Acetaia Giuseppe Giusti

ACETAIA GIUSEPPE GIUSTI is a 400-year-old family-run business. Claudio and Francesca, together with Luciano, carry on the business initiated by their ancestors, combining respect for tradition with a flexible, modern and sustainable business management, centered on the well-being and enhancement of people, the community and the territory in which it operates. For 17 generations, no less than 4 centuries, the members of the family have strengthened and improved the production techniques and the quality of their Balsamic Vinegars, a local product of the MODENA area.

THE BALSAMIC VINEGAR OF MODENA
The Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is a fine, fascinating and complex product. The key elements to obtain a great balsamic vinegar are competence, experience and sensibility. A careful selection of local grapes is not the only element required; their slow cooking and even more the great complexity of the ripening and aging systems, managed in batteries of casks of different sizes and woods, are fundamental aspects to obtain the perfect Balsamic Vinegar.

These are all skills that a good vinegar producer must know to get an excellent result. TIME should not be forgotten as well, as it is a necessary element to ensure that natural processes take their natural course.

In fact, one generation prepares vinegar for the next one! 

THE AGING
AGING is the most important and delicate phase of balsamic vinegar production, happening in 600 casks from the 18^thand 19^th century. Every cask is unique and precious in itself, as its wood passes to the vinegar a unique and characteristic aroma: chestnut wood, rich in tannins, gives the typical dark color, cherry wood sweetens the vinegar flavor, Juniper wood enhances the resinous notes, and, finally, oak wood adds up a vanilla aroma.

The older the casks, the stronger and more intense the taste of balsamic vinegar will be. Throughout history, Giuseppe Giusti’s Balsamic Vinegars were awarded numerous prizes. Of particular interest are the prizes awarded around the Belle Époque period, during which the balsamic vinegars were showcased in international and national fairs. Indeed, the 14 gold medals that are still representative of the label, designed in the early 20^th century, date back to that time.

GIUSTI MUSEUM
An extremely interesting museum itinerary across 10 thematic rooms, where you can find out more about the long and fascinating history of balsamic vinegar, deeply linked to the city of Modena and the Giusti family. A journey through space and time across the priceless heritage of objects and documents, that have been preserved for generations: from the ancient jars used for vinegar storage, to the tools used over the

centuries by vinegar producers, up to the first bottles and advertising material of the early 20^th century.

GIUSTI’S BOTTEGA IN
PIAZZA GRANDE in MODENA

I recommend you visit the Bottega in Piazza Grande, in the heart of the historic center of Modena, where the first flagship store of Acetaia Giusti is located. A small balsamic vinegar boutique where you can find all the Balsamic Vinegars of Modena for tasting, surrounded by centuries-old casks and ancient tools of vinegar art.