Wine Vinegar

What Is Wine Vinegar?

Wine vinegar is a vinegar obtained through the fermentation and souring of wine by vinegar bacteria. It has two basic varieties, red and white, depending on the wine used.

It has a sharp, sour, grapey aroma; the red variety is more intense and full-bodied, the white variety lighter and more delicate. It is one of the staple vinegars of salad dressings and marinades in Mediterranean and European cuisines.

Nutritional Value of Wine Vinegar

Wine vinegar is a very low-calorie product; it contains approximately 19 kcal of energy per 100 grams and no fat. Since it is used in small amounts in dishes, its contribution to diet in calories is low; its real value is the sour aroma it adds.

What Are the Benefits of Wine Vinegar?

Wine vinegar can be part of a balanced diet as a dressing ingredient that adds sourness and flavor to dishes with low calories.

This information is general; wine vinegar is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Wine Vinegar

Good wine vinegar should be clear (or naturally slightly cloudy), have a clean-sharp smell, and be free of sediment; the formation of a vinegar mother inside is natural and can be strained out. The packaging should be intact and the date suitable.

• The color should suit the variety, the smell sharp-clean
• Natural vinegar mother formation is normal
• The packaging should be intact, the date suitable

How to Store Wine Vinegar

Wine vinegar has a long shelf life thanks to its high acidity; it is stored in a sealed bottle, in a cool and dark place. A vinegar mother that may form at the bottom over time is harmless and can be strained if desired.

Using Wine Vinegar in the Kitchen

Wine vinegar is used most commonly in salad dressings (vinaigrette), meat and vegetable marinades, sauce deglazing, and pickles; the red variety pairs well with meat and full-bodied flavors, the white with fish and light salads.

How Is Wine Vinegar Vinaigrette Made?

One part wine vinegar is whisked with three parts olive oil, salt, black pepper, and mustard to taste to make a smooth salad dressing.

What Is the Difference Between Red and White Wine Vinegar?

Red wine vinegar is more intense and full-bodied, while white wine vinegar is lighter and more delicate; the choice depends on the recipe and the ingredient it will be paired with.

Which Recipes Is Wine Vinegar Used With?

Vinaigrette, meat-vegetable marinades, pickles, sauce deglazing, and cold salads are its best-known uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does wine vinegar contain alcohol?

Since the alcohol is largely converted to acetic acid during vinegar-making, wine vinegar has no significant remaining alcohol; it is a vinegar product.

What can be used instead of wine vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar or grape vinegar can be used for a similar sourness; although the taste changes slightly, it gives close results in salads and marinades.

Does wine vinegar spoil?

Thanks to its high acidity it has a very long shelf life; darkening in color or mother-like formations at the bottom generally do not spoil its flavor.

Is wine vinegar the same as balsamic vinegar?

No; balsamic vinegar is made with a different method from grape must and is sweetish-dark, while wine vinegar is sharper and more sour.