Product Description
This exceptional Italian balsamic vinegar of Modena is “invecchiato” aged a minimum 3 years in a variety of wooden casks. It is also deemed “riserva” indicating the highest quality grapes sourced exclusively from Monari Federzoni’s own estates. It is rich, full-bodied and velvety. It’s ideal for use on hot or cold dishes with assertive flavours.
To be designated a Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, it must be produced in the province of Modena, Italy, from grapes that are typical to the region: Lambrusco, Trebbiano, Ancellotta, Albana, Sangiovese, Fortana, Montuni, and it must be matured and aged in fine wood barrels registered with the consortium. Furthermore, that the consortium has sampled each product and all production facilities and processes meet the consortium’s standards.
Elsa Balsamic Vinegar is made exclusively from the grapes grown on the “Fondo Carrate” Estate: Lambrusco di Sorbara, Salamino Fortana and Ancellotta. After harvest, the grapes are crushed and cooked down before undergoing fermentation and acetic oxidation. The Elsa then undergoes maturation and ageing in a variety of oak vats and casks which impart aromas and flavour to the vinegar.
We suggest drizzling it over fresh mozzarella or aged cheese. Drizzle a few drops over a grilled steak or white fish for a true flavour sensation. It is fabulous over fresh strawberries and gelato!
about the producer
In 1912, Mrs. Elena Monari was the first person to be granted a license to sell Balsamic Vinegar of Modena from her small grocery store in the centre of Modena. Subsequently, the Monari Federzoni family was to play an important role in establishing the consortium which safeguards the standards of all products called ‘Balsamic Vinegar of Modena’ and confirms authenticity with a seal of approval on each product.
Today it is Elena’s great granddaughter Sabina Federzoni who runs the Monari Federzoni acetaia, or vinegar factory, from their base in Solara near Modena, where the company grows its own grapes on 75 hectares of vineyards and has thousands of barrels of balsamic vinegar at various stages of maturity.
Donna C (verified owner) –
In a word: glorious. This stuff goes into everything savoury in my kitchen, including ragu, bolognese, pasta dishes like carbonara and gravies. I adore it. It makes an excellent dressing and is fabulous drizzled over figs with some good quality ham and cheese. High quality and superb flavour that you cannot find in other balsamic vinegars. Every kitchen needs this flavour staple. Simply beautiful.
Saskia (verified owner) –
Best balsamic vinegar! I absolutely adore it. My whole family does. Highly recommended. Makes any fresh leave greens irresistible.