01/09/2020
One of the oldest and most iconic Italian cheeses we carry is Taleggio. This historic cheese is one of the oldest soft cheeses in the world and is produced every autumn and winter. It is thought to originally date from the 10th or 11th century, making it over 1,000 years old. Back then it was known as "Stracchino". The name Stracchino was originally used for any soft, square-shaped cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. Stracchino translates from the Italian to "tired" or "exhausted" and referred to the tired herds of cattle making their journey from the Alpine pastures back to the plains. Taleggio is named after the area of its origin, the Val Taleggio Alpine valley in the Italian region of Lombardy. The cheese was originally cured in the caves of the Val Taleggio. In 1996, the cheese was granted P.D.O. (Protected Designation of Origin) status to protect the integrity of its production process.
Made from local pasteurized cow's milk, the cheese is semi-soft with a creamy texture and a fat content of 48%. Its color is pale straw-yellow near the rind, but much whiter near the center of the paste. With a pungent, strong aroma and a complex flavor profile which is fruity, mild, tangy, and nutty all at once, this famous cheese is soft with a washed rind. Taleggio is gluten-free, but the addition of an animal rennet makes the cheese not vegetarian. Producers of Taleggio use five different types of mold to produce the red smear of the rind. Brined by hand, the cheese is placed on seasoned wooden shelves to age and is turned regularly by hand. Intense flavors created by the thorough washing of the rind during the aging process result in an exquisite contrast of the strong, pungent aroma of its coarse edible rind and the rich buttery, mellow taste sensation of the creamy interior paste. Very quick to mature, the aging time is only 25 to 50 days. As with any quality cheese, always serve at room temperature.
This renowned cheese is extremely versatile in its food pairings. Taleggio is frequently used in baking but is also an excellent table cheese that serves very nicely in soups, salads, pasta, and sandwiches. It also melts very well, making it an excellent choice for fondue. Its superior melting qualities cause it to be superb on a grilled cheese sandwich or to sliced as a finishing touch to top casserole dishes. Taleggio is a wonderful addition to risotto and polenta. Chop up to serve with any fresh salad or match with prosciutto and crusty Italian bread. To enjoy in its elemental simplicity, top with mustard, honey, or marmalade. Finally, this famous cheese is splendid with fresh fruit.
Serve with light red or white wines, especially those from the Lombardy region. Any red, fruity, and cool wine will pair very nicely also. Our Taleggio D.O.P. is from Auricchio, a historic Italian creamery that has been producing fine Italian cheeses since 1877. We offer their Taleggio D.O.P. in 7-ounce packages for only $9.99. Come into our shop to experience this amazing Italian cheese.
