🥃 Saba (sapa)
An Italian syrup of cooked-down must, the base of balsamic vinegar.
Saba, also called sapa, is a thick grape syrup popular in Italy. It is made from grape must, the fresh juice: the juice is simmered for a long time until it reduces in volume and becomes dark and sweet. No sugar needs to be added, everything comes from the grapes.
Such syrup has been known for a long time. Similar products exist in many countries, for example grape syrup and Italian vino cotto. Saba is close to balsamic vinegar: that too is made from cooked must, but it is aged for years in barrels.
Saba is added to desserts, sauces and meat dishes, served with cheese, or simply put on bread. The taste is sweet and sour, with notes of raisins and dried fruit.
It is not wine: no fermentation happens, so there is almost no alcohol in saba. It is one more example of how grapes are used for more than a drink.
Links
- Part of
- 🥃 Grape syrup
- Where it is made
- 🗺️ Italian wine
- Similar and different
- 🍷 Vino cotto, 🥃 Balsamic vinegar, 🥃 Grape syrup
Frequently asked questions
What is saba?
An Italian syrup made from cooked-down grape must.
Does saba contain alcohol?
Almost none: the juice is simmered, not fermented.
How are saba and balsamic vinegar related?
Both are made from cooked must, but balsamic vinegar is also aged for years in barrels.
Similar
🥃 Pekmez · 🥃 Petimezi · 🥃 Traditional balsamic vinegar · 🥃 Grappa · 🥃 Balsamic vinegar · 🥃 Verjuice
⚠️ Wine contains alcohol: adults only, drink in moderation. Wine usually contains sulphites; egg white or milk proteins are sometimes used for fining — important for allergies and for vegans.