Mast Còt

The beating heart of Emilia's black gold

Mast Còt — meaning 'cooked must' in the local dialect — is the event that every autumn transforms the historic center of Spilamberto, in the Province of Modena, into a living stage for the birth of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP. Here, in this village in the Emilia plains crossed by the Panaro river, lies one of the world's most famous gastronomic excellences, and it is here that the moment everything begins is celebrated each year: the cooking of the grape must.

The ritual of cooking the must

The absolute star of the festival is the open-air cooking of the must, in the traditional copper pots arranged along the streets and squares of the town. Under the guidance of the masters from the Consorteria dell'Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena, the grape juice slowly simmers for hours at a temperature not exceeding 70 degrees Celsius, reducing its volume by half or even two-thirds. This is the foundational act, from which begins the long aging process in a series of barrels that will, after many years, yield the precious traditional balsamic vinegar. Surrounding this ancient ritual are guided tastings led by Master Tasters, who share the history, techniques, and secrets of a protected product tied to farming wisdom passed down through generations.

A village celebrating culture and tradition

Throughout the weekend, Spilamberto fully opens its doors to visitors. You can freely access the Museum of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar and the Consorteria's social vinegar cellar, witness demonstrations by coopers who build and repair barrels, and explore the food market featuring local products. There are also special openings of historic sites like the Medieval Tower and the Antiquarium Museum, as well as the evocative Rocca Rangoni with its Court of Honor.

• Cooking of the must in copper pots with the masters of the Consorteria
• Guided tastings of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP
• Food market and typical Emilian products
• Demonstrations by coopers and exhibitions of vintage agricultural machinery
• Free entry to the Museum of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar
• Activities for children, shows, parades, and literary encounters

Why it's worth it

Mast Còt is not just a simple festival; it's an authentic immersion into the identity of a territory. Visiting Spilamberto during these days means experiencing a unique gastronomic heritage up close, literally breathing in its aroma, and understanding why Emilia-Romagna is recognized as one of the world's capitals of good food. The event is organized by the Municipality of Spilamberto together with the Consorteria dell'Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena.