Giuseppe Giusti: Italy's oldest balsamic vinegar producer (since 1605)
In short:
- Giuseppe Giusti has been established in Modena since 1605 — the oldest balsamic house in the world, purveyor to the Italian kings.
- The Medaglie collection ranges from 2 (accessible, €20.95) to 5 Medaglie (concentrated, €64.95).
- Our entry-level recommendations: the 3 Medaglie for daily use, the 5 Medaglie as a finishing touch for those seeking the ultimate.
Anyone who truly delves into balsamic inevitably comes across Giuseppe Giusti. Since 1605 — four centuries ago — this family in the heart of Modena has been making balsamic vinegar following the same tradition. They supplied King Vittorio Emanuele II, and Verdi was a customer. Today, Giusti is one of the most respected names in the world of aceto balsamico. In this brand spotlight, we review the collection, explain the Medaglie system, and help you choose which bottle is right for you.
The oldest balsamic house in Italy (since 1605)
When Galileo Galilei was building his telescope, the Giusti family had already been producing balsamic for a few generations. The house was founded in 1605 in Modena, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. Four centuries later, the same family still manages the acetaia — an attic full of wooden batterie made of oak, cherry, chestnut, mulberry, and juniper. Some of these barrels are older than the Netherlands.
Giusti was officially a purveyor to the Italian kings from 1929. Their heritage is recognized today by the Consorzio Tutela Aceto Balsamico di Modena — the supervisory body for IGP balsamic in the region.
The Medaglie system: 2 to 5 medals
Giusti does not use "young/medium/aged" labels. Instead: medals. The more medals on the label, the richer and more concentrated the balsamic. The system originates from historical exhibition medals the house received in the 19th century.
| Name | Profile | Price | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giusti Bianco (white balsamic) | Clear, fresh, citrusy | €10.90–€14.90 | Light salads, fish, white meat dishes |
| 2 Medaglie | Medium-dense, velvety, delicate | €20.95 | Daily dressings, marinades |
| 3 Medaglie | Rich, sweet-fruity, versatile | €24.95 | Meat, cheese, cooking and finishing |
| 4 Medaglie | Syrupy, creamy, light peppery finish | €39.95 | Finishing, fine dishes |
| 5 Medaglie | Robust, concentrated, decades-aged profile | €64.95 | Drops on trophy dishes |
How do you actually pronounce 'Giusti'?
Italians say "Joe-stie" (the "g" like "j" as in "Jacques"). Not "Gioesti" or "Giusti" with a hard G. The family name Giusti literally means "the righteous ones."
Why does Giusti cost more than an average IGP?
Three reasons: four centuries of heritage (that's not just in the name — it's literally in the barrels), strict selection of Trebbiano and Lambrusco grapes, and maintaining batterie passed down through generations. Setting up a new batteria takes decades before it works optimally.
Our recommendations from the Giusti range
- 3 Medaglie (€24.95) — for the balsamic beginner. Rich enough to impress, price still within reach for any kitchen. Our best-selling Giusti.
- 4 Medaglie (€39.95) — if you want to go a step higher. Creamy enough to drizzle over Parmigiano.
- Bianco (€10.90) — our choice for white fish and light salads. Not IGP certified (white balsamic is by definition a condimento), but Giusti quality through and through.
Tasting note — Giusti 5 Medaglie:
Aroma: deep caramel, smoked wood, dried fig
Taste: almost a liqueur — sweet, complex, endlessly long
Texture: thick enough to leave a trail on a plate
Best use: drops on aged Parmigiano, grilled ribeye, vanilla ice cream
Our score: 94/100 — Giusti's flagship
Frequently asked questions
What makes Giusti different from other Modena producers?
Four centuries of uninterrupted production by the same family. No industrial scale, no acquisition by a large conglomerate. The batterie currently in use began under ancestors whose names you don't even know.
Which Giusti should I choose as an entry-level option?
The 3 Medaglie. It shows what Giusti stands for — rich, balanced, fruity — without a DOP price tag.
How long does an opened Giusti last?
Stored in a dark, cool place, for years. The 4 and 5 Medaglie are so concentrated that they can be seen as an investment.
Is Giusti an IGP or DOP?
The Medaglie collection is all IGP (Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP). Giusti also has DOP versions, but these are limited release and not always in stock.
Why is it called 'Medaglie'?
It refers to exhibition medals the house won in the 19th century — including at the Paris (1867) and Vienna (1873) World Exhibitions.
Discover the Giusti collection
Whether you start with the 3 Medaglie or go straight for the top with the 5 Medaglie, you'll taste what four centuries of continuity do to a bottle of vinegar. View the full Giusti collection.
Selected with passion,
The Olijfoliemarkt.nl team