Due to their quite similar appearance, some people might confuse balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar. But they have a few significant differences. They differ first in their ingredients. Balsamic vinegar is made by combining red wine vinegar with grape must. These latter individuals age much more quickly than their predecessors. Traditional balsamic vinegar may take as long as 25 years to ferment completely, whereas red wine vinegar takes only two. Different flavors also result from different ingredients. Red wine vinegar has a more acidic taste and a sharper flavor. Meanwhile, balsamic vinegar has a fruity taste and is sweet. Due to its thin, watery texture, red wine vinegar is most often used in sauces. Marinating meat with balsamic vinegar is a common use for the condiment.