This speciality from the Italian provinces of Modena and Reggio in the Emilia-Romagna region is also known as balsamic vinegar, although it is not actually conventional vinegar and the production process has been completely different for centuries. Legend has it that the most powerful Italian nobleman of the time, Duke Boniface of Canossa (985-1052), gave a small bottle to the German Emperor Henry IV (1050-1106) on his proverbial walk to Canossa (30 kilometres west of Modena).
However, this cannot be true, as the Canossa walk did not take place until 1077, by which time Boniface was no longer alive. However, it is possible that Henry IV was introduced to balsamic vinegar by Matilda (1046-1115), Boniface's daughter and successor to the throne. In any case, it is documented that the famous Lucrezia Borgia (1480-1519) consumed a spoonful of balsamic vinegar every day as a refreshment for body and soul. The Princes of Este (noble family) introduced a classification of "Aceto Balsamico" as early as the middle of the 16th century.
![]()
Using the encyclopaedia is not only time-saving, but also extremely convenient. What's more, the information is always up to date.
Markus J. Eser
Weinakademiker und Herausgeber „Der Weinkalender“