Acetaia San Giacomo Essenza - 12 years
The only Balsamico Tradizionale in our five, this vinegar is made only from cooked pressed grapes and is aged a minimum of 12 years. While it is less viscous than the Gocce, it is syrup-like, with a powerful aroma of dried berries and wood, as well as dried herbs. Its taste is equally intense, as if a huge sack of dried prunes and sugared plums was liquefied and packed into this tiny vessel. The acidity gives a pleasant mild tingle, and it would be lovely drizzled on some good vanilla ice cream.
HK$145, city'super, citywide
Antica Acetaia Cavedoni Sigillo Rosso - five years
This vinegar, from a 150-year-old family-owned manufacturer, is an entry-level product and is sealed with a synthetic cork, sometimes used for New World wines. On the palate it is rich and reminiscent of port and packed with the flavours of dried fruits with a long acidic finish. It has a distinctive savoury aroma of dried mushrooms and herbs, with a hint of petroleum and an alcohol-like sharpness. It's a complex and bold vinegar that could well go with barbecued meats or a richly flavoured porcini risotto.
HK$80, city'super, citywide
Gocce - eight years