How to Select the Best Balsamic Vinegar
Another ingredient that is a red flag? Caramel coloring, which Bucciarelli calls “an unnecessary ingredient used to mask inferior quality ingredients.” Hallman explains that an Aceto Balsamico di Modena consisting of 78% red wine vinegar, 20% cooked grape must and 2% caramel coloring is “an example of a poor-quality vinegar that will be too acidic.” However, you can buy a well-made Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP for between $14-$25 per 250 ml bottle ($60-$80 per liter) that is perfect for everyday use, according to Bucciarelli. Bucciarelli’s advice is simple: “Taste and learn.”
