Acetaia Leonardi Gold Medal Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP
The balsamic vinegar has an inky, almost syrupy consistency and is balanced between acidic and sweet, with a rich dried-fruit undertone. Quality this high is best enjoyed straight, drizzled over most any grilled or roasted meat, roasted vegetables, cheeses or garden-fresh tomatoes. Or try as a counterpoint to sweet berries or vanilla ice cream.
Huilerie Beaujolaise Raspberry Vinegar
This smooth, full-bodied raspberry vinegar from French artisanal producer Huilerie Beaujolaise is wonderfully complex, with a perfect balance between tart and sweet that works in both sweet and savory recipes. Unlike the ambiguous mixed-berry flavor of other vinegars, there is no mistaking the raspberry characteristics in this vinegar. It has a concentrated, jam-like fruitiness without being cloyingly sweet—rather, the berries' natural tartness combined with acetic acid make for a well-rounded flavor profile with plenty of depth, like a brighter version of balsamic. Huilerie Beaujolaise enhances the vinegar with a bit of raspberry juice after fermentation, which creates a fuller mouthfeel similar to that of barrel-aged vinegar.
Mutti Tomato Vinegar
Similar to red wine vinegar but slightly less sharp, Mutti's Tomato Vinegar has a sweet-savory balance and smooth quality reminiscent of balsamic, with an intense sun-dried tomato aroma. It's not too acidic but rather balanced by caramelized sweetness and an earthy umami depth. This complex vinegar enhances raw tomato recipes and can be used in simple applications. We like to drizzle some on caprese salads or toss it in pasta salad, with feta or goat cheese as a creamy counterpoint.