Heritage and excellence intertwine seamlessly at Acetaia Giusti of Modena, the world's oldest producer of balsamic vinegar. Since 1605, the company has upheld a tradition spanning seventeen generations, preserving the
culture and passion essential for crafting exceptional balsamic vinegar.
By GIOVANNA G. BONOMO
October, 2024
Boasting a remarkable legacy, Acetaia Giusti achieved a historic milestone in 2023 with a record-breaking turnover of 17 million, marking the pinnacle of success for the brand. Today, with a thriving business, a dedicated workforce of over 70 employees, four international commercial branches, three flagship stores, and a global presence spanning eighty countries (with 60% of turnover stemming from international markets), Acetaia Giusti has transitioned from a humble family enterprise to a prominent industry leader, championing Italian excellence on a global scale.
Reflecting on this achievement and rich heritage, Claudio Stefani, the CEO of Acetaia Giusti, shares his pride in the stories and lessons that have carried forward the legacy established by his ancestors over four centuries ago. From the inception of the first barrels in the 1600s to Giuseppe Giusti's seminal documentation in 1863 outlining the key elements for crafting the 'perfect' product, the company's journey is one of dedication, innovation, and Made in Italy passion.
As a leading company in the production of Premium Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, what sets Acetaia Giusti apart from other regional balsamic vinegar producers is not only its unparalleled heritage as the world's oldest balsamic vinegar producer from Modena.
It's also their unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation while staying true to their roots in tradition. By combining ancient techniques with modern approaches and constantly investing in quality and research, Acetaia Giusti continues to define the gold standard in balsamic vinegar production, offering a taste of history in every carefully crafted drop.
The rich aroma of aging balsamic vinegar permeates Claudio Giusti's earliest memories of Acetaia Giusti, the world's oldest balsamic vinegar producer from Modena, Italy. "I vividly remember when Uncle Beppe (Giuseppe Giusti) would take me up to the attic where our acetaia (vinegar loft) was located on Via Farini, in the heart of Modena," Claudio recalls. "The powerful aroma of the aging vinegar would greet us even before we entered, gradually intensifying as we climbed the stairs."
This sensory experience was Claudio's introduction to a legacy that has been crafting exquisite vinegar since 1605. Now, as the current steward of this 17-generation heritage, Claudio Giusti shares insights into the art of balsamic vinegar production and the company's enduring success."When I took the helm of Giusti, I realized I was inheriting not merely a business, but a legacy spanning 17 generations," he explains. This legacy is built on a foundation of tradition, innovation, and a commitment to quality that has earned Giusti recognition as one of the five oldest companies in Italy and among the thirty oldest in the world.
The company's journey began over four centuries ago when the Giusti family established their first batteries of wooden barrels in their attic in Modena. Claudio fondly remembers, "Uncle Beppe would draw balsamic vinegar directly from the centuries-old barrels and let me experience the result of that passing time."
At the heart of Giusti's balsamic vinegar production is the master vinegar maker, whose role is paramount in managing the complex process. "The master vinegar maker must skillfully manage the quality of grapes, cooking systems, refilling and decanting operations, and long aging periods," Claudio explains. "They constantly monitor key parameters such as the rich, dark brown color, intense aroma with hints of grapes and fine wood, and the complex flavors derived from time spent in barrels of different woods."
Giusti's balsamic vinegars are renowned for their exceptional quality, adhering to what Claudio calls their "golden rules." These include "careful selection of grapes, using ancient barrels for aging, respecting natural maturation times, and artisanal care at every stage of production." However, he emphasizes, "Perhaps the most important rule is the passion we put into what we do." The production of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is intrinsically linked to its territory.
Claudio explains, "Modena's unique microclimate, with its temperature fluctuations, humidity, and even native bacteria, plays a crucial role." This, combined with centuries-old traditions and expertise passed down through generations, makes the vinegar impossible to replicate elsewhere. To produce Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP, Giusti adheres to strict regulations.
"The process begins with specific grape varieties grown exclusively in the province of Modena, such as Lambrusco and Trebbiano," Claudio explains. "We use only cooked grape must as the raw ingredient, with no additives allowed." The vinegar must age for a minimum of 12 years in a series of wooden barrels of different sizes and wood types.
Giusti's crown jewel in the IGP category is the "5 Gold Medals" ($88), originally created by Giuseppe Giusti as a personal gift for family members. In the traditional DOP category, their most esteemed product is the "Extravecchio" ($199), aged for at least 25 years. Their most exclusive offering is the Riserva 100, extracted from their oldest family casks in production since 1700.The aging process in ancient barrels is crucial to the vinegar's quality. Claudio notes, "Unlike wine, where new barrels are often preferred, for balsamic vinegar, older barrels are a treasure. These barrels, saturated with flavors accumulated over time, give the balsamic a unique complexity and depth impossible to replicate with industrial methods."
While tradition has always been and continues to be crucial, Claudio believes that innovation is key to preserving it. "In 2007, I made the decision to shift our focus from the product to the people," he shares. "This epiphany led us to seek out talented young individuals who could bring fresh perspectives to our centuries-old craft." This approach has created a vibrant company
culture. "They represent a different way of doing business - one that values quality over speed, and people over profit," he says. "Our balsamic vinegar reminds us of the importance of patience and care." For those looking to experience Giusti's balsamic vinegar, Claudio suggests pairing the 5 Gold Medals with a grilled beef filet or trying a few drops of Extravecchio on vanilla gelato - "a simple but divine pairing."
“ Each generation has embraced and believed in this
long history, continuing to produce and share this
wonderful product that has contributed to making
the history of Modena and its people so great. ”
Claudio’s stewardship of this 17-generation legacy demonstrates that honoring one’s roots doesn’t mean being stuck in the past. By embracing innovation while steadfastly adhering to time-honored methods, Acetaia Giusti has ensured that their ancient barrels will continue to yield liquid gold for generations to come.
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