Why Artisan Vinegar Should Be in Every Pantry

When most people think of vinegar, they think of salad dressing. But true artisan vinegar is so much more than that - it’s a flavor enhancer, a cooking secret, and a bridge between sweet, salty, and savory tastes. Whether it’s a rich balsamic from Modena, a crisp champagne vinegar from France, or a nutty sherry vinegar from Spain, these pantry staples can transform simple meals into gourmet experiences.

Let’s explore why artisan vinegars deserve a permanent place in your kitchen, the differences between popular varieties, and how to use them every day.

1. Balsamic Vinegar: The King of Vinegars

Originating from Modena, Italy, balsamic vinegar is a deeply flavored, slightly sweet vinegar that has been aged for months - or even decades - in wooden barrels.

What Makes It Special:

• Traditional Balsamic (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale): PDO-protected, made from 100% grape must, aged for 12+ years

• Everyday Balsamic: More affordable, ideal for salad dressings and marinades

How to Use:

• Drizzle over caprese salad

• Reduce into a glaze for roasted vegetables or meats

• Pair with strawberries or Parmigiano Reggiano for a simple dessert

2. Sherry Vinegar: Spain’s Culinary Gem

From the Jerez region of Spain, sherry vinegar is made from sherry wine and aged in oak barrels using a solera system (like sherry itself).

Flavor Profile:

• Complex, nutty, slightly sweet

• Less sharp than white wine vinegar, more rounded than balsamic

How to Use:

• Brighten Spanish gazpacho or cold soups

• Add depth to roasted chicken or braised meats

• Whisk into vinaigrettes with Dijon mustard

3. Champagne Vinegar: Light and Elegant

Made from Chardonnay or Pinot Noir grapes, champagne vinegar is delicate and crisp, perfect for lighter dishes.

Flavor Profile:

• Subtle, fruity acidity

• Less overpowering than apple cider or white wine vinegar

How to Use:

• Dress tender greens like butter lettuce

• Deglaze a pan for a light sauce for fish

• Splash into sparkling water with fruit for a refreshing tonic

4. Fruit Vinegars: Sweet Meets Tart

Fruit vinegars are made by infusing or fermenting fruit with vinegar, resulting in a sweet-tart condiment that’s both versatile and fun.

Popular Types:

• Raspberry vinegar for dressings

• Fig balsamic for cheese boards

• Apple cider vinegar for health tonics

How to Use:

• Mix into salad dressings with olive oil

• Drizzle over grilled peaches or fresh berries

• Add a teaspoon to sparkling water for a digestive boost

5. Why Artisan Vinegars Matter

Artisan vinegars aren’t just about acidity - they’re about complexity. Unlike mass-produced vinegar, they are:

• Aged for flavor: Developing subtle notes over time

• Crafted in small batches: Often by family producers with generations of expertise

• Versatile: Great for cooking, finishing, cocktails, and even desserts

Using high-quality vinegar allows you to cut down on excess salt and sugar in recipes while still packing in big flavor.

6. Tips for Choosing and Storing Vinegar

• Look for Region of Origin: Modena for balsamic, Jerez for sherry

• Check Ingredients: The best vinegars list wine or grape must, not artificial flavoring

• Store Properly: Keep in a cool, dark place, tightly sealed to preserve aroma

• Buy What You’ll Use: Vinegar doesn’t expire quickly but fresher always tastes better

Conclusion

Artisan vinegars are the unsung heroes of the kitchen - elevating everything from salads and marinades to desserts and cocktails. Stocking a variety of balsamic, sherry, champagne, and fruit vinegars gives you endless ways to add depth and brightness to your cooking.

Explore Pick and Get’s collection of artisan vinegars, including authentic balsamic from De Nigris, and discover how just a splash can transform your next meal.