To be defined as Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena the vinegar has to be made from the must of ripe grapes grown within the Modena region. The must is removed before fermentation to ensure that no alcohol is produced. This ensures no loss of flavour due to cooking off the alcohol.

No sugar, colouring, or flavourings are permitted, just pure ripe grape must. The Balsamic vinegar Tradizionale di Modena is aged in wooden barrels which permit evaporation. After 12 years the Balsamic vinegar Tradizionale di Modena has reduced to one barrel from an original 18 barrels!