PRODUCTION PHASES
Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO is produced exclusively from musts obtained from grapes grown in the province of Modena, coming from traditional grape varieties such as Lambrusco, Trebbiano, Ancellotta, Sauvignon, and others permitted by the production regulations.
The musts may be clarified and refrigerated without freezing, and are then cooked at atmospheric pressure in open vessels over direct heat for at least 30 minutes and at a minimum temperature of 80°C.
The processing, aging, and bottling phases must take place exclusively within the province of Modena, inside the traditional “acetaie” (vinegar cellars). The cooked must undergoes alcoholic and acetic fermentation and is then subjected to a long process of:
maturation,
refinement,
aging, which must last at least 12 years according to centuries-old traditional practices.
The aging process takes place through successive transfers into small barrels of different sizes and made from woods typical of the area, such as oak, chestnut, mulberry, and juniper, each numbered and marked.