It all started at the end of 1991
The name of Fondo Montebello was carved on a small and rusty metal plate which was hung on a wall inside of the farmhouse located in a small vinegar cellar. Believing it was a good omen, the owner took it as the name of the new business.
Fondo Montebello was founded in 1991 and it is located in Emilia Romagna, Maranello, Modena. The company has been the first to formulate high-density Balsamic vinegar of Modena, and the passion for Balsamic Vinegar has been transferred over two family generations. Today Fondo Montebello is a medium and modern company with a production process which is FSSC 22000 Certified that consistently wins the trust and appreciation of tough markets as Europe, China and the United States of America thanks to the effort and resources put by the company in making a top-quality Balsamic Vinegar.
2000 – The Steps
Following the initial success, the company started growing at a fast pace and eventually moved into a bigger facility, able to accommodate advanced bottling equipment. All throughout this resizing phase, the traditional recipe of our Balsamic Vinegar was kept genuine and unaltered.
2019 – The First Branch Offices in The United States of America
The opening of a branch in the United States, Houston, Texas, Fondo Montebello USA, Inc. is at the same time a goal, a confirmation and a challenge. “We strongly believe in the value of our product and know-how acquired and we know its enormous attractive potential in the world, which is why we are investing heavily in terms of resources and energy to develop a foreign commercial network that is increasing”.
Our vision is to provide a range of different products aimed to satisfy the most demanding of the clients with an affordable price, without impacting quality. For this reason, we have never stopped striving for quality. Our target is to popularize our Balsamic Vinegar as a top-notch niche product, created from unique ingredients as a cooked must and wine vinegar, with no colorings, flavors or other additives. Although we chose to automate some of our production processes, we want to highlight that the intense taste of our Balsamic Vinegar comes from top quality base ingredients – all of which are purchased locally – and from the refining process, which naturally takes place in wooden casks.
The Number Keeps Growing
The wholesale distribution currently reaches 26 countries, while the retail segment is dedicated to bringing Fondo Montebello products to specialized shops, hotels and restaurants. For years, private customers have been purchasing Balsamic Vinegar of Modena from the e-commerce platform hosted on the website, which they have made available to all those who wish to purchase retail products directly from their online store.
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
A product of the Emilian territory and skill honed over thousands of years, it is clear and bright with an intense dark brown colour tending towards black. Its taste is bitter-sweet with harmony between acidity and sweetness while its odor is lightly acidic, delicate and persistent with eventual woody notes.
The secret behind the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena lies in 3 factors: Grapes, Earth & Love
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI can be produced only in the provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia, obtained exclusively from the Lambrusco, Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Albana, Ancellotta, Fortana and Montuni grape varieties. It is produced from cooked or concentrated must, with the addition of a quantity of wine vinegar, and aged in barrels for at least 60 days, or up to and beyond 3 years for products labeled as Invecchiato (aged).
Fermentation begins immediately in large vats and continues after transfer into casks constructed using prized woods such as oak, particularly sessile oak, chestnut, mulberry and juniper. The product thus obtained is filtered and then subjected to a “final examination” (analytical and organoleptic), which leads to the product being certified as Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.
The Passion: Aging Process of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Requires Time
The longer it rests in the old barrels of the Fondo Montebello, the richer it becomes in flavors and aromas, giving life to a tasting experience able to seduce the senses in a unique way.
During the aging process, each wood leaves to Balsamic Vinegar a particular feature:
a. Chestnut, rich in tannins, contributes to the dark color;
b. Mulberry enhances the concentration; Juniper leaves resinous essences;
c. Cherry sweetens the taste;
d. Oak gives a typical vanilla perfume.
The result is a complex equilibrium between sour and sweet, which has always distinguished Fondo Montebello Balsamic Vinegars of Modena.
Fondo Montebello Line
FM 02 – Taste The Difference
Dense and brilliant color, dark brown it possesses a remarkable density and syrup-like sensation. Its pregiabile aromatic flavor gives to this balsamic vinegar of Modena IGP, an exceptional product for its ductility, it can adapt to a wide variety of uses. The most successful marriage is perhaps the one with the Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, related to the world are the Emilian Tortellini enhancing the flavor-enhancing them with a gentle touch, it blends perfectly with all red meats, game or a good fish. On fruit and sweets spoon surprise, refined and intense.
Gold Line Selection – Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Juniper Wood

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena P.O.D. Line
EXTRAVECCHIO – 25 YEARS – The harmony of flavors is enriched by the scent of fine woods absorbed during the aging process
The Balsamic Vinegar “Tradizionale di Modena DOP” owes its flavor thanks to the cooking of musts obtained from a typical grape variety grown in Modena countryside and the climate characteristics which make possible unique and particular processes that during aging give the product of an intense and unmistakable aroma. Its particular characteristic in exalting the perfumes and flavors of the dishes in which it is added makes the Balsamic Vinegar “Tradizionale di Modena DOP” one of the most appreciated products of the traditional Emilian cuisine.
Preferably used raw is best when savored along with Parmesan cheese or other cheeses, on pasta, pizza and fish. Also blends wonderfully with roast and boiled meats, grilled vegetables and, with a few drops will enhance the flavor of fruit, cake and ice cream. The Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena P.O.D. is packaged in 100 ml Giugiaro ampoule, kept in a precious box set with a booklet.
Condiment with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
Diamond – An intense and brilliant color presents a melting syrup-like density
It is a food condiment with a full-bodied flavor, it comes in handy and stylish molded PVC bottles for food use. This dressing is suitable from starters to dessert, fruits, ice cream and also to garnish with a slice of cake. Great to give a touch of class in addition to simplicity.
Perlamico – Pearl with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
Balsamic Pearls are small spheres with a liquid sweet-and-sour heart containing the best Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. When eaten, they provide a surprising and pleasant explosion of taste besides transforming any dish in a true spectacle. Ideal for: roast or grilled meat, fish and seafood (smoked salmon, shells, sushi…), appetizers, Tomato and mozzarella, fruit, ice cream and desserts.
Various flavours are available, from the Classic Balsamico and the white condiment with balsamic vinegar of Modena , so that to enrich any kind of food preparation with a touch of molecular gastronomy encountering the most traditional symbol of Modena: Balsamic Vinegar.
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is IGP-Certified
The purpose in becoming IGP-certified is to protect the customers, improving the transparency of the process and traceability of the ingredients, thereby guaranteeing the safety, consistency and quality of all products which enables the company to be more competitive and enter new markets all around the world.
26 Countries in 2020
Italy – Germany – France – England – Switzerland – Österreich – Spain – Belgium – Ireland – Hungary – Ukraine – Bulgaria – Czech Republic – Netherlands – United Arab Emirates – China – Hong Kong – Taiwan – Japan – Malaysia – Hawaii – Mexico – the United States of America – Colombia – Uruguay – Dominican Republic
Fondo Montebello