Good quality balsamic vinger?

[foodfiend]

I know very little about balsamic vinegars. I bought one at the gourmet store that was on sale and was excellent, then just bought another on sale that tastes like bitter grape juice. Can anyone recommend a good balsamic vinegar that's not too expensive? I'm using it a lot to make the balsamic pork chops! Thnx.

[sneezles]

The longer it's aged the higher the price. The minimum aging is 6 years to be real balsamic and the most expensive ones are aged 25+ years.
Mazzetti is a good mid-price brand, about $15. I have a small bottle of Lorenzo dé Medici that I paid close to $30 (it's about 8.5 ounces).

[granolagirl]

Haven't tried it, but Whole Foods 365 is suppossed to be good. I just bought some from Trader Joe's, but haven't tried that one yet, so again, I can't help. I believe the Zingerman's book rates baslamic vinegars, too.

[Linda in MO]

I just use Alessi brand and it's very reasonably priced and I think it tastes good. I've never had expensive balsamic vinegar though, so I can't compare.

[granolagirl]

Here's the thread that talks about the Whole Foods vinegar: http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?threadid=12751&highlight=balsamic

[sharhamm]

I've used the Whole Foods 365. It okay for marinades, etc. but not what I would use on strawberries or anything requiring a sweeter taste. I'm not a vinegar gourmet and the most expensive I have ever bought is Fini, purchased at Williams Sonoma. It was only $10.00 for a small bottle. It was very thick, sweet, and the best vinegar I've ever had. But then again, the highest priced one I have ever purchased. Would some imput as to a higher quality, but one that doesn't break the bank.

[wallycat]

I have some Balsamico Tradicionale (sp?) that is 12+ and one that is 25+ years old. They are like syrup...wonderful, ordered from Italy and paid about $90/per bottle.

For cooking/salads and more every day use, I love the 365 brand VERY, VERY much and I also love the one from Trader Joes they sell in the square bottle...about $9-12/bottle.

Depends on what you're using it for to buy the more appropriate style and not waste lots of $$$ :)

[phantomcg]

Originally posted by wallycat
I have some Balsamico Tradicionale (sp?) that is 12+ and one that is 25+ years old. They are like syrup...wonderful, ordered from Italy and paid about $90/per bottle.

Would you mind sharing where you bought your from? If the $90 is for the 25+, it seems like a pretty good price. I became obsessed with traditional balsamic vinegar after attending the Zingerman's Klatch last year when we got to taste some. I've not yet broken down and purchased a bottle, but I know it's just a matter of time........


:D :D

Cheryl

[rosie_one]

I like the fini brand as well. I've bought it at world market for about $8 for a bottle. It lasts quite a while though as it is very potent.

[wallycat]

Originally posted by phantomcg


Would you mind sharing where you bought your from? If the $90 is for the 25+, it seems like a pretty good price. I became obsessed with traditional balsamic vinegar after attending the Zingerman's Klatch last year when we got to taste some. I've not yet broken down and purchased a bottle, but I know it's just a matter of time........


:D :D

Cheryl

If I recall, this was where we ordered it...
they are very nice to deal with.

www.balsamicvinegar.com

Under products and "tastings" and I think it was the first one...you get a bottle of 12 year and 25 year...

have fun shopping :)

[greatcook]

like rosie1-I like fini as well-both the balsamic and the oil is available at stores like Williams and Sonoma-good stuff-they also have a ton of good ones at Balducci's previously known as Sutton Place.

[aggie94]

Cheryl,

Have you actually tried any of Zing's balsamic vinegars? Sandy sent me this one for my birthday, and it's divine:

http://www.zingermans.com/Product.pasp?Category=&ProductID=V%2D20Y

I don't recall if we were able to sample it there that day. In any event, I highly recommend it.

[phantomcg]

Eva,

Yes, when we were there we sampled the "really" old one and, I think, the 8 year. I just loved the oldest one and thought the 8 year was "ok". I've not tried the 20 year yet. Right now, I'm working my way through a bottle of Villa Manodori that I picked up at a local "gourmet" supermarket. I want to say that it is a 15 year, but I'm not sure and the bottle doesn't say (it was on the box it came in). After this bottle is gone maybe I'll pick up a bottle of the 20 year from Zingerman's.

Wallycat,

Thanks for sharing that site - it looks intriguing. I'm going to have to spend some time there checking it out!

Cheryl

[gabbyh]

I like the fini brand as well. I've bought it at world market for about $8 for a bottle. It lasts quite a while though as it is very potent.

For years I have been searching for the Fini...finally found it over here on Sanibel while vacationing...very dear...$15. for a small bottle...figured I'm worth it:D

~Gail

[LakeMartinGal]

We like Newman's Own for a fairly inexpensive, but good tasting balsamic!:)

[mnboater]

I've always used Alessi with good results. However, we're on vacation in a town with an olive oil/balsamic vinegar tasting stations, so I'm hoping to find a real nice one for special recipes.