Taleggio

A washed rind cheese from Italy. Taleggio is one of the oldest soft cheeses in Italy, made for over a thousand years in the valleys of Lombardy. Its distinctive orange, slightly sticky rind is the result of regular washing during the aging process. Beneath it lies a creamy, soft cheese with a bold, full flavor that is fruity and earthy with a hint of yeast.

The aroma can be intimidating, but the taste is surprisingly nuanced and far milder than the nose suggests. At room temperature, Taleggio becomes wonderfully supple and spreadable. In Italian cooking, it is often used melted: in risotto, over polenta, or on pizza. On the cheese board, it makes for a characterful presence.

Pairs well with: a glass of Barbera d'Asti, Prosecco, or a robust Italian beer. Melt it over polenta, stir it into risotto, or use it as a pizza topping. Serve as-is with walnuts and honey. Pair it with the Epoisses for a washed-rind comparison, or with the La Tur for an Italian duo.