Ep 6. Cheeses of Italian Alps
- November 7, 2013
- 24 min
In Cheese Slices season 6 episode 6, viewers are taken on a journey through the beautiful Italian Alps to explore the rich and diverse cheeses produced in the region. Host Will Studd travels to the Piedmont region, where he visits a small family-run dairy farm that has been producing cheese for generations. There he tries their unique Castelmagno cheese, which has a complex and intense flavor that is unparalleled.
Moving on, Studd makes his way to the Valle d'Aosta region where he tries the Fontina cheese in its native land. Made using traditional methods, the cheese has a distinct aroma, nutty flavor and a lingering finish that leaves one craving for more. Next, Studd travels to the Veneto region to experience the Asiago cheese. He discovers that this cheese has two varieties, one that is aged for several months and another that is aged for a year or more. Both versions have a unique flavor profile that is worth trying.
In the Trentino-Alto Adige region, Studd visits another family-run dairy farm that has been producing cheese for over two centuries. Here he tastes the rich and savory Puzzone di Moena cheese, which has a pungent aroma that is characteristic of the region's cheese production.
Continuing his journey, Studd makes his way to the Lombardy region to discover Taleggio cheese, which is produced in the lush green hills of Bergamo. The cheese has a soft texture, with a unique pungent flavor that is a result of a particular mix of molds that grow on the surface of the cheese.
Finally, the show takes viewers to the stunning region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where Studd tries the Montasio cheese, a cheese that has been produced for over 800 years. The cheese is aged for different periods to achieve different flavors, with the older versions having a more intense and nutty flavor.
Throughout the episode, Studd meets the passionate farmers, cheesemakers and affineurs that make these cheeses what they are and gets an insight into the history and traditions that go into making them. He also learns about the challenges that these small-scale producers face in today's competitive market and the important role that they play in preserving local agriculture and traditions in the region.
Overall, the Cheeses of Italian Alps episode of Cheese Slices season 6 is a visually stunning and informative journey that highlights the unique and diverse cheeses produced in one of the most beautiful regions of Italy. It is a must-watch for cheese lovers and anyone interested in learning about the rich traditions and history of cheese making in the Italian Alps.