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We are thrilled to announce that our Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale Di Modena DOP Leonardi – Extravecchio has been revealed as a «Coup de Coeur» and nominated for the Prize of the Jury 2020 by Monde Selection’s experts.

  While the common balsamic vinegar has become a fixture on supermarket shelves, the same cannot be said of the one and only balsamic vinegar that claims the Italian Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), namely the “Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.” To know everything about this PDO Modena specialty, visit the official website of the PDO Consortium https://www.consorziobalsamico.it/

 Concocted only with grape must derived exclusively from the red Lambrusco and white Trebbiano grape varieties, this sumptuous vinegar is aged for a minimum of 12 years, time in which it is transferred in and out of a series of casks made from different wood species. The acetic fermentation generated by these procedures does not go through an alcohol stage and contributes to an unparalleled density and flavour. As far as quality confirmation goes, only a ruthless tasting carried out by a professional panel of incorruptible jurors can ultimately earn the product the much-coveted Protected Designation of Origin.

Devoted to the production of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena since the second half of the 19th century, the Leonardi company is situated in an oasis surrounded by 10 hectares of lush vineyards that supply all of its production needs. In addition to the classic 12-year vinegar called “Affinato”, Leonardi is also known for its magnificent «Extravecchio» (extra old) version that legally implies an ageing period of at least 25 years, which in this case exceeds...30 years!

The end result is an incomparably smooth condiment that nobly balances out its inherent sweetness and acidity for a taste that borders on utter perfection. Bottled in a small 100-ml flacon as imposed by the consortium, this Italian sensation tastes just as delectable on grilled vegetables and roasted meats as it does on a sliver of aged Parmigiano Reggiano, strawberries, ice cream— or even on its own as a digestive!

 When served to the Monde Selection Jury for the very first time this year, this renowned balsamic vinegar was met with immediate acclaim and honoured with a Grand Gold Medal as well as a unanimous “coup de coeur» right from the outset, ultimately leading to its receipt of the well-deserved Prize of the Jury.

Each year, one product per category is awarded the Prize of the Jury as a token of excellence in know-how and quality. In order to qualify, the product must be unanimously selected as a “coup de coeur” by the jury members. The winner of the Prize of the Jury is then selected from a group of just 5 nominees, which makes this award an even greater honour for the recipient.