Pecorino Toscano Stagianato
February 19, 2008
Country and region of origin:
Milk: Pasteurized Sheep’s Milk
Age: Over Four Months
Rind: Natural, inedible
Creamery: Il Forteto
Creamery website: www.forteto.it
Properties:Salty and rewardingly sheepy, Pecorino Toscano Stagionato is the medium-aged variety of the three D.O.P. Pecorino Toscanos carried by PFI. It is still young enough to be a little sweet, but old enough to be assertive. It is pleasantly dry, with nice crystalization, and pale yellow in color. Wheels of Stagionato are 9 inches across and about 3 inches tall.
Uses: Like all great pecorinos, this one is great with salami, shaved onto pasta or eaten on its own. Try it with gnocchi or in your homemade panini.
Wine Pairings: This pairs well with big Italian Reds – think about Chianti or Brunello.
Production Notes: This is a well-pressed cheese, aged carefully.
Testimonials:
Steven Jenkins – Cheese Primer:
My second favorite cheese in the world
