The Best Store-Bought White Wine Vinegar Boasts Restaurant-Quality Taste

An unassuming bottle of white wine vinegar might not look like a star ingredient on a grocery store shelf. However, just like other liquid condiments, such as soy or Worcestershire, it can be a powerhouse of flavor when used as a component in lip-smacking salad dressings, marinades, and sauces. In our opinion, the best store-bought white wine vinegar is from Star Italian Kitchen. Boasting a restaurant-quality taste, this vinegar is worth its $3 to $5 price tag (depending on where you buy it from).

The winner in our ranking of 8 store-bought white wine vinegars, Star Italian Kitchen's offering was a champion on three fronts. Firstly, it had a welcome sharpness to it but wasn't overly sour, unlike Signature Select white wine vinegar from Albertsons, which was so acidic it burned our throats. Secondly, the aroma was pleasantly light rather than overpowering. Some other varieties of vinegar can be yeasty and pungent, but Star Italian's white wine option hit that perfect sweet spot. Finally, the flavor of the vinegar had intricate fruity undertones and was harmonious overall, making it ideal for both sweet and savory recipes. Star Italian Kitchen's website states that its white wine vinegar is "produced from a selected blend of white wines and imported from Spain," which explains why its flavor was balanced and nuanced. All of these qualities combined are what make this brand of white wine vinegar worthy of being a pantry staple for both home cooks and experienced chefs alike.

Star Italian Kitchen's white wine vinegar can bring nuance to anything from a basic salad dressing to a marinade for fish or chicken with its clean and bright taste and zesty bouquet. On the Kroger website, one shopper who awarded the product five stars described it as having a clean taste that is great for pickles. However, you could just as easily use it to make a warm Hollandaise or a tangy brine for chicken when you're out of buttermilk. 

While you might be tempted to sub this winning condiment for a basic white vinegar, we wouldn't recommend it. The difference between white vinegar versus white wine vinegar is that the latter has a fruitier flavor and aroma because it's made from grapes (white vinegar is made from grains, like barley malt or corn). Use the genuine stuff, and your dishes will sing with complexity and shades of fruity depth.