Acetaia Leonardi Juniper-Cherry Balsamic 20 year: Cherry aged balsamic was prized in the Roman Empire. Today it is increasingly rare as the vanishing juniper tree is now protected by law, preventing the replenishment of the wood casks. Leonardi maintains 80 barrels of old juniper. The vinegar is aged for a minimum of 20 years exclusively in these barrels, yielding an herbaceous, slightly spicy flavor. With hints of honey, the sweetness is refined and not at all overpowering. This vinegar is perfect for savory foods--try drizzled on a grilled flank steak, topped with arugula. A typically Italian use is a liberal pouring over salami or even a shard of Parmigano-Reggiano cheese. This special, 20 year-old vinegar is aged solely in wood barrels, giving it a wonderfully subtle cherry flavor that lingers on the tongue. This vinegar can be used as a syrup on top of berries or ice cream, as well as a topping for panna cotta. While it is sweet, it could also be used as a sauce for a pork loin.