All perishable products (such as meat or seafood) are sent with gel packs via either Fedex Priority or Fedex Standard overnight. Almost all non-perishable items (such as dried mushrooms or dried peppers) are sent via FedEx Ground or UPS Ground, which takes 2-7 business days for delivery. A few items are shipped via regular mail. The shipping method for each item is noted on each item page.
Items that ship via Ground can be upgraded to overnight shipping (for a fee) by contacting us immediately after placing your order.
Affinato balsamic vinegars are extremely high quality tradizionale vinegars made using traditional methods and carefully aged over a decade. They offer tremendous flavor and a luxurious texture that few balsamics can beat. 3.5oz bottles may seem small, but it only takes a little affinato vinegar to make food sing.
Traditional balsamic vinegars are characterized by a flavor that is bright (acidic) yet dense, balanced in both sweet and sour, and richly aromatic. They are a deep dark brown with a smooth, silky texture.
What Makes “Affinato” Vinegar SpecialThe term “Traditional Balsamic Vinegar” (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale) is not simply a descriptive term for balsamic vinegars that have been traditionally aged in cask, but a tightly controlled standard of quality and indicator of aging. Most balsamic vinegars, even those produced in Modena, are considered commercial (condiment) balsamic vinegars rather than traditional balsamic vinegars.
In order to be Tradizionale vinegars, they must have been aged at least 12 years and passed a series of taste test evaluations overseen by the Consortium of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. Those that pass the test are awarded the Affinato label.
There is but one grade higher than Affinato: extravecchio. Extravecchio balsamic vinegar must be aged a minimum of 25 years, and achieve near perfect scores on all the Consortium’s tests. This balsamic vinegar was traditionally made using a process that involves cooking 100% Modena-grown grapes down into must, slow-aging that must in a series of wooden casks, and finally bottling when the flavor and consistency is just right. Read How Balsamic Vinegars are Made for more information.
To preserve its full flavor, do not cook Affinato balsamic vinegar.
Tradizionale "Extra Vecchio" Vinegar 1 - 6 bottles (3.5 oz each) $144 Includes UPS Ground Shipping
