Where Does Costco Source Its Kirkland Signature Aged Balsamic Vinegar?

Costco's Kirkland Signature aged balsamic vinegar is a must-buy food for first-time customers. While most balsamic vinegar you buy at the supermarket is likely fake, sad to say, Costco's stuff is the real deal. In fact, the name of its 100-year-old supplier is proudly displayed on the bottle's label. Just like Costco sources its Kirkland Signature basil pesto directly from Italy, so does its balsamic vinegar have authentic Italian origins. Specifically, it's made by Acetum of Modena, Italy, which has produced balsamic for Costco since 1999.

On Reddit, Costco fans had high praise for the balsamic vinegar. "I am impressed with Kirkland Balsamic Vinegar. Costco always finds a good product and sells it at a great price. This balsamic is much better than the grocery brands," one comment gushed. Other Redditors agreed that the price was more than fair for the quality, while still more raved about all the ways that they used this delicious, versatile product in their cooking. 

Salad dressings were an obvious use, of course, but that was far from the whole story. "Sprinkle some of this balsamic vinegar over freshly sliced strawberries and serve over waffles, ice cream, whatever. Mmmmmmm," one imaginative poster declared. Others enjoyed it on buttered toast or mixed with flaky salt as an all-purpose condiment. Wonder why this balsamic vinegar is so darn yummy? Could be because it's PGI, a protected label that means the vinegar is an authentic product from Italy created under strict conditions that make it inimitable.

Costco's Kirkland Signature product is Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), a label that not just anyone can claim. It means the vinegar is certified to have been made in Modena using traditional processes and materials handed down over generations of craftspeople. Trebbiano, Lambrusco, and Ancellotta are three examples of grapes that are permitted to be used in the production of balsamic vinegar, which is made by fermenting and cooking liquid derived from pressing the grapes. The aging, acidity, and fermentation processes are all governed by practically inviolable historical standards. At the end of the lengthy aging process, which takes place in wooden barrels, the vinegar is tasted by experts. Only then does it receive the "Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI," an assurance of provenance and quality.

We're used to Costco's house-label products being superior selections, but we were seriously impressed when we discovered the bonafides behind its balsamic vinegar, which can go toe-to-toe with much pricier imported products. Real balsamic vinegar is incredibly expensive, with particularly special bottles on par with a high-end wine. Costco, on the other hand, sells a two-pack on their website for about the same price ($45) as an entry-level single bottle elsewhere. Next time we whip up an Italian dinner with a simple salad dressing, we'll be giving mad props to Costco for sourcing such a high-end pantry staple.