18 Year Aged Traditional Dark Balsamic Vinegar

One of our top-selling balsamic vinegars, and the bottle most serious cooks reach for first. A premium aged balsamic from Modena, Italy, finished and hand-bottled in our Charleston shop.

Smooth, rich, and complex. Eighteen years in wooden barrels has softened every sharp edge and concentrated the flavor into something silky and slightly syrupy. Sweet enough to finish strawberries and dark chocolate, complex enough to glaze a steak, balanced enough to dress a simple bowl of greens.

About the production: Our artisan-quality balsamic vinegar of Modena is made using a 100-year-old family recipe. The process begins with the careful selection of Lambrusco and Trebbiano grapes grown in the Modena region. The grapes are pressed and the resulting juice, called "must," is heated in copper cauldrons until the volume is reduced by about 40%. The liquid is then decanted into wooden barrels — chestnut, oak, juniper, and cherry — and left to age and transform into vinegar. Over eighteen years, the liquid slowly evaporates and is absorbed into the wood, picking up depth and character from each barrel. The result is a balsamic vinegar with the smoothness and complexity that only real time can produce.

Perfect for:

• Drizzling over aged cheeses (parmesan, manchego, blue cheese)
• Finishing salads with extra virgin olive oil — the classic Italian pairing
• Glazing salmon, steak, pork tenderloin, and lamb
• Topping fresh strawberries, peaches, and vanilla ice cream
• Dipping warm crusty bread with extra virgin olive oil
• Reducing into a syrup for caprese, bruschetta, or roasted vegetables
• Pairing with cured meats and charcuterie boards

Pairs beautifully with:

• Lowcountry Herb Infused Olive Oil — our top-selling oil for bread dipping and salads
• Rosemary Garlic Infused Olive Oil — warm and savory for meat and roasted vegetables
• Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil — the classic Italian pairing for antipasto and caprese
• Any of our varietal extra virgin olive oils for a pure, traditional Italian dressing

Great as a gift for:

• Serious home cooks and foodies who appreciate the real thing
• Wine lovers, who understand the value of aging and time
• Hostess gifts, housewarmings, and dinner-party hosts
• Wedding favors and bridal shower gifts — the 2oz size is a Charleston favorite for welcome bags and place settings
• Corporate gifts and client appreciation — this is a premium product that doesn't need explanation. Pair with our 2 Bottle Gift Basket or Best of the Lowcountry Gift Box for a polished presentation
• Father's Day, retirement gifts, and milestone occasions

Size: 375ml / 12.7oz (also available in 2oz mini)
Origin: Aged in Modena, Italy. Hand-bottled in our Charleston shop.
Ingredients: Aged balsamic vinegar of Modena (cooked grape must, wine vinegar)