Vincotto Fig – 250ml

Gianni Calogiuri – Vincotto with Fig

Gianni Calogiuri's Vincotto Fig is a highly aromatic, distinctive seasoning specialty from southern Italy. As its name (Italian vino cotto) suggests, Vincotto ai Fichi is made from cooked grape must, here together with wine vinegar and fig.

The indigenous Apulian grape varieties Malvasia Nero and Negroamaro are first dried on the vine and then, after harvesting, for another month on straw mats or wooden trellises until the grapes are shriveled like raisins. The must pressed from these late-harvested grapes is rich in sugar and already has a high viscosity, which is further increased by the subsequent slow cooking over 24 hours, during which its volume is reduced to about one-fifth of its original volume. This sweet and sour syrup then matures for at least four years together with the very old "Vincotto mother," similar to balsamic vinegar, in oak barrels, to become the Vincotto Originale. This is then combined with wine vinegar and figs to create Agrodolce, a sweet and sour Italian specialty with natural fig aroma.

Vincotto Fig is a versatile, sweet-sour, velvety seasoning and, due to its excellent properties, is suitable for preparing or refining countless recipes, from the richest and most elaborate to the simplest. Vincotto Fig pairs very well with risotto, soups and sauces, with roasted fish and meat dishes, with salads and cheese, as well as with fine desserts, ice cream and fruit. Its natural fig aroma tastes particularly good with fresh goat cheese, with game sauces, together with olive or nut oil as a vinaigrette for winter salads, and as the icing on the cake for refining pumpkin cream soup.

Vincotto ai fichi – Agrodolce from Italy

The uniqueness of Vincotto®, which is a registered trademark, is a traditional recipe that has been kept secret and strictly guarded by the Calogiuri family, who have lived in Lizzanello, south of Lecce in Apulia, for over 500 years. The Calogiuri family is one of the oldest families found in Lizzanello's 16th-century documents. The secret recipe was passed down from generation to generation since 1825 until Gianni Calogiuri decided to market it internationally in 1993. Today, Vincotto is exported to 40 countries and is especially valued by Michelin-starred chefs for its very special aroma with subtle notes of spices, grapes, and plums, and its balanced acidity. You can buy Gianni Calogiuri Vincotto Fig online here.