Tellegio DOP

Taleggio Cheese

• Country: Italy
• Region: Lombardy
• Flavour: Mild, tangy, and creamy with a fruity finish
• Type of Milk: Cow's milk
• Pasteurisation: Typically pasteurised
• Vegetarian Rennet: Varies by producer
• Organic: Varies by producer

Overview:

Taleggio is a semi-soft, cow’s milk cheese hailing from the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Known for its mild, creamy flavour, it features a slightly tangy and fruity taste profile, complemented by a distinctive and aromatic rind. The cheese has been made for over a thousand years and retains a strong connection to traditional cheesemaking practices. Its texture is creamy, with a smooth and supple interior that becomes more intense as it ages, yet it maintains a tender, delicate finish.

History & Background:

Originating in the Lombardy region of Italy, Taleggio has been made for over a millennium, with references to the cheese dating back to the 9th century. The cheese is thought to be named after the Val Taleggio valley in Lombardy, where it was first produced. Despite its ancient roots, Taleggio is still made using traditional methods, preserving its rich history and iconic flavour.

Cheesemaking Process:

• Milk Source: Taleggio is made from cow’s milk, sourced from the mountainous regions of Lombardy, where the cows graze on fresh, green pastures.
• Moulding & Pressing: The cheese is typically moulded into rectangular blocks and is lightly pressed to form a compact yet smooth texture.
• Aging: Taleggio is aged for 6-10 weeks, allowing it to develop its distinctive flavour and soft, creamy texture. It’s during this period that the cheese is regularly washed with a brine solution, helping it develop the aromatic, orange-pink rind that is a hallmark of the cheese.
• Texture: The interior of Taleggio is soft and smooth, with a slight creaminess that becomes more intense with age. Its mild tang and smooth mouthfeel make it easily spreadable.

Taste & Texture:

• Flavour:
  • Taleggio has a mildly tangy, creamy flavour with a slight fruity finish. As it ages, its flavour deepens, becoming more complex and intense, but still maintaining a balanced smoothness.
  • The distinctive rind adds an extra layer of earthiness and savory notes, which complement the creamy body of the cheese.
• Texture:
  • The texture of Taleggio is smooth, creamy, and semi-soft, with a slightly elastic consistency that becomes melt-in-your-mouth as it ripens. The cheese’s supple interior is complemented by its soft yet aromatic rind, which provides a delightful contrast to the cheese’s creamy texture.

Pairing Recommendations:

• Savoury Pairings:
  • Pair Taleggio with crusty bread or grissini for a classic Italian experience. The creaminess of the cheese pairs beautifully with the crunch of the bread.
  • Charcuterie such as prosciutto, salami, or air-dried meats works wonderfully alongside Taleggio, with the creaminess balancing the salty and rich flavours of the meats.
• Sweet Pairings:
  • Taleggio pairs nicely with fruits such as apples, pears, or grapes, which enhance the cheese’s mild tang.
  • Honey or fig jam adds a lovely contrast of sweetness to the tangy flavour of the cheese.
• Wine Pairings:
  • For an ideal match, pair Taleggio with a light white wine, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or a light Sauvignon Blanc.
  • A sparkling wine like Prosecco also pairs well, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich creaminess of the cheese.
• Beer Pairings:
  • A light lager or Belgian-style ale enhances the creamy texture of Taleggio while cutting through its richness.
  • For a more robust pairing, try it with a saison or a amber ale, which complements the slightly fruity tang of the cheese.

Culinary Uses:

• Cheese Boards: Add Taleggio to your cheese board, where its creamy texture and mildly tangy flavour make it a standout addition.
• Sandwiches: Use Taleggio in a grilled cheese sandwich or panini, where the cheese melts beautifully, creating a rich and creamy filling.
• Pasta Dishes: Shave or crumble Taleggio over pasta dishes, particularly those with mushrooms, herbs, or roasted vegetables.
• Salads: Crumble Taleggio into a green salad with apples, walnuts, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a delicious contrast of textures and flavours.
• Risotto: Add Taleggio to risotto or polenta for an extra layer of creaminess and depth of flavour.
• Pizza: Melt Taleggio on a pizza with toppings such as mushrooms, prosciutto, or arugula for a delightful Italian-inspired treat.

Storage & Serving:

• Storage: Taleggio should be stored in wax paper or cheese paper in the fridge. It is best to allow it to come to room temperature before serving to fully appreciate its creamy texture and flavour.
• Serving Instructions: To enjoy Taleggio at its best, remove it from the fridge 30-60 minutes before serving, allowing it to soften slightly for an optimal tasting experience.

Conclusion:

Taleggio is an exceptional semi-soft cow’s milk cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy, renowned for its creamy texture, mild tang, and fruity finish. Whether spread on bread, melted in pasta, or paired with fruits and charcuterie, Taleggio offers a luxurious and versatile cheese experience. With its rich history and distinctive aroma, it’s a beloved choice for any cheese lover looking to indulge in a mild yet complex flavour profile.