Balsamic Vinegar

Although all kinds of vinegar, made from red or white wine, are used in many recipes from Italy - as well as for pickling and preserving all manner of vegetables for the winter - it is really balsamic vinegar that takes centre stage. This dark, sweet vinegar comes originally from Emilia-Romagna, and in particular from Modena, where the best-quality balsamic goes by the name ‘aceto balsamico tradizionale di Modena’. It is the word ‘tradizionale’ that denotes it as being the really expensive, home-made variety. It is still made in the lofts and attics of people’s homes, where the temperatures are hottest in summer and coldest in winter, and tends to be the total responsibility of the men of the household.