Martin-Pouret White Wine Vinegar with Shallots

Tasting Notes of the Curator

The first impression is aromatic rather than acidic. You immediately catch the soft pungency of shallots—rounded, slightly sweet, and unmistakably fresh—woven into the clean backbone of white wine vinegar. On the palate, the acidity is crisp but controlled, bright without harshness, allowing the shallot infusion to unfold naturally. The oak-aging process smooths the vinegar’s edges, giving it a gentle viscosity and a composed finish. There’s a subtle vegetal warmth here, the kind that builds depth rather than sharpness, making this vinegar feel almost sauce-like in its behavior. Unlike infused vinegars that feel decorative, this one feels purposeful. It integrates seamlessly, lending structure to dishes while quietly seasoning them from within. This is a vinegar that understands balance—acid, aromatics, and restraint working together rather than competing.

Pairings and Suggestions

This vinegar is a natural workhorse in the kitchen.

Essential for classic vinaigrettes, especially those paired with Dijon-style mustard.

Splash into pan sauces for chicken, pork, or veal to deglaze and lift without overpowering.

Ideal for shallot-forward dressings served with green salads, lentils, or warm vegetables.

Use to sharpen butter sauces or emulsions where clean acidity is needed.

Excellent for quick pickling, particularly onions, shallots, or cucumbers, where clarity of flavor matters.

Vinegar as Culinary Foundation

At Martin-Pouret, infused vinegars are treated with the same seriousness as their single-wine counterparts. The shallots are not an afterthought—they are part of the structure. Rooted in Orléans’ centuries-old vinegar tradition, the house approaches infusion as a culinary tool, not a novelty. By aging their vinegars slowly in oak and integrating aromatics with restraint, Martin-Pouret produces vinegars that chefs rely on daily. This bottle reflects that philosophy perfectly: practical, elegant, and deeply French. It’s the kind of ingredient that quietly earns a permanent place by the stove.

Storage Instructions

Store in a cool, dark place away from direct light. No refrigeration required. Reseal tightly after use.