ACETAIA MALPIGHI Artisans of Made in Italy

We have achieved a little dream tucked away in a drawer: a book that tells the story of our family and our company, through the hands of five generations who over the centuries have carried forward a unique recipe, the recipe of true and natural vinegar, passed down from the "pioneer" Pietro to his son Augusto and arrived to the present day.

The book, titled “ACETAIA MALPIGHI Artisans of Made in Italy”, conceived by Massimo Malpighi, aims to praise the city of Modena because it is precisely in the prosperous lands of Modena—where ars naturae and ars cultura merge—that the masterpiece occurs: the cooked grape must transforms into an elixir that captivates all the senses. The book delves into the significant life stages of a family dedicated to the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP, exploring another masterpiece of Modenese craftsmanship – Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP. Although derived from the same production tradition as DOP, it carries a distinct denomination.

“ACETAIA MALPIGHI Artisans of Made in Italy” is also a tribute to previous generations, especially “Grandma Maria”, a renowned cook in various restaurants in Bologna and Milan, such as “La Nerina” and “Il Mela”. In 1965, she crafted the first menu based on recipes with Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, spanning from appetizers to desserts. The book’s concluding part is dedicated to Grandma Maria and Balsamic Vinegar enthusiasts, featuring her exquisite recipes, typical of the Emilian cuisine, reimagined in a modern context, revealing where Balsamic Vinegar finds its utmost expression.

With a brief focus on the “macro-world of Malpighi Balsamic Vinegar”, the book also explores the two Dressings within our Collection. These two Dressings accompany the two IGP and DOP excellences, Prelibato and Saporoso.

Prelibato, the first White Dressing obtained from white Trebbiano Modenese grapes from the family vineyards, is designed to bring versatility and innovation to the balsamic world by exploring new pairings (with fish, river and sea dishes, fresh and syrupy fruits, edible flower salads, Greek salads, caviar, cocktails, and drinks). An Umami product, with an intense taste, challenging to classify within the four classic tastes we are accustomed to – neither sweet, nor salty, nor bitter, nor sour, but incredibly rich and flavorful.

Saporoso, a globally sought-after product, celebrated in its first 20 years with a dedicated Limited Edition box, is the first Dark Dressing obtained from cooked must of Trebbiano and Lambrusco grapes from the family vineyards. Positioned as a “middle-range” product, it is a soft and full-bodied dressing that, due to certain characteristics, approaches the two inspirations – DOP and IGP. However, its use and consumption in the kitchen are undoubtedly less exclusive and more “carefree”.

This book is dedicated to the ‘disciples of Balsamic’, as we affectionately call them – those who love and appreciate the world of Balsamic Vinegar and contribute to our mission of spreading awareness about this extraordinary yet complex realm. Acetaia Malpighi has a clear corporate mission and has always upheld its values linked to an ancient tradition, which, as such, needs to be protected and preserved. Our Vinegars and Dressings are produced only with high-quality raw materials – the grapes from our family vineyards – and are available only through selected distribution channels. No supermarkets, no low prices, no compromises. This is our added value, and it is important for us to emphasize it.

Massimo Malpighi, President of Acetaia Malpighi

The book “ACETAIA MALPIGHI: Artisans of Made in Italy” is available at the two showrooms: in Modena in Piazza Roma 38 and at Via Vignolese 1487 at our Taste&Tour where educational activities and free tours take place. Soon available online and at selected bookstores.
Conceived by: Massimo Malpighi
Graphic Design and Printing: Montagnani Print & Graphics
Acknowledgments: Consortium for the Protection of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP, Consortium for the Protection of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP; the customers and supporters of the Acetaia Malpighi philosophy, lovers of Made in Italy, and Italian cuisine enthusiasts.
84 pages, Retail price: 19 euros