The Value of Time and Tradition: Acetaia Malpighi in the "Vocabulary of Corporate Culture"

Museimpresa, the Italian Association of Business Archives and Museumsof which we are associated as Museo Taste&Tour, celebrates the quarter century since its foundation with the publication of the volume The vocabulary of business culture. Words from archives and museums to describe Italian know-how, published by Marsilio Arte Edizioni.
The volume is a small and precious "alphabet," or "shared lexicon," designed to spark conscious reflection on the origins of industrial terminology, the profound meanings of work languages, and their transformative power in contemporary society.

The dictionary contains over one hundred entriesselected directly from associated institutions, highlighting keywords such as Belonging, Brand, Community, Courage, Care, Design, and Inclusion. Each of them is It was written in collaboration with the authors of the Holden School and is accompanied by an original illustration conceived specifically for the publication, guiding the reader through an easy and immediate consultation.
It is “rincalzothe word we proposed and which is was inserted inside the vocabulary: a pillar It is fundamental to our daily work and our five-generation family history.

What is "rincalzo" and what does it represent in the production of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO?

Rincalzo is a word that encompasses entire worlds, ancient gestures passed down from generation to generation, and a deep connection to the land. A word that defines the very essence of the art of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO. For those who wish to understand the soul of this great excellence, the rincalzo is not a simple technical operation, but a true ritual that marks the time of the vinegar factory. Inside the battery—the set of barrels made of different woods (oak, chestnut, cherry, juniper, mulberry, and acacia) where the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO rests and matures for at least 12 to 25 years—the product inevitably undergoes a reduction in volume during the summer months due to evaporation.
To compensate for this decrease, in the winter (traditionally during the "good moon"), racking and topping up are performed: the operation begins with the smallest barrel, from which a small amount of balsamic vinegar is removed. of Vinegar (ready to be used because it has reached the right level of refinement): the void that is created is filled by drawing from the second barrel, which is slightly larger, and so on down the entire battery. The largest barrel, which is found at the end of the battery (generally called the "abbess", is finally topped up using must cooked and acetified (therefore young).In this way, the younger product slowly and continuously mixes with the older one, acquiring the aromas and characteristics of all the different woods in the barrel over the years.

This slow and expert gesture ensures that the nectar continues to evolve, enriching itself with the tannins and aromas of the precious woods. The perfect synthesis of our philosophy: a perfect balance between nature's patience and human craftsmanship.

The book states: "The rincalzo, therefore, is a new energy that nourishes and keeps alive ancient wisdom (tradition, the archive, history). Without the rincalzo, the old barrel would lose its function, and without the old barrel, the young product would not have the path to excellence." Rincalzo embodies the profound meaning of Acetaia Malpighi, because it recounts a true act of faith in the future. Pietro Malpighi knew full well that it would not be he who would enjoy the final result, but his children or grandchildren; He knew that achieving excellence requires time, and wishing it on his son was the greatest gift.

The vocabulary of business culture. Words from archives and museums to tell the story of Italian know-how. is a work designed to include the history of Italian businesses in the national cultural heritage to be safeguarded and passed down to future generations. And we are proud to be there. It can be purchased at Bookstores and online at this link:  https://www.marsilioarte.it/prodotti/il-vocabolario-della-cultura-dimpresa/