How Balsamic Vinegar is Made
GIUSTI BALSAMIC VINEGARS
THE PRIDE AND TRADITIONS OF
OLD WORLD ITALY
Claudio Stefani of Giusti Balsamic vinegars comes from the 17th generation of family producers that started their business over 400 years ago. Giusti is the oldest producer of this elixir in Italy. Recently Francis D’Urso and Claudio Stefani developed a business relationship where Italianfoodstore.com will begin selling, Giusti Balsamic Vinegars on their gourmet internet food site. The Giusti family produces its balsamic vinegars in Modena, Italy- one of only two regions that produce true balsamic vinegars. The process is strictly controlled and regulated to ensure only quality products are sold on the open market. America was introduced to balsamic vinegar in the late 1970’s when it first appeared sparsely, mainly on the east coast. Today it is a most widely sought after product in the finer culinary circles.
The Lo Scrigno which means “the coffer”-- consists of 10 bottles of precious balsamic vinegars. Lo Scrigno is presented in a handcrafted-finished solid wood case. The Lo Scrigno was created at the request of the Estate of Luciano Pavarotti, to be offered as a special gift at a Charity Auction held in his name. The five large bottles are balsamics, each with a distinctive personality. The "Profumato" is referred to as the bright and persistent balsamic; while the “Classic” is aromatic and balanced; the "Riccardo Giusti" represents the sweet and heavily bodied; while the “Fourth Centenary” has the fruity notes; and finally the “Banda Rossa” is a superb blend of all of the aromatic and flavors of the first four.
The five smaller bottle are personally selected by the family and drawn from the barrels holding the 20, 25, 30 and 50 year family reserves. None of these are sold separately and commercially.
These incomparable balsamic vinegars are used sparingly. The flavor profiles produce unparalleled aromatic and taste sensations because of the aging process in various wooden barrels dating back over 400 years. After grilling your steaks, pork chops, seafood, drizzle a small amount and see the difference in the taste. Grill vegetables and drizzle balsamic vinegar before serving. Use it over vanilla ice cream. That’s right! Gorgonzola cheese and pears make other wonderful pairings, and it is divine with strawberries. Included in each Lo Scrigno are suggested recipes for enjoying these remarkable balsamic vinegars.