Press Release August 2008

Morgenster Launches New Gourmet Balsamic Vinegar

Since medieval times, balsamic vinegar has been made in small barrels by Italian families and valued for its healing properties. This traditional vinegar, considered the "King of Vinegars" was nearly unheard of outside Italian borders until thirty-odd years ago.

There is a world of difference between real balsamic, carrying the certification of the "Consorzio Aceto Balsamico Di Modena" and industrially-made balsamic vinegar. Real balsamic is usually made from Trebbiano grapes, the juice of which is reduced to 50% of its volume to create a concentrated must, then fermented through a slow aging process using multiple seasoned barrels. This slow maturation (anything from three to thirty years) transforms and immensely concentrates the flavour. Industrial balsamic does not undergo this time-honoured process, but is flavoured and coloured to mimic the real thing.

The latest edition to the Morgenster range of gourmet products in the now very distinct dark, square Morgenster bottle is a balsamic vinegar bearing the certification of the "Consorzio Aceto Balsamico Di Modena". Morgenster Balsamic Vinegar is produced in Modena where it has been made since the Middle Ages using traditional methods.

The collaboration between Morgenster's Giulio Bertrand and the Italian family that has made this balsamic for five generations began in late 2007 when Giulio sought a product to pair alongside his Morgenster Extra Virgin Olive Oil on the tables of the best South African restaurants. "It will come only from Modena", said Bertrand with the characteristic conviction that comes from his well-known passion for quality - and of course his Italian heritage!

The concentrated must used to make this balsamic is aged for three years in wooden casks where it intensifies, sweetens and takes on the characteristics of the particular wood used. It can be used in salad dressings, marinades and sauces; and has become extremely fashionable to mix it with Morgenster Extra Virgin Olive Oil as a dipping sauce, which is especially good with Italian breads.

Morgenster Balsamic Vinegar can be found at the following fine food and boutique wine shops:

Western Cape:

Andiamo, Carlucci’s Bantry Bay, Caroline’s Fine Wine Cellar, Constantia Uitsig Wine Shop,  Giovanni’s Deli World, Mooiberge Farm Stall, Somerset Find Food and Wine Kwikspar, Stellenbosch Fine Food and Wine Kwikspar, The Olive Station, The Olive Tree and The Main Ingredient.

Gauteng:

Corner Café Craighall, Europa Gourmet Basket, Morara Wines Soweto, Morningview Health Shop, Norman Goodfellows, Oil & Vinegar Hyde Park, Oil & Vinegar Cedar Square and Tapenade.

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