April 5, 2009 Vinegar Master

Gift Balsamic Vinegar

Before anyone even thought of selling balsamic vinegar, it was primarily made, used, and given away, usually by royalty to royalty.  It was an ultimate gift -- and one with meaning.

Early written records, dating back at least 1,000 years, tell of balsamic being given as a gift to the King of Franconia.  Such records also show the Duke of Este in the 16th century always had balsamic present for his own dining and that of his guests, plus much was made of his gifting other nobles with this rare juice, made then and now in Modena.  

Why would this be?  Isn't it like a king giving another royal a bottle of catsup? 

We all could guess that it is possible to make a bottle of catsup in a day, just as it is common for salad balsamic (what the Italians call industrial balsamic vinegar)to be made in a day.  Traditional balsamic takes at least a dozen years to start. 

So, historically the gift communicated stability as well as generosity.  The Duke had time, patience, skill, and stability of his realm sufficient to make something special -- and then give it away -- in an act of, well, royal grace.  

Balsamic vinegar as a gift was also a "Get Well" or stay "Be Well" signal since it was believed to be both a tonic and a medicine.  When you have a cordial glass of the true balsamic classic, you can feel a zing within moments.  It does push the restart button and gives the body a clearly elevated feeling.  Who knows.

Today, a classic balsamic vinegar makes a sophisticated wedding gift, just as noble families hundreds of years ago gifted via dowries or directly to the marrying couple.  It blesses the union with the idea, "Health, Wealth, and Pleasure".