Generally speaking, and with reference to the variety of products in the field of balsamic condiments, the catch-all term “balsamic vinegar” with no mention of Modena on the label, or other geographical indications, refers to a dark brown dressing with typically sweet-and-sour flavor, that is not linked to any particular place of origin or ingredients.
When the geographical denomination is not mentioned in the name of balsamic vinegar, the following variety of products may be found:
- Quality balsamic vinegar with geographical indication
- Glazes or creams made with balsamic vinegar
- Imitations and counterfeits of authentic balsamic vinegar
The above three options are described in the following paragraphs along with some aspects that clarify the extent to which not mentioning Modena on the label defines for better or worse, the quality of balsamic vinegar.
Quality balsamic vinegar with geographical indication
The search for balsamic vinegar without geographical indication often leads to a balsamic vinegar with geographical indication, otherwise called Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI. This is because this type of balsamic vinegar with a Protected Geographical Identification is extremely widespread and well-known throughout the world and is often simply referred to as balsamic vinegar with no mention of Modena on the label. Sometimes, the use of “balsamic vinegar” without a geographical indication may reveal a lack of knowledge and ability to distinguish an authentic balsamic from a counterfeit one.
How can you tell if balsamic vinegar is real?
As reported in this section on Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, quality balsamic vinegar with Protected Geographical Identification is healthy and safe because it complies with production specification. According to these rules, the cultivation and harvesting of grapes for the must and the whole process of balsamic vinegar take place only in the Italian cities of Modena and Reggio Emilia, thus increasing the level of control and traceability of raw material.
To help consumers spot an authentic Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, the packaging and the label of balsamic vinegar should always include production details and nutritional data, in compliance with the rules set out in the product specification, namely:
- The full name “Balsamic Vinegar of Modena” must be combined with the words Protected Geographical Indication, written in full or abbreviated (PGI), in Italian and/or the language of the country of destination. Therefore, when referring to “balsamic vinegar,” one should always check the original PGI, or PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) seal is also on the package, as mentioned in this section on Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.
- The name “Balsamic Vinegar of Modena” cannot be followed by other qualifying adjectives (including extra, fine, chosen, selected, reserve, superior, classic or similar), nor by numbers referring, for example, to years of aging.
- The only additional word that may possibly follow the name of balsamic is “aged” (invecchiato, in Italian), but only if it has been aged for no less than 3 years in barrels, casks or other wooden containers.
With these tips in mind, even if you are searching for balsamic vinegar with no mention of Modena on the label, you are still likely to pick a genuine, quality product.
Condiments made with balsamic vinegar
The balsamic vinegar market has recently opened its doors to innovative and modern balsamic vinegar-based seasonings made by balsamic vinegar producers. This new variety of products allows for diversification, but it also causes some chaos in the concept of authentic balsamic vinegar. Very often, in fact, when looking for balsamic vinegar without geographic identification, one may come across a balsamic vinegar glaze or cream, which is not the same thing as Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI.
As reported in this section on balsamic glazes, the variety of products that include balsamic glazes, creams or syrups are made with only a small percentage of balsamic vinegar, blended with glucose or fructose syrup and cornstarch. Because their processing method is not bound by the PGI production specification, balsamic glazes do not undergo any finishing or aging period, so they are immediately ready for use. Also, they can be produced, packaged and labeled in Italy and any other country in the world.
Unlike balsamic vinegar, balsamic glaze has a velvety, thick consistency and is usually packaged in convenient, squeezable bottles for easy garnishing of food. Since it is not included in any protected geographical identification, the PGI stamp cannot be on the packaging of balsamic glaze.
Compared to Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, balsamic glaze or cream has a much more immediate, sweet and enveloping taste and is sometimes flavored with hints of strawberry, truffle, figs or raspberries.
Imitations and counterfeits of balsamic vinegar
The third, undesirable option for those who purchase balsamic vinegar with no mention of Modena, concerns counterfeits or imitations, industrially produced to copy the flavor and texture of balsamic, at a fraction of the price.
While the growth of the balsamic vinegar market has allowed Italian producers to carve out a larger space on international markets, it has also increased the amount of counterfeits and imitations of original balsamic vinegar. As a result, shoppers are confused by the fuzzy names of self-styled balsamic condiments and end up buying fake products.
Counterfeiting and low quality
Counterfeit balsamic vinegar usually involves two main aspects:
- The quality of counterfeit vinegar, which is lower as it comes from ingredients and production processes that are not protected by any official specification.
- The product name and packaging, which sound like the original ones and are intended to mislead consumers.
On the label of some counterfeit balsamic vinegar, only the generic name “balsamic vinegar” and the number of years of aging, such as 25 or 50 years, are shown (remember thou that when it comes to authentic balsamic vinegar, the years of aging cannot be made explicit). Since production is not bound to any official quality and traceability specifications, it is not possible to know if balsamic is healthy, tasty and aged. Fake balsamic vinegars claim to be produced in Italy, but in reality their ingredients come from anywhere in the world, as evidenced by the unclear label and cheap price.
Another important aspect concerns how the product called “balsamic vinegar” is sought after by consumers. According to major marketplaces, searching online for the Italian name “aceto balsamico” leads to higher quality items, while the corresponding English search for “balsamic vinegar” leads to poorer quality or counterfeit products.
This article on how to choose the best balsamic vinegar might be helpful in improving your shopping experience.