WHAT IS MONTASIO CHEESE?
The Other Italian Cheese
Italian cheese is as diverse as the areas that produce them. Although Mozzarella, Ricotta and Parmesan may be better known, Montasio cheese is an admiral choice to expand your Italian cheese experience.
Similar to Swiss, Montasio cheese has a mild, delicate, somewhat fruity flavor with just a hint of nuts. It resembles the flavors inhibited in the Italian cheese, Asiago
Made in large wheels, Montasio cheese may be used as a grating cheese or an appetizer. Montasio cheese is the traditional Italian cheese used for making frico, or fried cheese. It also makes a flavorful fondue.
Montasio cheese originates in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Situated in the northeast corner of Italy, this region lies in the foothills of the Alps. Montasio cheese is available in three varieties. Montasio Fresco or fresh, is at least two months old and has a mild flavor with a creamy consistancy. Montasio mezzano has been aged from five to ten months. The flavor deepens as it becomes firmer and its color turns golden. Montasio stagionato or Montasio stravecchio is aged over ten months and must be grated. The flavor intensifies yet does not overpower.
Montasio cheese dates back to the 1200's. This Italian cheese was originally produced by Benedictine monks using sheep's milk. Today this Italian cheese is made with a double milking of cow's milk. The evening milking is skimmed of the cream before being mixed with the morning milk. The skimmed cream is made into mascarpone, a cheese-like spread.
In the 1980's, Montasio cheese was awarded the DOP label which is given by the Italian government and basically defines a geographic area where an Italian cheese can be produced. The area also includes parts of Veneto. This same governing body strictly monitors the production of Montasio cheese assuring traditional methods are adhered to.
Montasio cheese goes well with any of the wines from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. Pair it with a Pinot Grigio, a Merlot or Sauvignon Blanc.
If you're looking to expand your cheese horizons, Italian cheese has much to offer and the lesser known Montasio cheese is an excellent place to get started. Experiment with frico and give shredded Montasio cheese a try over Parmesan. Even the standby grilled cheese sandwich excels when Montasio cheese is used.
WHO'S THE BOSS OF MONTASIO CHEESE?
The Governing of Montasio Production
Italian cheese is as diverse as the areas that produce them. Although Mozzarella, Ricotta and Parmesan may be better known, Montasio cheese is an admiral choice to expand your Italian cheese experience.
Similar to Swiss, Montasio cheese has a mild, delicate, somewhat fruity flavor with just a hint of nuts. It resembles the flavors inhibited in the Italian cheese, Asiago
Made in large wheels, Montasio cheese may be used as a grating cheese or an appetizer. Montasio cheese is the traditional Italian cheese used for making frico, or fried cheese. It also makes a flavorful fondue.
Montasio cheese originates in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Situated in the northeast corner of Italy, this region lies in the foothills of the Alps. Montasio cheese is available in three varieties. Montasio Fresco or fresh, is at least two months old and has a mild flavor with a creamy consistancy. Montasio mezzano has been aged from five to ten months. The flavor deepens as it becomes firmer and its color turns golden. Montasio stagionato or Montasio stravecchio is aged over ten months and must be grated. The flavor intensifies yet does not overpower.
Montasio cheese dates back to the 1200's. This Italian cheese was originally produced by Benedictine monks using sheep's milk. Today this Italian cheese is made with a double milking of cow's milk. The evening milking is skimmed of the cream before being mixed with the morning milk. The skimmed cream is made into mascarpone, a cheese-like spread.
In the 1980's, Montasio cheese was awarded the DOP label which is given by the Italian government and basically defines a geographic area where an Italian cheese can be produced. The area also includes parts of Veneto. This same governing body strictly monitors the production of Montasio cheese assuring traditional methods are adhered to.
Montasio cheese goes well with any of the wines from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. Pair it with a Pinot Grigio, a Merlot or Sauvignon Blanc.
If you're looking to expand your cheese horizons, Italian cheese has much to offer and the lesser known Montasio cheese is an excellent place to get started. Experiment with frico and give shredded Montasio cheese a try over Parmesan. Even the standby grilled cheese sandwich excels when Montasio cheese is used.