Novellara Municipal Balsamic Vinegar Cellar

Discovering Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia

In the heart of Novellara’s historic centre, beneath the ancient beams of the Rocca dei Gonzaga, lies one of the most authentic treasures of Reggio Emilia’s culinary tradition.
In the attic of this historic residence, now the Town Hall, lies the Municipal Vinegar Cellar, a place where time, silence and artisanal expertise transform cooked grape must into the prized Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia PDO.

Amidst the warm atmosphere of the attic, visitors can discover the slow maturation process that makes this product of excellence unique. The sets of barrels consist of small casks made from different woods – oak, chestnut, cherry and mulberry – in which the must rests for years, following the rhythms of the seasons and the strict rules handed down through tradition.
Every decanting, every period of waiting, every drop tells a story of patience, care and a deep connection to the local area.

The vinegar cellar was established thanks to two fine sets of barrels, bearing the coats of arms of the Town of Novellara and the Confraternity – symbols of a community that has chosen to preserve and promote one of the most representative aspects of its cultural heritage.

A visit to the Acetaia Comunale offers a special opportunity to discover a fascinating world, where the history of the Rocca dei Gonzaga is intertwined with that of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, on a journey that engages the senses and reveals the true identity of the Bassa Reggiana.