If writing on commission is a job, writing about Traditional Balsamic Vinegar is a pleasure. Even more so when this means describing the prize-giving gala evening for the 11th Matildic Palio. But what can I say about an event anticipated by many, and which concludes the long, delicate, precise commitment of so many people involved? Those who were there don¹t need reminding, those who weren' have the right to a few words on the evening.
Suffused lighting, red tablecloths on which candles flickered in a festive pre-Christmas atmosphere, ampulle of Balsamic Vinegar on the tables among skilful and beautiful arrangements. It is by now traditional that Balsamic Vinegar is used with taste in the various dishes during the banquet, and that the floral ornaments are taken home with pleasure, as a "souvenir". However, apart from the setting for the event, what makes the occasion are the people present. In contrast to other gatherings, here the people don't come to show off or savour a spectacle, but to take part in a competition. The competition with others, for deciding the best vinegars in the Province, is anticipated with trepidation by those boasting excellent vinegars, but there's also a challenge for those with young vinegars: it¹s a personal challenge. Year after year, your "creation" must improve and you are even more pleased if you manage to win a place in the classification above your friend who, some time before, has boasted of having a better Balsamic Vinegar than yours. Being at the Palio is a bit like finding yourself in the middle of a group of football fans: first, of the National team (in our case Balsamic Vinegar), and then of a particular team (your own battery).
But let's come to the high point of the event. When the President of the Confraternity, the local Authorities and a number of the Guests set about their "official duties", the whole room was caught up in the always old but always new ritual of the awards ceremony. There was even the coup de theatre, as in all stories in which the suspense is held right until the end. The 1st classified, Mr. Brunello Costi wasŠ absent! Either he didn't have faith in his Balsamic Vinegar or some divinity, envious of his nectar, had conspired against him Š. and don't anybody tell me that the name of the winner is known beforehand!

Giovanna Giacobazzi