The combination of Balsamic Vinegar and Lambrusco wine heralds your arrival in the city that has set internationally recognised quality standards: Modena!
The most important thing you should know before beginning this itinerary is that Modena’s PDO Traditional Balsamic Vinegar can be defined as a cult product.
The perfect place for your initiation is at Modena’s Acetaia Comunale, a vinegar production site located on the top floor of the Town Hall. It’s home to handmade barrels made of different types of wood which give the vinegar its signature flavour.
You’ll have a chance to taste the best traditional balsamic vinegar under the expert guidance of a master taster.
A gourmet stop in the centre of Modena is also a must. You can choose between the historic Mercato Albinelli or Via del Taglio, one of the liveliest streets in the city, with historic wine bars where you can pair a good glass of Lambrusco with local specialities.
Knowledge of Modena’s Vinegar wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Balsamic Vinegar Museum in Spilamberto. Through a series of stories and ancient techniques, the tour walks you through the various production phases of Balsamic Vinegar, from vine to harvest to pressing to cooking the must, immersing you in the aromas and flavours of this unique black nectar.
Speaking of nectar, your next stop is strictly related to Modena’s wines. Lambrusco wine has recently stolen many hearts beyond Italy’s borders, making it the world’s most famous, most exported and most consumed sparkling red wine.
Four Lambrusco wines in the Modena area have earned the PDO title: Lambrusco di Modena, Lambrusco di Sorbara, Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce and Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro.
If you are a fan of this sparkling red, you must dedicate some time to visiting Castelvetro di Modena. Here vineyards sprawl across the high plains and hills of Modena at the foot of the Apennines, Monte Cimone towering in the background, crowning this exceptionally lovely countryside.
Where to drink Lambrusco? The best way is to taste it at a winery, where you can also learn about the harvesting and winemaking process.
