Balsamic vinegar of Modena facts for kids
Balsamic vinegar of Modena is a special kind of balsamic vinegar from Italy. It's a popular PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) food product. This means it has a special quality or fame because it comes from a certain place.
This vinegar is made using different recipes. It usually contains a mix of grape must (which is fresh grape juice) and wine vinegar. The rules allow for 20% to 90% grape must and 10% to 80% wine vinegar. Sometimes, a little bit of caramel (up to 2%) is added for color.
Unlike some other balsamic vinegars, Balsamic vinegar of Modena doesn't use a special "refilling" process. Instead, all the ingredients are mixed together. Then, they must be stored in wooden barrels for at least 60 days. If the vinegar stays in these barrels for three years or more, it gets the special label "invecchiato," which means "aged."
Balsamic vinegar of Modena officially received its PGI label on July 3, 2009. There's also something called Traditional balsamic vinegar, which is much more expensive. It has stricter rules: it must be made only from grape must and aged for at least 12 years.
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What is PGI?
PGI stands for "Protected Geographical Indication." It's a special label given by the European Union. This label helps protect the names of certain foods and drinks. It means that a product has a strong link to the place where it's made. For Balsamic vinegar of Modena, it means it comes from the Modena region of Italy. This label helps consumers know they are getting a genuine product.
How Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Got its PGI Label
When Italy asked for the PGI label for Balsamic vinegar of Modena, some other countries had concerns. Germany and Greece worried it would harm their own vinegar makers. They said "balsamic vinegar" were common words and shouldn't be protected. They wanted to keep using these words for their products.
France also disagreed. They thought people might confuse "Balsamic Vinegar of Modena" with the very old and famous "Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena." They worried this would mislead shoppers.
After three years of discussions, the European Commission finally voted. On July 3, 2009, Balsamic vinegar of Modena was added to the list of protected geographical indications. Almost everyone voted yes, except France, which chose to abstain.
Right after this protection, Greece tried to get its own "Greek balsamic vinegar" recognized. This showed how popular and valuable the balsamic vinegar market was, worth around 400 million Euros each year at that time.
Groups That Protect Balsamic Vinegar
Over the years, different groups have formed to protect and promote Balsamic vinegar of Modena.
In 1993, the Consorzio Tutela Aceto Balsamico di Modena was created. This group was started by the biggest and oldest vinegar makers. Their goal was to protect the product, make it more valuable, and share it around the world. In 1998, they changed their name to Consorzio Aceto Balsamico di Modena. They started using their special mark in 1999.
Another group, the Consorzio Filiera Aceto Balsamico di Modena, was formed in 2010. It also included some major producers.
In 2013, these two main groups decided to join forces. They became one big group called the Consorzio Tutela Aceto Balsamico di Modena. This combined group works to ensure the quality and reputation of the vinegar.
There's also the Comitato Produttori Indipendenti Aceto Balsamico di Modena. This committee worked with the other groups to ask the European Union for the PGI recognition.
Checking the Quality
An independent group is in charge of checking the quality of Balsamic vinegar of Modena. This group is chosen by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture.
Their job is to make sure that the vinegar is made exactly according to the rules. They check the entire process, from start to finish. They also test the taste, smell, and look of the vinegar before it can be sold.
Every batch of vinegar that is bottled must meet these strict rules. Only special, authorized places are allowed to bottle the vinegar. This ensures that every bottle of Balsamic vinegar of Modena is of high quality.
