Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Wiktionary
n. A dark, sweet vinegar, made from reduced white wine, that has been matured in wooden barrels, the resins of which contribute to its flavour; especially such a vinegar from Modena in Italy.
Wikipedia
Balsamic vinegar is a vinegar originating from Italy.
The original, costly, traditional balsamic vinegar (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale), is made from a reduction of cooked white Trebbiano grape juice, and used as a condiment. It has been produced in Modena and Reggio Emilia since the Middle Ages, being mentioned in a document dated 1046. Appreciated in the House of Este during the Renaissance, it is highly valued by modern chefs and gourmet food lovers.
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (Aceto Balsamico di Modena), an inexpensive imitation, is today widely available and much better known. It bears a Protected Geographical Status label, and is the kind commonly found on restaurant tables and used in salad dressing.
The names "Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena" (Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena) and "Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Reggio Emilia" (Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia) are protected by both the Italian Denominazione di origine protetta and the European Union's Protected Designation of Origin.
Balsamic vinegar contains no balsam. The word balsamico (from Latin balsamum, from Greek βάλσαμον) means " balsam-like" in the sense of "restorative" or "curative".
Usage examples of "balsamic vinegar".
The summer she spent in Italy she brought back real balsamic vinegar from Modena and The Swallow's famous salads became even more famous.
I do miss the food: strawberries macerated with balsamic vinegar, sugar and a little mint, Patti Jackson's wonderful watermelon parfait, the incredible focaccia, robiola and white truffle pizza, the carta di musica flatbread, served with sea salt and olive oil, the homemade pasta and freshly made tomato sauces.
He won't like squid ink pasta or anything dribbled with balsamic vinegar.
He had just opened a bottle of balsamic vinegar and poured four ounces into a measuring cup when he heard movement behind him.
John Greighton stabbed his salmon spring roll in gingered balsamic vinegar sauce as if he were trying to kill it.
I said, whipping together some mustard, grape seed oil, balsamic vinegar, and lemon into a vinaigrette for the salad.
Cheese grits and fresh tomatoes with balsamic vinegar,' Miss Sink said.
Then came lamb with garlic mashed potatoes, then salad, a mess of weeds with balsamic vinegar all over them, followed by a tray on which there were all these different kinds of stinky cheeses.