Mussini - Balsamic Vinegars

Authentic traditional balsamic vinegar is made from boiled grape must that undergoes natural fermentation and slow acetification. This is followed by a long ageing process in wooden casks. Balsamic Vinegar starts with cooking the juice of Trebbiano grapes over an open wood fire. The must cooks down, and the sugar level rises as the water evaporates and the flavour intensifies. The fermentation begins when the must is added to barrels of previously aged balsamic vinegar. The series of barrels of different sizes and woods (oak, cherry, juniper, chestnut, mulberry) is known as a "batteria." Part of each barrel’s content - but never all of it - is decanted into the next smaller barrel. For years the vinegar goes through maturation in the middle part of batteria and then enters the ageing phase in the last few barrels.

There are three main classifications of balsamic vinegar of which the Acceto Balsamico di Modena is the broadest. These are licensed producers who are permitted to use a variety of manufacturing methods and can add wine vinegar and colourants if desired. Mussini falls into this category.

	Saba (250ml)	Saba, also known as 'vin cotto', is produced by slowly cooking the juice of selected grapes (Salamino, Fortana, Trebbiano Bianco, and Lancellotta) until it attains a syrupy texture. Years ago in Italy sugar was an expensive luxury, but grapes were plentiful so Saba was used instead of sugar. This traditional specialty is used in many ways, limited only by your culinary imagination. Use as a drink when diluted with water (sparkling water is delicious!), over shaved ice (granita), over ice cream, to sweeten breads and cookies, as a condiment on beans or polenta, or added to ricotta or yogurt. Add it to your tomato sauce instead of sugar to create an exceptional sauce. Try Saba in salad dressings and marinades for extra sweetness and flavor. When fresh fruits are in season, serve sliced with a little Saba drizzled on top.
	White Balsamic Vinegar (250ml or 5ltr)	Most White Balsamics are little more than sweetened wine vinegar but here Mussini age the white wine in chestnut barrels for 4yrs. This creates a delicious sweet and sour vinegar which is perfect for salads or as a food enhancer.
	Serie 2 (250ml or 5ltr)	A good quality every day use balsamic. Aged for two years.
	Serie 7 (250ml or 5ltr)	A wonderfully presented balsamic, probably our best selling vinegar. Aged for 7 years
	Serie 9 (250ml)	A stunningly presented balsamic. Aged for 9 years.
	Serie 4 (5ltr)