Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
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    • About Patricia Decker
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Balsamic Vinegar has taken the world by storm, it is one of the signature culinary products of Italy, considered the “Black Gold of Modena”.  To demonstrate its versatility, the Consorzio Tutela Aceto Balsamico di Modena brings the “Original Balsamic Week 2022” to Los Angeles from October 31st (yes, Halloween, no trick, all treat!) through November 6th.  Twenty restaurants are participating in this exploration of the glory of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, offering special dishes created by their chefs, that are enhanced with this very special vinegar, in perhaps new and unexpected ways.  Diners will get the chance to vote their favorite recipes on their website.
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You might be very familiar with Balsamic Vinegar, but not know exactly why it is so unique and special.  As its popularity spread across the world, many imitations have cropped up, but the true Balsamic vinegar comes from Modena.  Its appeal directly comes from its ancient roots, recognized since 1046 as a “very perfect vinegar”, a gift given to the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.  Over the centuries, production of balsamic vinegar became an art, and was prized for its versatility, as a condiment and ingredient.  Almost 30 years ago, the Consorzio Tutela Aceto Balsamico di Modena came into existence, to help producers protect their unique vinegar, with the PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) seal, a guarantee of authentic and original balsamic vinegar.
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This original balsamic vinegar is so prized among the locals of the region, that, according to tradition, when a baby is born, a set of barrels would be constructed and filled with a batch of vinegar, that aged as the child grew. This vinegar, a sort of liquid legacy, was to be used for special occasions throughout their lives, such as weddings and births.  
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​Balsamic vinegar is intensely flavorful, made by blending cooked or concentrated grape must, which includes the skins, seeds and tannins, with wine vinegar, making for a dark and concentrated product.  The actual regulations specify the minimum percentage of grape must, from grapes that are indigenous to the Emilia-Romagna region, mandate production within the Modena and Reggio Emilia provinces, and the aging time in wood barrels.  The young and lighter-bodied Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is used as an ingredient in cooking, the older and more full-bodied “Aged” vinegar (over 3 years) is employed as a condiment, a finishing touch to fruit, salads, desserts and cocktails.  A drizzle goes a long way, elevating not just Italian dishes but many other cuisines as well.  It’s intense aroma and bittersweet taste adds balance, intrigue and depth to many dishes, from appetizers to dessert, plus a very nice twist to cocktails!
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To kick off this special week in Los Angeles, a special 8 course dinner was presented at Emilia, that demonstrated the magic that the original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI imparted to everything from cocktails to dessert.  Starting off with a beautiful and fabulous cocktail, the Negroni Balsamico Sbagliato, that tiny amount of balsamic vinegar really transcended the normal bitter herbal character of a Negroni.
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Next up, what I consider an appetizer match made in heaven, Burrata con Cipolle all’Aceto Balsamico di Modena plus a salumi board (Tagliere di Salumi) accompanied by the Italian fried bread Gnocco Fritto and Piadina, paired with a Rosso Fosco Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro Secco.
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The Primi Piatti, or first course, consisted of Risotto All Parmigiana e Goccie di Aceto Balsamico di Modena, paired with a Bartolomiol Brut Rosé, the balsamic added fragrance and a bridge to the fascinating curl of deep-fried Parmigiana cheese on top.  This was followed by the Tagliatelle fatte in casa al Ragu Bianco e Nero, basically a fresh egg pasta made in house, and the Housemade Ravioli Ripieni di Radicchio, Aceto Balsamico di Modena con Burro e Salvia, ravioli filled with radicchio and cheese, then tossed in butter and sage, drizzled with Balsamic vinegar, both paired with a Fattoria Zerbina Pietramora Sangiovese di Romagna.  Wow, that ravioli really came alive with the drizzle of balsamic vinegar, and softened the bitter edge of the radicchio, which made it more savory.
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The main course was fish and beef, and this is where the unexpected balsamic transformation took place.  The Branzino All’Aceto Balsamico di Modena e Rosmarino, pan-fried fish with a lemon, caper, and touch of balsamic vinegar sauce, so subtle and intriguing, if you didn’t expect balsamic vinegar somewhere, you would wonder what that aroma and flavor was.  The Tagliata di Bue All’Aceto Balsamico di Modena is another perfect match, slices of beef drizzled with balsamic, a happy place for your mouth.  The fish was served with LVNAE Colli di Luni Vermentino, the beef with Campo dei Fiori Brunello di Montalcino.
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The finale, dessert in three incarnations, Crema di Mascarpone all Salsa di Aceto Balsamico di Modena (Whipped Mascarpone), Gelato di Vaniglia e Parmigiano (Vanilla Gelato), and Fragola all Crema (Strawberries with whipped cream), paired with a Rosso Fosco Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro Amabile (sweeter version of the Lambrusco).  The meal, from start to finish, embodied all that the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI brings to everything it touches, a mysterious swirl of black magic that holds you in its sensory grasp.
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Jonathan, grandson of Chef-Owner Angelo Peloni, warmly greets diners, and the staff provides excellent service.
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A drizzle of "black gold", the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI
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Pera al Forno Salad at La Bruschetta
Now, for your voting pleasure, I was served a sneak peek at La Bruschetta, a dish created specially for “Original Balsamic Week 2022” in Los Angeles.  La Bruschetta is a family-owned and run restaurant in the Westwood area of town, by Chef-Owner Angelo Peloni, with a loyal following among its customers, many who have come here since it opened in 1984.  Renowned for its authentic housemade and seasonal fare, such as the award-winning Lasagna Bolognese, La Bruschetta embraced both the season and the tradition with their Pera al Forno salad, arugula topped with Roasted Pear, Burrata, Speck and the Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI.  The salad was perfectly balanced, between the sweet pear, creamy burrata, salty Speck, the magic wand was the balsamic vinegar, which bridged and transcended the sum of the individual ingredients.
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For those who live in Los Angeles, check out the participating restaurants on the Original Balsamic Vinegar website, and vote for your favorite dish, highlighting the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, an original which can’t be duplicated.  Its precious flavor and fragrance are treasures, not only when wielded by chefs, but also when used creatively in your own kitchen, and remember, a little goes a long way.