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Home » Gourmet Food » Top 17 Best Balsamic Vinegar Reviews In 2020

Top 17 Best Balsamic Vinegar Reviews In 2020

By Wylie Dufresne // Last Updated May 20, 2020 , 3:05 pm (UTC)

Balsamic vinegar used to be a favorite secret of many worldwide chefs to develop the complex flavors and fragrance of their recipes. But now, it’s getting more and more popular, and not hard to find at any grocery store.

However, not everyone understands that balsamic vinegar tastes differently from brand to brand. And this directly affects how delicious your dishes.

Don’t worry, I’ve compiled these 17 best balsamic vinegar that lots of expert tasters, chefs, and cooking enthusiasts always have on hand in their cupboard. Read on!

See also:

  • Top 15 Best French Fry Cutters Reviews In 2020
  • Top 20 Best Vegetable Chopper Reviews In 2020
  • Top 17 Best Meat Slicers Reviews in 2020
  • Top 20 Best Coconut Water Reviews In 2020

Contents

  • Top 17 Best Balsamic Vinegar Reviews In 2020
    • MiaBella Balsamic Vinegar
    • Guiseppe Giusti Balsamic Vinegar
    • Ellora Farms Pure Balsamic Vinegar
    • QO Organic Balsamic Vinegar
    • Oliviers & Co Balsamic Vinegar
    • Due Vittorie Balsamic Vinegar
    • Emilia Food Love Balsamic Vinegar
    • The Balsamic Guy Balsamic Vinegar
    • B.R. Cohn 15 Year Balsamic Vinegar
    • Sparrow Lane Blackberry Balsamic Vinegar
    • San Giamoco Aged Balsamic Vinegar
    • Traditional Balsamic Vinegar
    • San Giacomo Balsamic Vinegar
    • Acetaia Leonardi Sigillo Argento Balsamic Vinegar
    • Bodley Head Balsamic Vinegar
    • Nobili Sapori IGP Balsamic Vinegar
    • Emilia Balsamic Vinegar
  • The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Balsamic Vinegar In 2020
    • Types
    • Volume & Price
    • Lid
  • FAQs
    • How can you tell good quality balsamic vinegar?
    • Where does the best balsamic vinegar come from?
    • Which Italian town makes the best balsamic vinegar?
    • Does balsamic vinegar of Modena need to be refrigerated?
    • Does balsamic vinegar get better with age?
    • Do you need to refrigerate balsamic glaze?
    • Does balsamic vinegar dressing go bad?
  • Conclusion

Top 17 Best Balsamic Vinegar Reviews In 2020

MiaBella Balsamic Vinegar

MiaBella Balsamic Vinegar

Read Full Reviews At Amazon!

For the price and quality, I find the MiaBella Balsamic Vinegar is a shining contender for people who are new to the spice.

It is a product of Italy, protected by the Modena Region, and made virtually with grape must. It is organic agriculture certified with no preservatives, flavors, or caramels added, and has been left for 18 years to age in oak and juniper barrels.

The most important thing is its natural acidic rate is just 4.5%, which is fine for beginners or who originally don’t like the sour taste of vinegar.

This one is sweet with melodious tartness and complex flavors.

Besides, the price is relatively reasonable for an 8.5-ounce traditionally-made balsamic vinegar bottle, making it the best pick at any whole food store.

Pros

  • Easy to try – 4.5% natural acidity levels
  • Smooth, thick with complex, intense flavors – made of 100% grape must and stored in Juniper and Oak barrels for 18 years
  • Safe and reliable – no added additives, caramels, or flavors & protected by the Modena Region

Cons

  • A bit hard to drizzle because of the honey-like texture

Product Specs

Size8.5 ounces
Ingredients100% Trebbiano grape must
Aging period18 years
Barrelsoak and juniper
Highlight Features4.5% natural acidity levels; made of 100% grape must and stored in Juniper and Oak barrels for 18 years; no added additives, caramels, or flavors & protected by the Modena Region

Guiseppe Giusti Balsamic Vinegar

Guiseppe Giusti Italian Balsamic Wine Vinegar

Read Full Reviews At Amazon!

The Guiseppe Giusti is a genuine balsamic vinegar that’s produced using the Italian traditional manufacturing method, with no chemicals, caramel, thickeners, colorants, and additives added.

It contains only wine vinegar and grape must. The thick texture results from a long aging period of 12 years in various types of wood for different steps of the process, all meet the DOP accreditation (Denominazione di Origine Protetta).

So, no strange when its flavor is fantastic, highlighting complex, aromatic, and acidic undertones with a glossy velvety smooth texture and deep brown color.

It somehow brings notes of vanilla, honey, red fruit, and plum jam, which is a great pairing with fresh pasta, like fresh fruit, soft cheese, beef, or ravioli.

This is a qualified commercial-like imitation of the authentic traditional product and priced at a more affordable range to be ideal for daily cooking. In general, it has better versatility in the kitchen.

Pros

  • Reliable and trustful – made by the world’s longest-running balsamic vinegar manufacturer, founded in 1605
  • Meet the DOP accreditation (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) but priced affordably
  • Deliver incredibly complex, aromatic, and acidic undertones – using the traditional producing method, aged for 12 years in various types of wood for different steps of the process

Cons

  • Some customers say it’s sweeter than other balsamic vinegar
  • A bit runny

Product Specs

Size8.45 fl.oz. (250ml)
Ingredientsthe must of cooked sundried grapes and aged wine vinegar
Aging period12
Barrelsdifferent types of wood for different steps of the process
Highlight FeaturesMeet the DOP accreditation (Denominazione di Origine Protetta); use the traditional balsamic producing method, aged for 12 years

Ellora Farms Pure Balsamic Vinegar

Ellora Farms Pure Balsamic Vinegar

Read Full Reviews At Amazon!

I bet you can’t believe this fancy balsamic vinegar is only under $18 of price, which is also the cheapest option here.

While it is super-perfect for budget-minded beginners, the quality is very fine.

Of course, at such insane affordability, this is an imitation of the traditional product but I really appreciate the fact that it’s made 100% from grape must with no sweeteners or colorings added.

And the aging period is conducted in wooden barrels, not the metal to deliver deep brown color with complex flavors.

Another big bonus is the heavy high-grade glass bottle with a spray nozzle, which makes it easier to use whenever you want to add it to your dishes. No more the soggy foods because you don’t have to ladle or pour the liquids. Just misted, sprayed, or spritzed.

Pros

  • Easy to use & avoid soggy foods – feature a spray nozzle
  • Extremely affordable with no compromises of quality – made 100% from grape must with no sweeteners or colorings added
  • Fancy design, ideal as a gift

Cons

  • The bottle is made of glass, which is prone to break
  • It can’t be refilled

Product Specs

Size3.38 Oz
Ingredients100% Grape must
Aging periodsix months
Barrelsoak
Highlight Features2 packs & price under $18, feature a spray nozzle, 100% natural product with no added colorings or sweeteners, wooden barrels

QO Organic Balsamic Vinegar

QO Organic Thick Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

Read Full Reviews At Amazon!

Another worth-trying balsamic vinegar manufacturer is QO.

They not just produce traditional-styled balsamic vinegar but also release the traditional-styled organic, as well as 3 infusions – raspberry, hot chili, and citrus. Lots of cooking enthusiasts highly recommend this brand although it’s just an imitation of the authentic.

This 250ml premium barrel-aged balsamic vinegar is certified by CCPB S.R.L. Italy. USDA Certified Organic, made of 100% organic concentrated cooked grape must with no caramel or sugar added.

It’s all-natural, refined in wooden barrels, and made in small batches to ensure the best quality in each bottle. That’s why I believe it can impress and satisfy the most curious and discerning of palates. Particularly, with 4% acidity, it is also ideal for beginners.

Pros

  • High-quality and trustworthy – organic certified by CCPB S.R.L. Italy. USDA Certified Organic
  • Various options to choose from – available in the traditional-styled and traditional-styled organic with 3 infusions
  • Ideal for beginners – 4% acidity

Cons

  • The lid doesn’t fit well

Product Specs

Size8.5 fl.oz
Aging period2 years
IngredientsOrganic concentrated cooked grape must, Organic aged vinegar
Barrelswooden
Highlight Featuresorganic certified by CCPB S.R.L. Italy. USDA certified Organic; available in the traditional-styled and traditional-styled organic with 3 infusions; 4% acidity

Oliviers & Co Balsamic Vinegar

Oliviers & Co Premium Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

Read Full Reviews At Amazon!

Oliviers And Co are where tradition and quality meet.

The vinegar has been developed due to exclusive recipes that the brand has been in partnership with numerous experts and master chefs. Currently, it presents 4 variations: The classic, the premium organic, the premium, and the gold balsamic vinegar.

This one is the premium – #1 bestseller year after year of Oliviers & Co, made from a long-aging process of Trebbiano grape in rare wooden barrels.

It gives extraordinarily beautiful dark colors and honey-like consistency texture. It only takes a few drops of the vinegar to be extremely flavorful so for the price and volume, it bangs for bucks.

If you prefer some technical information, it is Certified PGI and the 4-Leaf Grade System.

Pros

  • Deliver unique flavors – developed based on exclusive recipes
  • Reliable and high-quality – Certified PGI and the 4-Leaf Grade System
  • #1 bestseller year after year of Oliviers & Co
  • Don’t have sweet acidic after taste

Cons

  • The sprout is a bit tricky to remove, not ideal when you are in a hurry
  • High acidic, 6% – not ideal for beginners

Product Specs

Size8.5 fl oz
IngredientsCooked grape must, wine vinegar. Contains: sulfites
Barrelsoak, juniper, cherry, blackberry and chestnut trees
Highlight FeaturesCertified PGI and the 4-Leaf Grade System; developed based on exclusive recipes; 100% natural, without coloring, preservative or artificial flavors.

Due Vittorie Balsamic Vinegar

Due Vittorie Oro Gold Balsamic Vinegar

Read Full Reviews At Amazon!

Bring Italian balsamic vinegar flavors to your home with the Due Vittorie Oro Gold Balsamic Vinegar.

It has been voted on MasterChef for 3 seasons as one of the best balsamic vinegar for pro chefs, with years globally trusted by chef Gordon Ramsay whose restaurants have been awarded a totally of 16 Michelin stars.

The product is made entirely from a balsamic reduction of pressed Lambrusco and Trebbiano grapes, in Modena.

Before bottling, it is rigorously tested to ensure compliance with the current regulations in force as well as delivering only the best quality.

The natural acidity level of 4.5% is standard and reasonable to try, even for people who are new to balsamic. Once swallowed, it leaves an aftertaste of wild black cherry with fulfilling of sensorial perceptions and aroma. In addition, it delivers a nice smooth texture than other counterparts.

Pros

  • Famous, well-loved by many world’s professional chefs and big restaurants
  • Features on MasterChef for three seasons
  • Convenient & easy to use – including a free Cork Pourer

Cons

  • Not pure grape must. It still includes wine vinegar

Product Specs

Size500ml
IngredientsCooked grape must and wine vinegar.
Aging period12 years
BarrelsOak and Juniper
Highlight Featuresinclude a free Cork Pourer; Features on MasterChef for three seasons; used in the best restaurants in Italy

Emilia Food Love Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic Vinegar by Emilia Food Love

Read Full Reviews At Amazon!

The Balsamic Vinegar by Emilia Food Love is a great option to sublimate your culinary experience.

It is made from cooked grape must of Emilia Romagna vineyards and wine vinegar. The ingredients are 100% natural with no additional ingredients, artificial flavors, dyes, caramel color, or sugar added.

Particularly, no thickeners.

Its density level of 1.3 is the result of 4 years guarded in wooden barrels before bottling. This aging process also makes the vinegar more delicate in flavors compared to the basic balsamic vinegar of Modena without being too musty or thick.

It tastes not too acidic, a little smoky, and slightly bitter-sweet that explodes in the mouth seems really aged.

The product is genuinely Italian and a few drops on an arugula salad or fresh mozzarella would make you want to linger over it.

Pros

  • Safe and genuine – no additional ingredients, artificial flavors, dyes, caramel color, or sugar added
  • Deliver delicate flavors with highly natural density without being too musty or thick

Cons

  • A bit pricey

Product Specs

Size8.8 ounces
IngredientsCooked grape must – wine vinegar (contains Sulfites)
Aging period4 years
Barrelswooden
Highlight Features more delicate taste compared to the standard balsamic vinegar of Modena; Density 1,3 – Acidity 6%

The Balsamic Guy Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic Vinegar of Modena by The Balsamic Guy

Read Full Reviews At Amazon!

Get the taste of authentic traditional Italian flavors with the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena by The Balsamic Guy.

Known as extra Vecchio – the older version of traditional balsamic vinegar – which has been aged for AT LEAST 25 years before being unleashed. That’s why it earns the highest scoring of mine for the flavors, aroma, and texture.

This 100ml bottle is also the sole type guaranteed by the consortium of traditional balsamic vinegar producers in Modena and labeled Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena.

Made with pride, it is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee which will give you a full refund with no excuses if you feel unsatisfied with either the quality or taste. The unique, beautiful packaging is also great to be a perfect gift for any occasion.

Pros

  • Aged at least a minimum of 25 years
  • Bottled in a 100ml unique bottle
  • Labeled Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena
  • Backed by a satisfaction guarantee

Cons

  • Very expensive

Product Specs

Size6.1 ounces
IngredientsCooked Grape Must
Aging period25 years
Barrelswood
Highlight FeaturesBottled in a 100ml unique bottle; Aged at least a minimum of 25 years; Sold in an exclusive bottle

B.R. Cohn 15 Year Balsamic Vinegar

B.R. Cohn 15 Year Modena Balsamic Vinegar

Read Full Reviews At Amazon!

For a sweet-tasting but still have a bit of tang to the finish, the B.R. Cohn 15 Year Modena Balsamic Vinegar will never let you down.

It is normally made of Trebbiano grape simmered in copper pots and then, aged for a minimum of 15 years in small wooden barrels.

What sets it apart from other commercial-grade balsamic vinegar is the intensified wood essence and deep brown color, all thanks to the diverse wood types of barrels used during the aging process. They comprise of juniper, chestnut, mulberry, cherry, and oak.

During this production, no colorings, thickeners, preservatives, caramels, or sugar added, allowing you to taste the millennium-old tradition balsamic vinegar at the most affordable price point.

Pros

  • Deliver intensified wood essence – the vinegar is aged in small oak, cherry, mulberry, chestnut, and juniper barrels
  • Deep brown color – the aging process is a minimum of 15 years

Cons

  • Not thick

Product Specs

Size200ml
IngredientsTrebbiano grape
Aging period15 years
Barrelsoak, cherry, mulberry, chestnut, and juniper
Highlight Featuresaged for 15 years; small oak, cherry, mulberry, chestnut, and juniper barrels

Sparrow Lane Blackberry Balsamic Vinegar

Sparrow Lane Blackberry Balsamic Vinegar

Read Full Reviews At Amazon!

One of the more inexpensive balsamic vinegar in the market that you can trust on its quality – the Sparrow Lane Blackberry Balsamic Vinegar.

It is made naturally from the local blackberries and aged in oak barrels with no sugar, colorings, and preservatives added during the process. According to many expert tasters, the vinegar gives a great balance in acidity and flavor.

It’s considered a very bright candidate to make sauces, and salad dressing.

Particularly when cooking beef, it is like a touch of magic to enhance the dish’s flavors and fragrance, making it more tasteful and delicious.

Pros

  • Made in the USA, it ensures the quality
  • Create a tasteful and easy vinaigrette
  • Gives a great balance in acidity and flavor

Cons

  • Too small
  • Not really thick

Product Specs

Size3.37 fl oz
Ingredientslocal blackberries
Barrelsoak
Highlight FeaturesFrom the USA, by Sparrow Lane; made with local blackberries

San Giamoco Aged Balsamic Vinegar

San Giamoco Aged Balsamic Vinegar Tradizionale from Reggio Emilia

Read Full Reviews At Amazon!

If you are looking for a reliable manufacturer for authentic balsamic vinegar, San Giamoco is my top recommendation.

It is one of the most famous brands in Italy, specializing in not just authentic traditional balsamic vinegar but also oils, spices, baking products, Wagyu staks, truffles, and more.

This product is one of their bestsellers with an emphasis on rich, harmonious fragrances and uniquely complex flavors. Speaking of the tasting, it would be less bitter than sweet, which is easy to use, especially for beginners.

A special thing about the aging process of San Giamoco’s vinegar is instead of using 5 different types of wooden barrels, it is up to seven, including acacia, mulberry, cherry, juniper, chestnut, and oak.

My guess is, such distinctive wood infusions help enrich the texture and flavor of the vinegar to extreme.

Pros

  • Easy to eat – the tasting is more sweetness than bitterness
  • The flavors and texture are extremely enriched – The aging process is in 7 different types of barrel

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Too small

Product Specs

Size 3.4 fl oz
IngredientsGrape must
Aging periodat least 25 years.
Barrelsoak, chestnut, juniper, cherry, mulberry, and acacia
Highlight FeaturesFrom Italy, by San Giacomo; using 7 barrels – oak, chestnut, juniper, cherry, mulberry, and acacia.

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Demetria Extra Vecchio

Read Full Reviews At Amazon!

This balsamic vinegar is a premium-quality model which has been made from the finest grape must and aged for at least 25 years in a series of casks of different woods.

They include chestnut, cherry, mulberry, ash, juniper, and oak. The combination of two elements sublimates the nuances and complex characteristics of the balsamic vinegar, forming its distinct flavors.

It is produced by Tradizionale Balsamic Vinegar. Extra Vecchio, a reputable, trustworthy Italian brand from Modena in Emilia Romagna.

To guarantee the true quality of tradition, the whole process is overseen by two consortiums under the awards, bottle shape, the local varieties of grapes, and standards for their respective fine vinegar. Every single bottle of balsamic vinegar meets the DOP standards, under the direction of the European Union.

One thing to note: The brand has updated the packaging of this product to the top quality. If you’ve used the Cavalli Gold Seal before, don’t worry, this is it, not fake.

Pros

  • Top-notch quality – the aging process is at least 25 years in 7 different wooden barrels, overseen under the standards and bottle shape
  • Beautifully packaged to be a gift
  • Meets the DOP standards, under the direction of the European Union
  • Before bottled, it is evaluated by a committee of certified tasters

Cons

  • Pricey

Product Specs

Size100 ml
Ingredientsthe local varieties of grapes
Aging periodMinimum of 25 years
Barrelsoak, juniper, ash, mulberry, cherry, and chestnut.
Highlight FeaturesCoveted Gold Cap, 100 ml; Minimum of 25 years; certified DOP, under the direction of the European Union

San Giacomo Balsamic Vinegar

San Giacomo Balsamic Vinegar

Read Full Reviews At Amazon!

Priced under $30, this balsamic vinegar is perfect for everyday cooking.

It is produced from organic grape must which are carefully picked and stored in 7 wooden barrels for aging from 8 to 12 years.

The manufacturing process is conducted under strict supervision to ensure the users can get the best quality vinegar with a great balance of sweetness and bitterness.

Unlike standard balsamic vinegar, this San Giacomo goes well with meat, fish dishes to enhance a unique Italian taste.

Pros

  • Affordable and ideal for daily cooking
  • Go well with most dishes and recipes to enhance a distinctly Italian taste
  • Aged in 7 different wooden barrels within 8-12 years

Cons

  • Some customers reviewed that its texture wasn’t as thick as other balsamic vinegar
  • The lid doesn’t fit well

Product Specs

Size6.8 fl oz
Ingredients cooked and acetified organic grape must; contains sulfites.
Aging period8-12 Year
Barrelsoak, chestnut, juniper, cherry, mulberry, and acacia
Highlight FeaturesAged in 7 different wooden barrels within 8-12 years; Affordable

Acetaia Leonardi Sigillo Argento Balsamic Vinegar

Acetaia Leonardi Sigillo Argento Balsamic Vinegar

Read Full Reviews At Amazon!

The Acetaia Leonardi Sigillo Argento Balsamic Vinegar has a perfect amount of thickness with a tart, sweet taste. During my personal tasting, it does have a bit of bitter, but with balance, so beginners could rest the heart to give it a try.

After being paired with an olive-studded baguette, it also received lots of “mmms” of my family members. My parents described it as a magical touch to the beef recipe with a fantastic balance of flavors and tastes.

It is one of the most flexible and versatile mid-price balsamic vinegar I tried.

Overall, I love everything about it, including the price.

Pros

  • Give a perfect amount of thickness with a tart, sweet taste
  • A balance between the bitterness and sweetness for ease of using

Cons

  • Too little information on Amazon

Product Specs

Size8.40 oz
IngredientsGrape must
Barrelswood
Highlight FeaturesGive a perfect amount of thickness with a tart, sweet taste; Balance between the bitterness and sweetness

Bodley Head Balsamic Vinegar

Bodley Head Villa Manodori Balsamic Vinegar

Read Full Reviews At Amazon!

The Bodley Head Villa Manodori Balsamic Vinegar is made in limited quantities by Massimo Bottura – one of the most reputable Italian chefs at Osteria Francescana in Modena.

It is handcrafted from the finest Trebbiano grapes and carefully aged in a series of 3 different wooden barrels of juniper, chestnut, and oak. This is key to make wood and grape essence intermingle, creating nice vinegar texture – dark in color with ideal thickness characteristics and rich aroma.

It gives you a true balsamico flavor that can pair perfectly with poultry, pork, or steak. Or, you can toss it with salad greens and oil, drizzle over risotto, or add to a pasta sauce.

Pros

  • Trustworthy, quality, and reliable – made by a famous Italian chef at Osteria Francescana in Modena
  • Deliver beautifully dark in color with ideal thickness characteristics and rich aroma

Cons

  • A bit expensive
  • Wish there was more information on Amazon

Product Specs

Size8.5 fl. oz.
IngredientsTrebbiano grapes
Barrelsoak, chestnut, and juniper
Highlight FeaturesMade in Italy; Carefully staged aging in a series of oak, chestnut and juniper barrels; Handcrafted from Trebbiano grapes using traditional artisanal methods.

Nobili Sapori IGP Balsamic Vinegar

Nobili Sapori IGP Balsamic Vinegar

The Nobili Sapori IGP Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is produced by La Vecchia Dispensa – an Italian manufacturer with years of expertise in the industry.

It features 250ml of volume with 6% of the acidic level.

The ingredients comprise of wine vinegar and grape must that is carefully picked and cooked in copper pots. From my experience, it has intense notes of the cooked must with a fruity taste that is well balanced between the sourness and sweetness.

Such outstanding flavors make it ideal for salads and fresh vegetables. With a few drops of this vinegar, it can sublimate your favorite hot dishes. Overall, this is the best supermarket balsamic vinegar out there.

Pros

  • High acidic level, giving a better balance between sweet and sour taste
  • Versatile and perfect to match with salads and fresh vegetables
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Might be not ideal for beginners

Product Specs

Size250 ML
Ingredientscooked grape must, wine vinegar.
Barrelswood
Highlight Features250ml of volume with 6% of acidic level; wine vinegar and grape must

Emilia Balsamic Vinegar

Emilia Balsamic Vinegar

Last but not least – the Emilia Balsamic Vinegar whose labels are letter-pressed by Emilia herself. For those who don’t know, the brand is named after George’s daughter – Emily.

Each bottle of balsamic vinegar is produced with the highest meticulousness from choosing the ingredients to aging, under strict examination to make only the top-notch products. What makes this outstanding is the incredibly sweet flavors with perfectly tart, mellow, complex, and rich characteristics.

While being made in a traditional style, it is cleverly reduced the must to go directly from juice to vinegar. This helps the brand gain lots of positive reviews from the world’s chefs who have sampled it.

For sure, just some drops can sublimate everything – from ice cream to steak.

Pros

  • Give incredibly sweet flavors with perfectly tart, mellow, complex, and rich characteristics
  • Reduce the must and go straight from juice to vinegar
  • Have received lots of positive feedback from famous chefs

Cons

  • A bit expensive
  • A bit sweeter than other balsamic vinegar

Product Specs

IngredientsGrape must
BarrelsWood
Highlight FeaturesReduce the must and go straight from juice to vinegar;

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Balsamic Vinegar In 2020

Types

The MiaBella Balsamic Vinegar
The MiaBella Balsamic Vinegar

There are currently two main types of balsamic vinegar:

  • Authentic balsamic vinegar
  • The imitation of the authentic

 Authentic balsamic vinegar

Made 100% from grapes grown in the Modena and Emilian-Romagna regions of Italy and must be fermented for at least 12 years in different wooden barrels before bottling.

The longer the aging period (can be more than 150 years), the better the taste and flavor.

But it will be equivalent to the higher price so it’s usually used in fancy restaurants, pro chefs, or on important occasions.

Price range: $150 or higher

Imitation of the authentic

The Guiseppe Giusti Italian Balsamic Wine Vinegar
The Guiseppe Giusti Italian Balsamic Wine Vinegar

Made of varieties of local grapes combining with wine vinegar and aged in a shorter period – usually within 6 months to 4 years – before bottling. The barrels are either metal or wood.

This results in waterier texture and less complex flavors.

This type is commonly more inexpensive than the authentic but still good enough to sublimate dishes. It’s more flexible and versatile, which is ideal for daily cooking.

Price range: $10 to $80

When it comes to choosing the best balsamic vinegar, determining the type is the top priority. Your budget and purpose of use are the two biggest features affecting this step.

It’s not bad to go for the imitation, if not saying that there are many world’s famous manufacturers specializing in this type of balsamic vinegar.

So if your major need is something with complex, character flavors to boots your dishes and your budget is tight, an imitation product is ideal.

How to know that I buy a good imitation balsamic vinegar?

The Ellora Farms Pure Balsamic Vinegar
The Ellora Farms Pure Balsamic Vinegar

Here are some clear signals to help you distinguish between good imitation balsamic vinegar and the poor-quality:

It is usually labeled as Aceto Balsamico di Modena (Balsamic Vinegar of Modena)

No sugar, caramel, or coloring added during the aging process

Contain no cornflour, guar gum, additives, chemicals, and things like that

Meet DOP standards

Bonus: While most cheap balsamic vinegar is made from wine vinegar and grapes, there are still some brands only use 100% organic, natural grape must for their products without compromising the price.

For example:

  • MiaBella Balsamic Vinegar
  • Ellora Farms Pure Balsamic Vinegar
  • Sparrow Lane Blackberry Balsamic Vinegar

How to choose highly value authentic balsamic vinegar?

The QO Organic Thick Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
The QO Organic Thick Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

First off, it must be labelled as Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Emilia (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Reggio Emilia) or Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena).

This indication lets you know that the product has been manufactured using the traditional Italian methods with a specially-shaped bottle and is accepted by the Italian consortium (DOC standards).

Another thing to keep in mind is the seal of guarantee.

Above all, I highly recommend buying from reliable, reputable brands/manufacturers. For example, San Giamoco, The Balsamic Guy, and QO.

Volume & Price

The measuring unit of volume of a balsamic vinegar bottle is various – either fluid ounces (fl. oz.) or milliliter (ml).

So, if you intend to make a price comparison between various products, remember to unify their measuring unit and calculate the $/fluid ounce or $/ml.

For example, between the bottle A – 8.5 fl. oz., $20 and the bottle B – 15 fl. oz., $25, to know which is cheaper, you should make some calculations to know the $/fl. oz. of each bottle. Accordingly, it is:

  • Bottle A – $2.4/fl. oz.
  • Bottle B – $1.6/fl. oz.

So, B is cheaper.

Lid

The Oliviers & Co Premium Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
The Oliviers & Co Premium Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

While many people often ignore this feature, it will make or break your cooking experience.

Why?

Just imagine: How do you feel if the lid of your balsamic vinegar bottle doesn’t fit well and it often leaks? Or, it usually makes your food soggy as the nozzle is hard to control?

When considering the lid, you should keep in mind three things:

  • Does it fit well?
  • Do you need a spray nozzle or not?
  • Can the bottle refill?

FAQs

How can you tell good quality balsamic vinegar?

The Due Vittorie Oro Gold Balsamic Vinegar
The Due Vittorie Oro Gold Balsamic Vinegar

Look for these indicators whenever you have to determine which balsamic vinegar to buy:

  • If it’s authentic, the label should be Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Emilia (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Reggio Emilia) or Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena)
  • Labeled as Aceto Balsamico di Modena (Balsamic Vinegar of Modena) if it’s an imitation of the authentic
  • Meet DOP or other reputable standards

Where does the best balsamic vinegar come from?

Italy.

Which Italian town makes the best balsamic vinegar?

Modena and Emilian-Romagna regions

Does balsamic vinegar of Modena need to be refrigerated?

The B.R. Cohn 15 Year Modena Balsamic Vinegar
The B.R. Cohn 15 Year Modena Balsamic Vinegar

No, it doesn’t.

Once the bottle is opened for the first time, you just need to close it tightly after each use. Balsamic vinegar can be stored at room temperature.

Does balsamic vinegar get better with age?

Yes, it does, as long as it is properly stored.

Do you need to refrigerate balsamic glaze?

No, you don’t.

It’s because the balsamic glaze is basically a reduction of balsamic vinegar.

Does balsamic vinegar dressing go bad?

The San Giacomo Balsamic Vinegar
The San Giacomo Balsamic Vinegar

No, it doesn’t – as long as the vinegar is properly stored and taken good care off.

Conclusion

I trust that my recommendations and references are sound and well-researched.

In addition, the golden tips and suggestions from over 20 cooking enthusiasts, chefs, and expert tasters I consulted from make this post highly valuable.

I hope my hard work helps your cooking experience much better.

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