Modena, Italy - Home to Ferrari and Black Gold (Balsamic Vinegar)

To the racing world, Modena, Italy is known for Enzo Ferrari.  Yet, did you know that in the culinary world, Modena is known for “Black Gold” or Balsamic Vinegar?  Genuine balsamic vinegar can be pricey - even hundreds of dollars!  According to legend, Enzo Ferrari wouldn't eat at his favorite restaurant without balsamic vinegar.

Modena Balsamic Vinegar has stood the test of time. Centuries upon centuries of tradition have resulted in a product of great versatility, capable of harmonizing and balancing a wide variety of ingredients and preparations. Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is an important agri-food product of Europe, found on tables all over the world, in the kitchens of Michelin-starred chefs and in the kitchens of everyday people.

You can trace grape cooking back to the ancient Romans. It was used as a sweetener and a condiment as well as a medicine. The production of this vinegar has been linked to Modena since the 11th century: it has over the years become synonymous with the culture and history of a land known for its unique pedoclimatic characteristics, as well as its human talent and knowledge.

Culinary excellence in Emilia Romagna has always been pretty serious: when a girl was born in Modena, families would start a battery of barrels for her. In twenty-five years, the woman and the vinegar would have matured to a perfect point: a tradition that still exists today.

If you want to become a serious collector of Black Gold, here’s the short of it:  Traditional Modena Balsamic Vinegar must be at least 12 years old, and after 25 it's called "Extravecchio" (means aged for longer than normal and tastier) and can only be put in a Giorgetto Giugiaro, an Italian Automobile Designer, that designed a special bottle for black gold, as shown in the image above.
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For factory tours, racetrack adventures, museum tours, stops at the most sumptuous Italian restaurants, and a breathlessly complete, luxurious experience of the Italian countryside — all through the lens of fellow car enthusiasts — Motorsport Lab is your go-to guide to take in not only this work of art but also works of art made by Pagani, Lamborghini, Ducati, and more. Join our Cradle of Supercars Italian Travel Adventure, which was promoted and featured in Sports Illustrated by the Italian Tourism Board. On our tour, you'll drive a Ferrari or Lamborghini, visit super car factories and museums like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani, Ducati and, Imola racetrack, tour historic towns, and participate in Italian cooking and culinary experiences. We also have a day to Florence, Italy included, if you need to take a break from all the speed, brake dust and screeching tires!