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Step 1
Recognize the two types available. Traditional is made in Modena, Italy, and follows a strict process. Commercial or nontraditional types are a blend of artisan-made balsamic or boiled grapes with wine vinegar added.
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Step 2
Look for certification on the bottle by the Italian Association of Tasters for Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (AIB) that was created in 2002. This certification consists of a four-leaf ranking.
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Step 3
Taste a few vinegars before you spend a lot of money, especially if you're unsure of your taste. Many specialty stores will offer samples of high-end balsamic vinegars.
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Step 4
Decide how much you want to spend. Traditional and nontraditional have a huge difference in pricing, with prices for traditional as high as $80 an ounce. You can also buy traditional types in specialty stores or online.
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Step 5
Buy your balsamic vinegar based on how you'll use it. Commercial types that are 3 to 5 years old are great for salad dressing, marinades or steamed vegetables. Vinegars between 6 to 12 years are great with pasta or risotto. The traditional types that are over 12 years old are good for roasted meats, fish, sauces, ice cream, fruit or cheeses.
