Ep 1. Gorgonzola/Cave Ripened Tallegio - Northern Italy

Cheese Slices is a food/travel show where the host, Will Studd, travels the world exploring the history, production, and taste of various cheeses. Season 1 episode 1 is titled "Gorgonzola/Cave Ripened Tallegio - Northern Italy" which follows Will Studd's journey through Northern Italy to uncover the secrets of two distinct Italian cheeses - Gorgonzola and Cave Ripened Tallegio.

In this episode, Will begins his journey in Milan where he visits a small cheese shop called Cheese where he meets Carlo Fiorani, an expert cheese monger who is also a judge at the annual Cheese festival in Bra. Carlo introduces Will to a variety of Italian cheeses in the shop, including two of the ones he will be exploring in this episode.

Will's first stop is the small town of Valle Strona in Piemonte where he visits the tiny production facility of Gorgonzola producer Carlo Fiorini. Carlo, who has been making this cheese for over 47 years, explains the history of Gorgonzola, which dates back to the 12th century when it was first produced in the town of Gorgonzola. He shows Will how the cheese is made, from the blending of two different types of milk to the aging process in a specially created facility that boasts a unique micro-climate.

Will then visits the town of Bergamo, where he samples the distinct flavor of Cave Ripened Tallegio. This cheese is made by the Luigi Guffanti family, who have been making cheese for generations. Will takes a tour of the Guffanti family's aging caves, which are carved out of the mountainside. Here, the cheese is aged for three to four months in a humid environment that creates a perfect balance of molds and bacteria to give the cheese its distinct flavor.

Throughout the episode, Will also gives information about the cheese-making process, including the role of the different types of milk, the differences between different types of molds, and the importance of aging in creating the cheese's flavor. He also samples the cheeses at various stages of production, including fresh Gorgonzola and Tallegio straight out of the vat.

Overall, this episode of Cheese Slices provides an in-depth look at two of Italy's most famous cheeses and the people behind their production. It's an excellent introduction to the world of cheese-making, and viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship and skill that goes into every wheel of cheese.