the ruler of Canossa if he could have some of that much-appreciated and praised vinegar whose fame had reached the ears of the future emperor: without hesitation, the marquis sent the emperor the Balsamic vinegar produced in his fortress, placing it inside a precious silver cask. This fact is now part of the history of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and of our tradition and makes us realise how much this foodstuff was already highly appreciated at the time: a gift for princes, kings and emperors!.
An interesting curiosity
Despite the narrative, the monk Donizone never used the word ‘balsamic’ in his texts. This, however, should not give rise to any doubt: the vinegar he speaks of is certainly the one we know today, but the attribute balsamic arrived more recently. To be precise, the term was first used in 1747 in the Registro delle vendemmia e vendite dei vini and in the ducal inventories of the Reggia Estense in Modena.
The history of balsamic vinegar of Modena began a long time ago!
In short, balsamic vinegar has its origins in the distant past. Speculation has it that it was born by chance, thanks to a person who forgot some cooked grape must (saba, still used today as a sweetener) inside a jar. After a while, he noticed it and tasted it, thus discovering the goodness of this extraordinary product.
Acetification had in fact begun its natural course and from that tasting, the production process that we know today was gradually born, and which was also experienced by Countess Matilda’s own family. Had it not been for the monk Donizone, who knows if we would have ever known this small part of the history of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena linked to the fortress of Canossa!
Balsamic Vinegar Today: What’s New
Even today, Balsamic Vinegar remains as relevant as ever, as well as being one of the best-known and most appreciated typical products of the Modena area. It is in fact a gastronomic excellence that draws on a tradition that, as we have seen, has its roots in the distant past and that has nevertheless maintained over the centuries a history that has been handed down from generation to generation.
Counting numerous admirers all over the world, it is often bought as a souvenir when visiting these areas in Italy or given as a gift to celebrate special moments. Appreciated in all forms, it is the perfect gift when it is enclosed in a gift box. It is also used as a food and wine favour for special occasions. Whether it is a wedding, a baptism or a communion, balsamic is always perfect to satisfy the needs of even the most discerning palate!
Moreover, if you would like to personally taste the goodness of this product and are curious to discover the traditional process of making this exquisite gem of the territory, among the things to do in Modena there is definitely a guided tour in the acetaia. Starting with a relaxing walk through the vineyard and ending with a tasting of our carefully prepared products, our experts will accompany you on this journey to discover the history and secrets of Balsamic vinegar. This extraordinary experience inside Acetaia Marchi will be a feast for your eyes and taste buds!
The best vinegar cellars in Modena
We at Acetaia Marchi are among the best vinegar cellars in the Modena area: in our Bottega you can personally taste the extraordinary products that we prepare with great care and attention, in full respect of the balsamic tradition. Our experts will also advise visitors on the most suitable products for their different needs, guaranteeing a unique and inimitable taste experience.
If, on the other hand, you would like to taste our products but do not have the opportunity to visit us physically, don’t worry: thanks to our e-commerce you can browse our catalogue and choose from the selection of products the one you prefer, purchasing it directly from your home. What are you waiting for? Bring a piece of this wonderful land into your home!
