Italy takes Slovenia to court over balsamic vinegar name row

Government says Slovenian plans to standardise' use of name threaten traditional producers in Modena

The Italian government is launching infringement proceedings against Slovenia in an attempt to defend the authenticity of its famed, geographically protected balsamic vinegar.

Relations between the two countries turned sour last year when Slovenia notified the European Commission of its plans to standardise" its vinegar production, essentially seeking to market any wine vinegar mixed with concentrated fruit juice or must as balsamic vinegar".