I bought some Acetaia Leonardi basalmico (balsamic vinegar) from Enoteca Ducale. I then go curious to see where Acetaia Leonardi was located so I looked up their website. I noticed that they had tours (three different types) and that they weren't far from the main part of Modena. I emailed them requesting a tour the night before I wished to visit, realizing it might have been a long shot, last minute request. I was delighted to receive an email the next day (the day I wanted the tour) from Chiara, stating that they could do a tour! I was having lunch when I received the email and replied saying I could be there around 1630.
When we arrived, we were greeted by Chiara herself. Things weren't really clear about the tour yet, since the website shows they had three types of tours, I was expecting them to ask which one I wanted and to let me know a price. Nothing was said except she asked if we were ready for the tour.
The first part of the tour brought us to the barrel room where they store most of the balsamico. She showed us how huge some of the barrels are and taught us about the numbers of years (more correctly, transfers) when making balsamico.
She then took us upstairs to where the really good stuff was. There, was the room where the 100+ year old (transfer) balsamico was. It was a room full of black gold. She then surprised us when she offered us to taste some! She gave us each a small spoonful (think of a Baskin Robbins tasting spoon size). IT. WAS. AMAZING.
She then brought us to the storefront, as I assumed the "Basic Tour" would end. That's where I was wrong! She offered us Lambrusco AND Parmigiano Reggiano to sample. The two of us were offered pretty much a whole bottle of Lambrusco and quite a bit of cheese. She gave us several different types of balsamico to try with the cheese; 5 year, 10 year, 12 year, 15 year, 20 year, and even 30 year. Aside from the different ages, some infused with juniper, cherry, or even truffle!
After all was said and done, she let us wander the store on our own without any pressure to buy.
To end the story on a VERY happy ending, there was no charge to the tour! The website doesn't post any fees, so I'm not sure if that's normal, but she said it was free! If you look at the three types of tours on the website, it seems like my tour was a combination of the "Typical Tour" and the "Greedy Tour"
I'm glad I was able to tour the place and buy several bottles to take home and give out. I am sad, though, that once I run out, I will have to either try to make it back or purchase online somewhere! read more
