Sous Chef Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Described as a rich, complex flavour, the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena from Sous Chef is a must have for a kitchen. To either use it yourself or give as a gift, it is a luxury that once tried, you can’t do without.

Made from grapes which are aged for 12 years, the balsamic vinegar has a thick consistency which is used predominantly in Italian cooking.  This is pricy at £23.99 a bottle, but once you use it in cooking, you miss the quality when you try other brands.  I use balsamic vinegar a lot – on cheese, pasta, with bread and pizza and as part of a salad dressing.  Italians use balsamic vinegar in everything, which is something we could all learn from!

The Sous Chef Balsamic Vinegar of Modena has a rich, sticky flavour to it, with the oak tones coming through thanks to the way it is aged in barrels. The quality of this balsamic vinegar can be tested by using it on its own with bread or a burrata and being able to savour the quality. I tried this on a burrata and in pasta to give a rich edge to it, and it works brilliantly. You’ll find yourself looking for dishes to cook just so that you can use the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.

Available from £23.99: https://www.souschef.co.uk/products/sous-chef-balsamic-vinegar-of-modena-igp

Due Vittorie Oro Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Gift Box

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Christmas is a time to get out the best of the best, or if you prefer, gift the best to your loved ones. Due Vittorie’s award winning Balsamic Vinegar of Moderna comes in a beautiful gift box this Christmas, ready to send to someone who loves their food as much as Due Vittorie… or will you keep this for yourself over the festive season?

Made with 80% cooked grape must and 20% wine vinegar, this is the best selling premium brand of balsamic vinegar in the whole of Italy. It’s made in the famous Modena, giving it the branded name and contains no other preservatives or additives, just the authentic Italian Modena balsamic vinegar taste.  It can be added to salads, on cheese or as part of a dessert – the Italian chefs have no end of uses for it so with a bit of imagination, you’ll discover it’s not just for dipping bread into! The balsamic vinegar spends time in oak barrels to transfer the tannins, and give it a heartier, full bodied taste.

The 250ml bottle is not only beautiful but will last a whole year before you buy your next instalment! I loved trying this with bread and on salads as it’s got a slightly sweet taste and is thicker than usual shop bought balsamic.  I can see why it’s one of the best selling as it’s so flavoursome. I would rather use this alone on salads rather than mixing it up to make a dressing, and it’s to die for on its own with bread or on pizza. Even the design of the bottle makes it easy to hold when you’re cooking or dressing a dish and it looks fabulous on the shelf!

Anyone who is interested in food, or specifically authentic Italian food will love this as a gift.  If your loved ones prefer ‘practical’ gifts which they can use, the Due Vittorie Oro Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Gift Box is an excellent choice and at £20.00 it’s an affordable luxury – and one that will last meal after meal.

Available online for £20.00 at: https://www.artisanoliveoilcompany.co.uk/products/due-vittorie-oro-balsamic-vinegar-of-modena-gift-box-250ml?_pos=16&_sid=ccfb02aa2&_ss=r