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Showing posts from April, 2024

Frantoi Cutrera Primo Olive Oil & Giuseppi Guisto Aceto Balsamic Vinegar IGP

Since expanding into wine, I’ve also enjoyed food pairings and one of my favorite has been dipping bread in balsamic and olive oil. My favorite combo has been: Frantoi Cutrera - Primo - Extra Virgin Olive Oil DOP Guiseppi Giusto - Aceto Balsamic Vinegar IGP (red label) The Giusto Red is a lovely thick balsamic and blends nicely with the Frantoi Primo olive oil.  I’ve tried other brands, but always end up back to these 2. Oils has 3 levels of quality assurance: DOP - most strict and for Balsamic vinegar must be Italian and 100% grape must and no more tha from 7 grape varieties.  Also aged for a number of years. IGP - medium strixt ans for balsamic vinegar allows minimum 20% grape must, 7 grape varieties but can be grown anywhere in world.  They allow for other ingredients like caramel coloring and 60 days minimum aging. Commercial - pretty open category.  The rating system doesn't guarantee its the best, only the minimum standards.  There are many IGP that surpass a DOP.  So the