NFT: Balsamic Vinegar Recommendations

...available and use Wegmans Balsamic of Modena.

Thicker consistency....... tastes more like a tart raisin flavored syrup.

but BJ’s house brand Wellesley Farms is better than most; a big bottle that lasts long and is inexpensive.

In comment 15927218 bluefin said:

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but BJ’s house brand Wellesley Farms is better than most; a big bottle that lasts long and is inexpensive.

Meant to say “It may NOT be the best…”

For a “standard” Balsamic for salad dressings and such, I use Monari Federzoni Balsamic.

For higher quality aged Balsamic, I don’t have a go to. People tend to gift me nice bottles of it, so I use what I have.

...

Shop Rite Trading Co. had a good line of products but they seem to have lost their supply. I don't see it anymore.

almost chocolately brown is what I go for, Those reddish, thin liquids that you can see through one side of the bottle to the other are a dime a dozen. The latter are cheap, the former not so much. Sorry, don't have a brand, but google 'em and they'll show. just my opinion

Is hands down the best balsamic you can buy. It comes in a variety of ages. The 30 year is pricy but well worth trying. You can order their products state side through Gustiamo in the Bronx.

From Modena. Expensive but terrific. For every day I roll w Wegmans Modena

is a treat

In comment 15927260 ColHowPepper said:

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is a treat

Yes, soccer friends from Modena told me this was a common dessert for them as kids. As for brands, I'd just make sure it's actually from Modena...

but I use Kirkland for cooking. I always boil some down to have syrup around. I've got a few pricier bottles in the cabinet, but I always forget to use them the few times I have balsamic on a salad.

the aged goodness really is good!

In comment 15927243 Victor in CT said:

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Shop Rite Trading Co. had a good line of products but they seem to have lost their supply. I don't see it anymore.

Just a shoutout, Slafani San Marzano tomatoes are excellent too.

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Link - ( New Window )

In comment 15927333 sb from NYT Forum said:

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In comment 15927243 Victor in CT said: Quote: Shop Rite Trading Co. had a good line of products but they seem to have lost their supply. I don't see it anymore. Just a shoutout, Slafani San Marzano tomatoes are excellent too.

All of their products are high quality. And it's a Norwalk company

I've been buying this for years!
Giovanni's - ( New Window )

In comment 15927399 dlauster said:

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I've been buying this for years! Giovanni's - ( New Window )

In case someone isn't reading the link carefully, that seems to be a thickened reduction, and not a regular vinegar. Probably more delicious, but not the same product

for the suggestions.

Sopranos

Kirkland is a low A grade Balsamic. If you want one of the real aged ones, I recommend the aged Balsamic from Ritrovo. I get a few things from them and they are a good source of bonafide Italian specialties imo

Bill - it is not forbidden to make recommendations of things/brands you like -- where we draw the line is linking a product for self-promotion
Ritrovo - ( New Window )

In comment 15927674 gidiefor said:

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Kirkland is a low A grade Balsamic. If you want one of the real aged ones, I recommend the aged Balsamic from Ritrovo. I get a few things from them and they are a good source of bonafide Italian specialties imo ( New Window )

Nice stuff on that link. Used to go to northern Italy once a year or so. Haven't been in a while and this makes me want to go back...

In comment 15927674 gidiefor said:

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Kirkland is a low A grade Balsamic. If you want one of the real aged ones, I recommend the aged Balsamic from Ritrovo. I get a few things from them and they are a good source of bonafide Italian specialties imo Bill - it is not forbidden to make recommendations of things/brands you like -- where we draw the line is linking a product for self-promotion Ritrovo - ( New Window )

I wasn't trying to plug Kirkland, I was just "afraid" to admit that I often use less than top of the line products :)

In comment 15927731 adamg said:

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We were supposed to go to Italy with another couple but had to cancel because of Covid. One of our stops was going to be Modena for a balsamic tour.

In comment 15927724 Bill in UT said:

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I wasn't trying to plug Kirkland, I was just "afraid" to admit that I often use less than top of the line products :)

I am shocked! Shocked to learn that there is gambling going on around here.

In comment 15927717 Del Shofner said:

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In comment 15927674 gidiefor said: Quote: Kirkland is a low A grade Balsamic. If you want one of the real aged ones, I recommend the aged Balsamic from Ritrovo. I get a few things from them and they are a good source of bonafide Italian specialties imo ( New Window ) Nice stuff on that link. Used to go to northern Italy once a year or so. Haven't been in a while and this makes me want to go back...

know what you mean Bro -- we absolutely love going to Italy

In comment 15927735 Bill in UT said:

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We were supposed to go to Italy with another couple but had to cancel because of Covid. One of our stops was going to be Modena for a balsamic tour.

From the principal Autostrada approaching Modena from the east iirc it looks like a gray, industrial, uninteresting skyline, but past that, well (:

D, C, B and A

the A gradations go from 1 - 20

D and C are "supermarket grade"

A is the finest grade - but it has so many levels and nuances. It is amazing just how different the qualities can be from step 1 to 20 in the A range. The thing is you have to know what you are looking at/tasting because the Italian Gov't only allows Balsamic Vinegar to be certified as from Modena in origin. They do not allow the different grades on the label. I have been to them and Balsamic Vinegar tastings are similar in art to wine tasting.

When you are in the upper As you are talking about $100s/ounce

The aged Ritrovos are generally a mid A range at reasonably priced value and good enough to use on Ice Cream and fruits.