Photos courtesy of Giusti
Giusti, the world’s oldest balsamic vinegar producer from Modena, Italy, recently featured on Stanley Tucci’s “Searching for Italy” television program, has launched for the first time an Adopt-a-Barrel-Program, allowing those around the world the unique chance to participate in the ancient tradition of balsamic vinegar production. Giusti’s Private Reserve program allows gourmands, collectors and chefs worldwide the opportunity to adopt a series of historic barrels for exclusive and dedicated “Italian black gold” production. During the adoption period, participants discover the secrets and curiosities about this ancient and fascinating art when Giusti opens the door (literally and figuratively) for participation in the most important and evocative moments of balsamic production.
Participants are involved in all phases of the aging process via interactive and guided experiences through photos and video uploads to a dedicated web page linked to a QR code for each client. From November to March, participants can join (via virtual platforms, or in person) the most important and suggestive moments of the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena production, and the annual “decanter and refill” of the barrels, alongside Giusti’s master vinegar maker Mastro Acetiere. The client will then receive his/her own Private Reserve, extracted from his/her adopted casks, in a set of personalized ampoules displayed in a precious and elegant wooden case. The vinegar is bottled into small glass bottles of differing sizes with customized labels, decorated by hand with a cord, and sealed with wax, as is the tradition.
The Giusti family has been producing since 1605, passing the method from generation to generation, with every family member involved in the production; children were often encouraged to press the grapes, women wove the lace doilies to protect the opening of the cask from insects, and the master vinegar makers carefully checked the annual progress of the aging liquid which was primarily consumed within the family, and shared with friends and family at gift-giving occasions throughout the year. The prized vinegar was considered a cure-all remedy for disease and illness, and a prestigious dowry for young brides.
Much more than a simple and precious product, Giusti Private Reserve represents a true experience that allows people to revive the history and true Modenese tradition linked to Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.
During the World Expos of the Belle Époque, Acetaia Giusti was awarded the 14 gold medals that are depicted on the products’ labels. In 1929 Acetaia Giusti became the official supplier of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena for the Royal House of Savoy, by choice of King Vittorio Emanuele III. Today, Acetaia Giusti is the most representative brand among high-quality balsamic vinegars of Modena. Thanks to the successful combination of traditional values and forward-thinking entrepreneurial vision, Giusti’s products are today sold all over the world in the most exclusive department stores, restaurants, retail outlets, and hotels, such as LaRinascente Milan and Rome, Eataly, and Delicatessen.
Much more than a simple and precious product, Giusti Private Reserve represents a true experience that allows people to revive the history and true Modenese tradition linked to Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.
Prices start at $5,000. The more aged the balsamic vinegar, the higher the cost. For example, $5,000 is for the 25 years, $7,500 for the 40 years and so on.
