Traditional Balsamic vinegar originates from Modena in Italy. Although it is often thought of as wine vinegar it is actually very different and is not made from wine. It is made from unfermented grape juice “must” which is cooked “cotto”. Here we find the term Mosto Cotto. Not only is the production very different but also the flavour profile.

Traditional balsamic vinegar is produced using white grapes. The freshly pressed juice is boiled down to 50% of the original volume. The cooked must is then transferred to barrels where it ferments and concentrates for many years. Over the years it graduates to smaller and smaller barrels made of chestnut, cherrywood, ash, mulberry, and juniper until it is ready for sale. As it ages moisture evaporates out reducing the volume and producing a thicker more concentrated liquid. After 12 years an original volume of 100 litres would be reduced down to 15 litres.

Traditional Balsamic vinegar is a concentrated sweet viscous black liquid. Traditional Balsamic has a high acidity level, but the sweetness covers the tart flavor, making it very mellow. Due to very long production lead times, this method of production is now not considered viable in commercial terms. As with nearly all modern producers across the world, Pukara Estate produces balsamic vinegar made from wine vinegar as opposed to grape juice. The wine vinegar is then cooked and the ‘mother’ is added and the vinegar is then laid down in barrels until it is suitable for blending and production/bottling. Our vinegar stock is typically 5+/- years old subject to production, flavour and blending requirements. In the blending of the balsamics, all blends will contain a portion from several vintages, in our case some blends can contain as many as 6 vintages!

All Pukara Estate balsamic vinegars are made and bottled on the estate. Our range of vinegars includes a Traditional Barrel-Aged Balsamic Vinegar and Caramelised Balsamic Vinegar. Plus we also have flavoured balsamic vinegars – Pomegranate, Blackcurrant and Vanilla & Cinnamon.

Also available are Red and White Wine Liqueur Vinegars.