The authenticity of D.O.P. vinegars is safeguarded by the Consortium of Producers of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar from Reggio Emilia.
Traditional Balsamic is classed into one of three categories depending on the assessment of the tasters: Oro (Gold), Argento (Silver) or Aragosta (Crimson).

The decision by the master tasters does not only determine whether the vinegar can be called Traditional Balsamic Vinegar from Reggio Emilia: it also decides which of the three categories it belongs to: Oro, Argento or Aragosta, and assigns the relative label. The three coloured labels refer to the score given to the vinegar by the tasters after they have judged the appearance, aroma and taste of each vinegar.

Sometimes, the tasters decide a vinegar is under par. In this case, it is put back in the barrel to mature a little longer and must be assessed again by the master tasters, perhaps one year later, before it can be awarded the coveted Designation of Protected Origin. The production standards stipulate that the product must be aged for at least 12 years before it can be sent for official tasting by the tasting committee; it also has to be put into the special bottle in the province of Reggio Emilia and must have the guarantee of the wax seal.

The Consortium of Producers of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar from Reggio Emilia was formed in 1986 to safeguard the quality of the product and protect the consumer. In 2000, the European Community added Traditional Balsamic Vinegar from Reggio Emilia to the list of products with a Designated Protected Origin. To protect consumers, this prestigious award requires products to be subjected to inspections by a Certification Institute recognised by the European Union and authorised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.

The certificate authorising the sale of the product will only be issued after they have verified its compliance with production standards. The Consortium decided that Traditional Balsamic Vinegar from Reggio Emilia should only be sold in a special bottle: another way to prevent confusion among consumers and the possibility of fraud and imitations by unauthorised vinegar producers.

The Consortium also decided on three categories of Balsamic vinegar and three corresponding labels: Oro, Argento and Aragosta. Three different ways of being Traditional Balsamic Vinegar from Reggio Emilia. What better time to get to know them?

Guaranteed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry according to article 10 of EC Regulation N° 510/2006.