Super Car tour in Modena with visits to Automobili Pagani
Emilia Delizia is not just about gourmet food. As we are based in Modena, Italy we would like to introduce to the pleasures of super cars. Pagani Automobili, just minutes from the centre of the town but also reachable from Bologna, is the company behind the Pagani Zonda and the new Pagani Huayra which are truly dream cars totally made in carbon fiber with over 700 horse power and weighting less than 1500 kg. The price tag might not be for everyone one but with our tours you will be able to see the show room and most importantly tour the workshop where the cars are being made. Visitors will be introduced to the remarkable life of Horatio Pagani who came from Argentina with a dream: build his super car in Modena. Only 40 cars build every year the Huayra the wind inspired successor of the Zonda, with price tag of around 1 million euros, raising to 1.5 to the race track only or customised versions. The details are remarkable the body is entirely made of carbon fiber, the core of the car is made in carbon titanium for safety reasons, the gear handle, and brake are carved out single pieces of aluminium like works of art. Each Mercedes engine is hand assembled by a single engineer who sign his work at the end of the production. The exhausts are made from titanium alloy and laser soldered for perfection. All parts are custom made for Pagani including each bolt that it is actually signed by the company.
Here at Emilia Delizia we will able to combine the Pagani factory tour with other super car tours, such as Lamborghini, the Panini museum with many vintage Maserati cars, Galleria Ferrari in Maranello, and the new Casa Natale Enzo Ferrari in Modena. We can made a day out for the whole family with visits to Parmesan production, Parma ham and balsamic vinegar.
The price for the museum and workshop visit is set at 25 euros per person and it will include a tour in English. This price does not include our fees.
The Parma ham tour – Prosciutto di Parma – producer tour Emilia Romagna.
Emilia Delizia as part our our culinary tours will take you to Langhirano to visit one of the Parma ham producers. Prosciutto di Parma is traditionally cured on the bone, and the ingredients are, pork leg, salt, the right climate conditions and the patience and the ability of the master salter. We will visit the production facility in details and we will learn about each step of the production.
Our clients learn how Parma ham is made during the tours.
To make Parma ham only the back leg of Italian born and risen heavy pigs are used. The animal are fed according the strict diet of the consortium that is aslo supplemented with cheese whey coming for the production of ParmigianoReggiano. The legs are sent to Langhirano in the province of Parma to become the famous Parma ham. The curing process starts immediately and the meat is salted once and stored in refrigerated cells for 5 days. Here the meat will lose water and absorb the salt. Then the meat is washed and salted again for a second time and placed in a even colder cell, at this stage the temperature is just above the freezing point. The ham makers use as little salt as possible to obtain a sweet cure that makes the Parma ham famous worldwide.
The pre-ageing phase will last for about 100 days, then the legs will be «manicured» to turn them into the classic pear shaped Parma hams, in other words all excess meat, fat and bone are trimmed off. From here onwards the hams will stay in the curing cellars until they are 12 months old. Each ham will be inspected by the consortium for approval by using a needle of horse bone. The probe is inserted in the 5 critical points where the meat might go wrong. The inspector probe each point and as he extract the needle he smells the tip. If they are approved they will receive the five star crown emblem of the Duchy of Parma, and then they become the world wide famous cured meat that we all know.
Emilia Delizia and Prosciutto factory tour in Parma.
Emilia Delizia will be pleased to take you to the producers in Parma, this tour can be part of our full day 3 gourmet food tour in Italy. Guests normally start their journey in Parma, Modena or Bologna. We can organise a self drive tour or a chauffeured one with English speaking guide and gourmet lunch. Our lunch is a sumptuous one, a 3 course meal that includes generous tasting of cured meats including Parma ham form the factory we just visited. The meal will continue with Tortelli alla Parmigiana (stuffed egg pasta), home made desserts. Coffee and digestive liquors.
How To Visit A Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Producer in Modena – Emilia Romagna – Italy.
Emilia Delizia invites you to explore a traditional ACETAIA, known as a traditional balsamic vinegar producer, in Modena. Visitors are often astonished by the stark contrast between «regular» or industrial balsamic vinegar and the DOP traditional balsamic vinegar, exclusively crafted in private homes in Modena and Reggio Emilia. A new batch of balsamic vinegar was traditionally initiated at the birth of a baby girl, becoming part of her dowry upon marriage. In earlier centuries, aceto balsamico was primarily used within families and occasionally offered to distinguished guests. It is said that the Duke of Modena maintained his own prestigious vinegar attic in his palace, where notable individuals would be introduced to the exquisite black gold during their visits to Modena. Our Modena vinegar tours provide a unique opportunity to visit private villas and homes where this precious nectar continues to be produced in small quantities, honoring age-old traditions.
Experience the Art of Balsamic Vinegar Making in Modena on a Vinegar Tour.
Traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena is crafted through a meticulous process that begins with reducing organic grape juice (must) by about 30%. This is achieved by gently simmering the must for approximately 24 hours, which increases its sugar content. It’s crucial to never reach the boiling point in order to preserve the beneficial bacteria already present in the liquid. This process takes place during the grape harvest season between September and October, using Lambrusco and Trebbiano grapes.
On a Modena vinegar tour, you’ll learn about the aging process that involves a set of barrels, typically consisting of 4, 5, or 6 progressively smaller barrels made of different woods like acacia, ash, chestnut, mulberry, and cherry. Starting in autumn, the aging process requires at least 12 years of painstakingly topping up the evaporated must from the penultimate barrel to the last one. This sequence is repeated, moving from the second to last barrel to the penultimate one, and so on until the mother barrel is topped up with fresh grape must. No vinegar is drawn for at least 12 years, allowing for the production of the «younger balsamic vinegar.»
Embark on a Modena vinegar tour to explore the fascinating world of traditional balsamic vinegar making and witness the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into producing this exceptional condiment.
The tradition wants that the precious black nectar obtained by the natural concentration of the flavours is used as a digestive at the end of the meal. It is best consumed on plastic or ceramic spoon as metal it is very cold and it would lower the sensory experience.
12 years old traditional balsamic vinegar.
It has more acidity than the other vintages and the sweetness is more subtle. You will soon find out that the favours of the woods are felt on different parts of your tongue and mouth. This balsamic vinegar is particularly indicated on fresher cheeses such as ricotta or mozzarella. You can also add to meat or fish dishes. The important that is used sparingly and only added the end of cooking.
The extra old vintage 24 years old traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena
The acidity decreases and the sweetness is more present, but it is not a flat sugary sensation, it is actually very complex. On your tongue you feel the taste of the blended wood tannins such as the spiciness of juniper or the sweetness of the cherry wood. At this age it is a perfect match for aged cheese such as Parmesan or even for desserts: straberries, chocolate and ice creams.
28 YEARS OLD VINEGAR and over – Only in the Reggio Emilia province.
Only produced and marketed at this age in the Reggio Emilia. At this point the vinegar has lost a lot of its acidity and it the wood and the sweetness becomes even more accentuated, almost like a sweet complex black nectar. It is best consumed at the end of the meal as a digestive. The province of Reggio Emilia is also a producer of Traditional balsamic vinegar due to the proximity to Modena. The tradition was brought in Reggio Emilia as many women were marring across the 2 provinces bringing their dowry with them. During our Balsamic vinegar tour it is possible to visit Reggio Emilia producer and discover the 3 ageing typical of the area. If you want to learn more about Reggio Emilia culinary tradition please continue reading here.
Balsamic Vinegar Places You Can Visit On Your Own
If you’re an all-round foodie or just love food, there are some things that you can do during your stay in Italy that are food-related and are sure to enhance your experience. Besides trying out the local cuisine and all the traditional dishes available to you, there are activities you can do to fully immerse in the world of Emilia Romagna’s food. Restaurants are a thing you really cannot miss (you’re bound to end up eating out during your vacation, and there’s plenty of excellent places to choose from), but you can also go to local producers to sample ingredients and dishes made with them for a full-on experience. And while you’re looking through reviews and suggestions from fellow foodies on great places that offer food tasting experiences, don’t forget about other pleasures available to you. For example, wine tasting tours are a great idea – as are tours of balsamic vinegar places.
Balsamic vinegar might just be a condiment, but if you get deeper into the local culture, you’ll discover that balsamic vinegar in Emilia Romagna is a whole different deal: it’s tradition, it’s pride in local ingredients, it’s about employing processing methods passed down through generations. In short, visiting the place of production of balsamic vinegar will give you a glimpse into the history of this part of Italy, and there are several options to choose from when it comes to where you’re supposed to go to have a taste of Emilia Romagna.
Villa San Donnino
Villa San Donnino is located in a liberty-style villa just outside Modena, the birthplace of Balsamic Vinegar, this will be a very picturesque destination if you want to enjoy the history of this product in a suggestive environment. Since the certified DOP Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is produced throughout a very limited and controlled area of Emilia Romagna, it’s something that can truly be sampled only when in this type of location. The Acetaia Villa San Donnino would be a great choice for your balsamic vinegar tasting tour, or shopping and booking through the website is recommended . Once there, you’ll have a chance to see the traditional production methods for the vinegar and taste it paired with great local dishes.
Acetaia Di Giorgio
On their website it’s possible to book a visit to this acetaia (vinegar processing place) to, once again, see how the vinegar is produced, get in touch with the history of this excellent traditional product, sample and purchase DOP Balsamic Vinegar – right at the heart of the beautiful city of Modena. The Acetaia di Giorgio is a tiny balsamic vinegar place, family-owned and with a focus on how the vinegar truly is a legacy passed through the generations.
La Vecchia Dispensa
Another great place you can visit to explore the world of DOP Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is this acetaia, located in Castelvetro di Modena. The acetaia offers guided tours and tastings of different products that can also be purchased at the shop, along with local jams, spirits, wines, sweets and other products from Modena to pair with the vinegar. Mailing the acetaia will allow you to book a tour but also to find out about special events held by La Vecchia Dispensa, such as lunches in the acetaia, cooking classes and hikes through the vineyards.
Acetaia Malpighi
In this acetaia, you will be able to go on a tour of the place, guided by experts, to discover the secrets of the production of this interesting local condiment. During the tour, you’ll learn more about the history of the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, the techniques employed to achieve the final product, and you’ll have a chance to taste the vinegar. Groups of 10 people or more can arrange a special tour, which includes a vinegar and local food tasting, so you’ll be able to sample cold cuts, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, baked goods and wine typical of Modena all in the same package, for an all-round culinary experience.
Acetaia Bompana
Free tastings are held on every opening day in the Acetaia Bompana, and you can book tours if you want to learn about the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, other than just sampling it in all of its amazing shades of taste. The vinegar can be used in many different ways to enhance dishes, or can just be drizzled on a piece of Parmigiano cheese. This acetaia, like the other certified ones in the area of Modena, is the perfect place to sample the excellence of this traditional and local product. Purchasing some balsamic vinegar for yourself at the outlets annexed to the acetaie will guarantee top quality and an unforgettable taste of Modena to bring back home with you.
In conclusion, a Modena vinegar tour offers a unique and immersive experience into the rich traditions and intricate processes involved in crafting traditional balsamic vinegar. By exploring the picturesque region of Modena and visiting authentic Acetaias, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the time, dedication, and skill required to create this exceptional condiment. The unforgettable sensory journey will leave you with a newfound respect for the craft and a lasting impression of the distinct flavors and aromas of true balsamic vinegar. A visit to Modena’s traditional balsamic vinegar producers is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a cultural and educational experience that should not be missed.
Balsamic vinegar barrelsAmpules containing balsamic vinegar «Tradizionale» for tasting
