Physicochemical Changes and Sensory Characterization of a Balsamic Vinegar Dressing at Different °Brix

A balsamic vinegar dressing was developed by concentrating commercial balsamic vinegar (wine vinegar + grape juice) by evaporation under controlled conditions; evaporation increased the content of glucose + fructose that was naturally present in the balsamic vinegar leading to high Brix values. The water activity (aw) and viscosity of the balsamic dressing at various °Brix were measured and modeled using previously reported equations for the behavior of fructose/glucose, which showed a good fit. A quantitative descriptive analysis was performed and samples were grouped in three clusters corresponding to low (31.1–51.2), intermediate (64.0–67.5), and high (71.8–76.0) °Brix. Samples of highest °Brix were associated with sweetness, caramel flavor, visual viscosity, and reduced sourness and acetic aroma, attributes which differentiated these samples from the control and which are considered desirable for a dressing to be used with cold meats, cheeses, and desserts.