The old adage that you get what you pay for definitely applies to balsamic vinegar, no matter whether it’s an independent brand or a supermarket’s own-label. The best are made in Modena, Italy, and carry at least IGP (protected geographical indication) status. Though that’s not the strictest certification, it’s still a mark of quality, assuring the product has been made following certain guidelines.
None of the vinegars I tested had PDO (protected designation of origin) status, which is a more coveted certification with strict guidelines and a 12-year ageing process, and which explains why it can cost upwards of £1,200 a litre.
I tested these vinegars for viscosity and colour, then smell, before finally tasting. The products varied from more acidic, young vinegars with a low sweetness, resulting in harsher, less balanced but still delicious vinegar, through to the most syrupy balsamics with a sugar content as high as 80% (that is, 80g in every 100ml) – a stark contrast to the lowest in the group at 19%. This was a hard test because the quality overall was so high.
The best balsamic vinegar
Best overall:
Tesco Finest aged balsamic vinegar of Modena
★★★★☆
This invecchiato (aged) vinegar has a medium viscosity and classic, dark cherry-red hues. Acidic and rich on the nose, with a caramelised, fruity flavour. Sweet (51.4% sugar) with a persistent, intense and satisfyingly well-balanced flavour. Amazing value for aged balsamic.
Best bargain:
Co-op balsamic vinegar of Modena
★★★☆☆
A thin vinegar with a deep mahogany colour. Vanilla notes on the nose and, considering it’s so young, pretty well balanced. A noticeable sweetness (19% sugar) and complex flavour profile, with prune and caramel notes and a fizziness that lingers on the tongue. Not viscous enough for drizzling, but incredible value nonetheless.
And the rest …
Belazu balsamic vinegar of Modena
★★★★★
A high-density, syrupy vinegar with a black-red colour. A complex flavour journey from the lively, uplifting, acidic aroma to the fizz and pop on the tongue and long, complex, prune and woody notes from the mixed barrels; 81% sugar (the highest in the test).
Bellei aged balsamic vinegar of Modena
★★★★★
A very dark, high-density, aged invecchiato balsamic with deep, red-brown hues. Lively and complex acidic aroma. Sweet (77% sugar) and fizzy on the palate, with a long flavour profile and rich, mixed dried fruits.
M&S Collection balsamic vinegar of Modena
★★★★☆
Refined in barrique small oak barrels, this thick, deep brown syrup has an underlying bright red tinge. A lively, acidic aroma with notes of wood, apricot and date syrup. Fizzily acidic and very sweet (73% sugar).
Odysea balsamic vinegar of Modena
★★★★☆
A high-density vinegar with a lovely, syrupy quality. A cherry-cola colour and funky, acidic aroma. Tart and rich dried fruit flavours, and marvellously sweet (74% sugar).
Waitrose No 1 aceto balsamico di Modena
★★★★☆
A medium-thick viscosity and deep, cola-caramel colour. This invecchiato has an intoxicating, mildly acidic and sweet aroma. Sweet (71.8% sugar) and fizzy, with a wonderful, rich depth of flavour kept alive by bright, tart background notes.
★★★☆☆
Very dense, thick and syrupy, with very dark, ochre and blood red colour tones. Acidic on the nose, with notes of sultana. Very sweet on the tongue (51% sugar), a bit like date syrup with a tart background. The most economical high-density product in the test.
Morrisons the Best balsamic vinegar
★★★☆☆
A dense, viscous balsamic with a very rich, dark mahogany colour. Bright and acidic on the nose. Caramelised and syrupy with a rounded, balanced flavour, though definitely on the sweet side (62% sugar). A light spritz on the tongue and deep grape must flavour.
The Deli balsamic vinegar of Modena
★★☆☆☆
A young, thin, cola-coloured vinegar. Acidic on the nose, with a hint of raisin. Aggressive and sharp in the mouth to begin with, especially on the back of the throat, but once that harshness is overcome, there is an enjoyable, underlying sweetness (20.7% sugar) and complexity. Too thin to use as a drizzle, though.
For more, see our guide to the best extra-virgin olive oil