Lunch at Osteria Ruggera

Carlotta from the vinegar tour directed us to Osteria Ruggera in Modena for lunch. We ate delicate gnocchi and the traditional local pumpkin tortelloni in a butter and sage sauce, and drank lambrusco, the local sparkling red wine.

Balsamic vinegar

We visited the home of a traditional balsamic vinegar maker in Modena. The vinegar ages in barrels stored in the attic for 12 or 25 years before being bottled and sold in 100 ml bottles. Carlotta, the girl who gave us the tour and tasting, suggested using the vinegar on salads, meat, and seafood, as would be expected, but she also suggested pairing it with strawberries, peaches, ice cream, and parmesan. Yum.