Protection and Testing

Before the balsamic vinegar can be bottled, it is subjected to a number of thorough examinations done by a board of tasters appointed by the Consortium of the Producers. It begins with a consortium member bringing in a batch of vinegar to be tested…a team of experts is assembled and given samples of the vinegar. Without knowing who the maker is, they then perform a series of approximately 90 tests and make independent ratings. If the batch gets enough points it receives the right to be called Tradizionale. If it does not get enough points, it is returned to the owner.