Denissimo Dark Balsamic Vinegar
Denissimo Dark Balsamic Vinegar
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5.0 / 5.0
(3) 3 total reviews
Denissimo Dark Balsamic Vinegar
Our Denissimo Dark Balsamic Vinegar is the pinnacle of traditional balsamic craftsmanship. Crafted in Modena, Italy from Trebbiano grape must, it is slowly caramelized and cooked down, then aged for up to 25 years in a series of wooden casks. During this aging process, the vinegar touches mulberry, ash, oak, juniper and cherry woods, developing a complex depth and velvety texture. A small amount of Italian red wine vinegar is added to introduce probiotic fermentation, but the final product contains less than 1 percent wine vinegar. The result is a rich, syrupy balsamic with notes of raisin, dried cherry, fig, malt and dark chocolate. With its 1.36 density and luscious sweetness, Denissimo transforms simple dishes into gourmet experiences.
Flavor Profile
| Notes | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin & Aging | Produced in Modena, Italy, using the traditional Batteria method. Cooked Trebbiano must is aged for up to 25 years in five different casks (mulberry, ash, oak, juniper and cherry) to develop rich complexity. |
| Taste | Luxurious and velvety with layered notes of dried fruits, figs, raisins and a hint of dark chocolate and malt. A tiny addition of red wine vinegar provides gentle acidity. |
| Aroma | Deep, sweet fragrance reminiscent of aged wood, molasses and candied fruit. |
| Texture | Dense and syrupy with a high viscosity (density 1.36); coats foods beautifully. |
| Purity | Made with Trebbiano grape must, less than one percent Italian red wine vinegar and natural flavors; contains only naturally occurring sulfites, with no caramel color, additives or thickeners. |
How to Use It
- Finishing Sauce – Drizzle over grilled steak, roast pork or duck to add sweetness and complexity; it also enhances roasted vegetables or grilled fruit.
- Salads & Appetizers – Use in place of traditional balsamic for caprese salads, bruschetta or avocado toast. Just a few drops elevate cheeses, charcuterie or crispy flatbread.
- Marinades & Glazes – Combine with olive oil, garlic and herbs to marinate meats; reduce in a pan to create a thick glaze for lamb or pork tenderloin.
- Sweet Treats – Drizzle over fresh berries, figs or vanilla gelato; the syrupy sweetness pairs beautifully with dark chocolate and even cheesecake.
- Cocktails & Mocktails – Add a spoonful to bourbon or rum cocktails for depth, or mix into sparkling water with citrus for a sophisticated mocktail.
Perfect Pairings
Denissimo pairs well with robust olive oils like Tuscan herb or garlic, as well as spicy oils like Baklouti Green Chili. It complements creamy cheeses (gorgonzola, brie), roasted meats (steak, lamb, pork tenderloin) and sweet desserts (dark chocolate, panna cotta). Use it with aged Parmesan or drizzled over strawberries to create a classic Italian treat.
FAQs
1. What makes Denissimo different from regular balsamic?
Denissimo is made from 100 percent Trebbiano grape must, cooked down and aged for up to 25 years in multiple wooden casks. Unlike commercial balsamic, it contains less than 1 percent wine vinegar and no caramel color or thickeners, resulting in a thicker, more concentrated flavor.
2. How should I store it?
Keep your bottle sealed and store in a cool, dark place away from heat or sunlight. Refrigeration is not necessary. Because it’s a dense balsamic, it has a very long shelf life; use within 2–3 years for best flavor.
3. What about the nutrition?
Each tablespoon (15 mL) contains roughly 50 calories, 0 g fat, 5 mg sodium and 12 g carbohydrates (all from natural fruit sugars). It is free from cholesterol, trans fats and gluten.
Recipes to Inspire You
- Steak & Fontina Panini with Spicy Chimichurri Sauce – Fajita skirt steak and fontina cheese are pressed between sourdough slices, then drizzled with a chimichurri sauce of parsley, cilantro, oregano, red pepper flakes, lime juice, garlic and a generous splash of Denissimo balsamic. Get the recipe.
- Beef Bourguignon – A hearty stew of beef, onions, carrots, mushrooms and pearl onions simmered in red wine and beef broth with tomato paste and a few tablespoons of Denissimo balsamic for sweet, velvety depth. See how to make it.
- Mediterranean Avocado Toast – Toasted whole grain bread topped with mashed avocado, cherry tomatoes, feta and herbs, finished with a drizzle of Denissimo balsamic for a tangy-sweet touch. Read the recipe.
Explore these recipes to discover how Denissimo Dark Balsamic elevates everyday dishes with its velvety texture and rich flavors.
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This aged Denissimo Balsamic Vinegar is like manna from heaven. It is seriously the best balsamic you will ever taste, so incredibly flavorful that it can go on almost anything you make. I adore it on a Caprese salad paired with EVOO, for its smoky sweetness is a perfect foil to fresh tomatoes, basil and mozzarella. Throw it in with a chicken sausage, potato and tomato fry up and the flavor it adds will astound you. I looked everywhere for this vinegar when my local specialty store closed down, was thrilled to find it here at The Little Shop. It is fantastic.
Thank you!
I have definitely become a balsamic vinegar snob in recent years
Once I found little shop Denissimo, I don’t buy anything else
It’s phenomenal because it tastes like a rich dark sweet and non-acidic burst of wonderful red balsamic flavor
It’s the consistency of a rich vinegar but with the flavor that is as intense as a glaze
This makes a Caprese salad go from average to amazing
It’s an Great culinary secret ingredient for marinating pork loin
Little shop has so many amazing flavors of vinegar and oil‘s that sometimes I feel like I do myself and in justice by sticking with one that has no additional flavors added
But this, to me, is the most perfect balsamic vinegar that there is and adding other flavors to it seems to detract from a product that is already spot on
It is so fun to go into the shop and try the various oils and vinegar and I would encourage you to try this one first!
We use it on everything! Thank you!