Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena D.O.P. Extravecchio or Affinato? The Differences

The Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena D.O.P. is one of the most appreciated and imitated condiments of our territory, which since 2000 boasts the Protected Designation of Origin. This product counts admirers in Italy and around the world, and is a world-renowned and distinctive element of this territory.

Precisely to keep alive the tradition and preparation linked to these splendid lands, we at Acetaia Marchi produce it exclusively with cooked grape must from the provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Indeed, in order to obtain a product of the highest quality we have to reproduce particular climatic conditions in unique attics and follow a detailed step-by-step procedure handed down from generation to generation.

We produce both types of Traditional Balsamic: Affinato and Extravecchio. These two products, much loved both in Italy and abroad, are characterised by a preparation derived from a very long tradition, and differ from each other in particular with regard to the ageing process. Let’s go into more detail in this article dedicated to the Black Gold of Modena and the characteristics of these two types!

The preparation of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena D.O.P.

.
Balsamic vinegar is a product made from unfermented grape must and obtained by crushing, or pressing, the grapes. In particular, the grapes used to make balsamic vinegar must come exclusively from certain specific grape varieties, including Lambrusco, Ancellotta and Trebbiano.

Its preparation begins between September and October, after the grape harvest, when the must is cooked in open jars over low heat, at a temperature between 85°C and 90°C. The duration of the cooking process varies depending on the type of balsamic vinegar to be obtained: for Traditional it is between 24 and 36 hours.

The types of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena D.O.P.

.
As mentioned above, the two main categories of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO are distinguished on the basis of their ageing, one of the preparation phases of the Black Gold of Modena and a key and fundamental moment that gives the balsamic its characteristic taste.

The ageing of the product is determined by the time it spends inside the barrels. As the balsamic gets older, it is decanted into smaller and smaller barrels of different woods. The set of barrels is called a ‘battery’ and must consist of at least 4 pieces.

Refining, on the other hand, is the process by which Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena P.D.O. becomes more and more concentrated and aromatic as it ages, thanks to the action of vinegar bacteria. It takes about two years for the fermentation and acetification process of the starting product to start. It takes another ten years of ageing in the various barrels to obtain a product that can be defined as ‘aged’.

A traditional balsamic that has been matured in casks for at least 25 years is considered ‘extravecchio’. This type of product is taken annually from the smallest cask. Its production and bottling must follow the procedures set out in the product specification. The specifications oblige producers to bottle Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena P.D.O. in 100 ml bottles, sealed on the cap with a numbered mark.

The differences between Affinato and Extravecchio

.
In short, the main difference between the two products is the ageing time, which is longer for extravecchio. This difference translates into a further distinction: that concerning flavour and consistency. Indeed, the longer ageing time means that extra-old Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena P.D.O. has a thicker consistency and a more aromatic and stronger flavour.

In this case, aromaticity is defined by a tasting commission made up of 5 expert tasters who must be certified by the Chamber of Commerce of Modena. These professionals must score the visual appearance, aroma and taste of the product. Only after approval by the entire commission will it be possible to bottle and sell the vinegar with the designation Traditional Balsamic.

An aged vinegar must reach a minimum score of 229 points, while an extra-aged one must not have a sensory score lower than 255 points.

Would you like to taste an excellent Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena D.O.P.?

.
If you answered yes, do not hesitate to try our products. At Acetaia Marchi, we offer our customers a very extensive catalogue, which certainly includes both the Affinato and the Extravecchio, both extremely pure and fine, characterised by an intense, deep, shiny black colour and endowed with a pleasant, harmonious acidity.

In addition, we can offer various customised solutions and each time you will have a high-quality and unique Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena D.O.P.. If you would like to celebrate a special moment in your life, we at Acetaia Marchi also prepare gift packs and food and wine favours, to ensure a touch of taste on any occasion and make every moment an unforgettable culinary experience.

What to visit in Modena? Acetaia Marchi!

If you are looking for something to do in Modena, then you absolutely must drop by our Bottega: here you will be welcomed by our expert master vinegar makers, professionals in the sector who will know how to advise you on the products best suited to your taste and palate. Thanks to the care and passion that drives us at Acetaia Marchi, we can always guarantee products of the highest quality, which you can try for yourself thanks to the guided visits to the vinegar cellar that we offer.

After a relaxing walk through our vineyards accompanied by our knowledgeable guides, you can continue on to the vinegar cellar and participate in an exclusive tasting session, an unforgettable moment for your taste buds. The guided tours – available in several languages to allow connoisseurs from all over the world to appreciate this product in all its nuances – will allow you to enjoy a unique experience and immerse yourself in the history and long tradition of this extraordinary condiment to fully understand all the secrets of its traditional preparation. If, on the other hand, you are not from the area, don’t worry: thanks to our e-commerce, you can taste this authentic gem of the territory directly at home and experiment with different recipes. What are you waiting for? Come and visit us!