Dark Balsamic Vinegar | Barrel-Aged Pedro Ximénez Grapes from Jerez Spain | Organic, Raw & Unpasteurized, 8 oz
Used by MICHELIN Star Restaurants| Eco Refill 3 L
The Dark Balsamic Vinegar, barrel-aged from Pedro Ximénez grapes sourced from Jerez, Spain, is a premium, artisanal condiment that blends the rich traditions of Spanish winemaking with vinegar production. This variety draws from the sweet, sun-dried Pedro Ximénez (often abbreviated as PX) grapes, renowned for their use in dessert wines and sherries in the Jerez region, resulting in a vinegar that’s naturally dense and flavorful without artificial additives.
Crafted through a traditional barrel-aging process, often employing the solera method—a system of progressively blending vinegars in oak casks for enhanced complexity—it develops a deep, mahogany color and a balanced sweet-tangy profile. As an organic product, it’s produced without synthetic pesticides or chemicals, emphasizing sustainable farming practices in the grape cultivation. Being raw and unpasteurized, it retains its natural enzymes, probiotics, and full spectrum of flavors, avoiding high-heat processing that could diminish its vitality.
In terms of taste, it offers a smooth, velvety texture with prominent notes of dark berries, black currants, figs, jam, raisins, caramel, and honey, evoking the essence of fortified wines like port or sherry turned into vinegar. The acidity is mellow yet vibrant, with a hint of sweetness from the grapes’ natural sugars, making it versatile for culinary uses such as drizzling over salads with cheese or seafood, creating reductions for meats, macerating fruits, or even sipping straight for its complexity. Ingredients typically include just wine vinegar and concentrated grape must from 100% PX grapes (sometimes blended with other red varietals), with naturally occurring sulfites but no added sugars, colors, or preservatives.
Overall, this vinegar stands out for its authenticity, depth, and health-conscious attributes, appealing to food enthusiasts seeking elevated, unadulterated flavors in their cooking.
