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A Visit to Leonardi Balsamic Vinegar Farm

“We are proud of our vinegar.”  Federica Gibellini is leading me and my husband on a tour of the Acetaia Leonardi balsamic vinegar farm.  Leonardi is a family owned balsamic maker in Magreta, Italy in the area surrounding Modena, home to traditional balsamic vinegar production.  It’s in the Emilia-Romagna region, also known for Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Proscuitto di Parma.  The Leonardi family established their business in 1871 and since then their vinegars have become not just well-regarded but famous too, being the choice of royalty, even served at Kate and William’s wedding. Unlike many balsamic vinegar makers Leondari is a “closed cycle” farm, meaning they grow and tend their own grapes, harvest, ferment, age, bottle and sell the balsamic vinegar all on their own property.  That’s an important distinction in the quality and flavor of their vinegar. “We are four generations who produce this special vinegar,” says Federica.  She’s…

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