Noticias Archivos – Badia Vinegars

Five generations of Badia Vinagres have given their all. We have been making artisanal vinegars for more than a hundred years and we make every endeavour to offer you the most traditional flavours with a unique seal of authenticity.

In recent years, thanks to our experience, passion and innovation, we have included new flavours that define us perfectly. The most traditional vinegars, such as apple vinegar or traditional wine vinegar, bear our Badia seal, and the most innovative vinegars and bittersweets are part of our range Gardeny. They are two different concepts, but they have been created at the same factory.

Our line of Badia vinegars is like a journey towards our roots and traditions. Every drop of these vinegars connects us with more than one hundred years of artisanal experience. Badia vinegars are an expression of our territory and our dedication to offering you the best. The Badia range, made up of the most traditional flavoured vinegars, such as traditional organic wine vinegar and organic apple cider vinegar, enriches our more everyday preparations.

On the other hand, the Gardeny family of vinegars is a universe of discovery and culinary innovation. It is made up of a wide range of vinegars and bittersweets with surprising flavours that whisk us away to a world of infinite gastronomic possibilities. These vinegars are designed for the most demanding palates and the most creative cuisines, offering a unique, exciting experience. It is the perfect choice for experimenting with new combinations and flavours. At present, the Gardeny range is made up of more than a dozen balsamic vinegars and bittersweets which won’t leave you unmoved.

As we have already explained to you in previous publications on our blog, when we talk about balsamic vinegar we are referring to a very delicate product with a subtle sweetness that only contains two ingredients: wine and grape must. It is the preferred choice for those palates looking for a touch less acidity. On the other hand, bittersweets are food condiments with an acidity below 6%, which means that they cannot be called vinegars, technically, but they fulfil the same function. They are designed for those people who are not lovers of overly acidic flavours, but who want to give a surprising touch to their dishes.

Whether you opt for the tradition and authenticity of Badia vinegars or the daring and innovation of Gardeny vinegars, experiment and be seduced by the sophistication of our products.

Today’s post is dedicated to a true jewel from our region, with a special focus on the vinegars of our Gardeny brand. But first, we need to give you some context.

After many years in the vinegar industry, in which we have listened and spoken to many people from a plethora of backgrounds, we have found that the terms ‘balsamic’ and ‘Modena’ create a certain amount of confusion. We’ve also found that many people opt for Modena vinegar when they’re really looking for a milder vinegar with sweet notes. This post seeks to explain the differences between balsamic and Modena vinegars and highlight the richness and uniqueness of our balsamic varieties, which are true treasures that hold their own against the finest Italian Modena vinegars.

Modena vinegar (aceto balsamico di Modena, in Italian) is a type of balsamic vinegar that is mainly produced in the Italian province of Modena in Emilia-Romagna. It is known for its quality and richness of flavour.

Balsamic vinegar is a true delicacy that only contains two ingredients: wine and grape must. It contains at least 150 grams of sugar from the same grape per litre, giving it a subtle and incomparable sweetness and making it the preferred choice for those looking for a slightly less acidic vinegar.

Badia Vinagres produces a wide range of balsamic vinegars under our Gardeny label, including apple balsamic vinegar, cava balsamic vinegar, Pedro Ximénez balsamic vinegar, vermouth balsamic vinegar and muscatel balsamic vinegar. We like to refer to the latter as “our local Modena vinegar”. In fact, it could best be described as its first cousin, but made with one of the finest treasures found in our region: the Muscatel grape.

Our apple balsamic vinegar is a refreshing burst of flavour made from the juice of locally sourced apples harvested at their optimum level of ripeness. It has a milder acidity than wine vinegar with very balanced sweet notes.

Cava vinegar is a culinary delicacy that is based on the sparkling wine of the same name. Rooted in a rich Catalan wine culture, this vinegar is a versatile option due to its exceptional character and mild acidic notes.

Pedro Ximénez balsamic vinegar is a true artisanal masterpiece based on ripened grape must. Its uniqueness lies in the meticulous process of obtaining the must from these grapes, which begins with careful manual harvesting. The grapes are spread out on a mesh and left to dry in the sun for several days, ensuring uniform drying. The must is then obtained through a delicate pressing process that produces a wonderful vinegar that is very similar to the Modena variety and a true marvel for lovers of gourmet gastronomy.

Vermouth vinegar is a tribute to the Catalan tradition of drinking vermouth with aperitifs. It is produced by following the traditional methods of the Italian Alps, with a combination of herbs and spices that lend a special character to vermouth wine. It is a highly original vinegar bursting with unique notes.

As we touched on before, Muscatel balsamic vinegar is one of the great treasures of our region and that which best resembles the Modena variety. The Badia Vinagres variety is based on the finest muscatel must and wine. Its exceptional balance, freshness and subtle character make this a memorable culinary experience for all who try it.

If you’re looking for vinegars of lower acidity, you could also consider our bittersweet range. In one of our previous blog posts, we explained that these products differ from vinegar in that they have less than 6% acidity. We at Badia Vinagres produce four different bittersweets: port bittersweet, merlot bittersweet, riesling bittersweet and orange tree honey bittersweet.

In short, while we appreciate the fame and quality of Modena vinegar, we also value the products that flourish in our region and remind us that our own culinary heritage is also worth cherishing.

Badia and Gardeny: two brands, one family

Five generations of Badia Vinagres have given their all. We have been making artisanal vinegars for more than a hundred years and we make every endeavour to offer you the most traditional flavours with a unique seal of authenticity.

Whether you opt for the tradition and authenticity of Badia vinegars or the daring and innovation of Gardeny vinegars, experiment and be seduced by the sophistication of our products.

Similarities and differences between ‘balsamic’ ans ‘Modena’ vinegars

Today’s post is dedicated to a true jewel from our region, with a special focus on the vinegars of our Gardeny brand. But first, we need to give you some context.

In short, while we appreciate the fame and quality of Modena vinegar, we also value the products that flourish in our region and remind us that our own culinary heritage is also worth cherishing.