Considered one of Italy's greatest, this cow's milk cheese is known
for its distinctive bluish-green veins and savory, pungent flavor. Rich
and creamy when young, and quite strong and crumbly when aged,
Gorgonzola pairs beautifully with pears, apples, peaches and hearty red
wines. It's also a favorite for crumbling over salads and melting over
potatoes.
In 1951, Italy's Stresa Convention issued new law to regulate
original and typical products. Gorgonzola (along with Parmesan and
Roquefort) became classified as a DOC (Denominazione di Origine
Controllata)
product, which means the designated origins of the cheese are
controlled. By law and tradition, only milk from herds bred in defined
provinces of Piedmont and Lombardy may be used in the production of
Gorgonzola.
Varieties
Authentic Italian Gorgonzola comes in two varieties. The younger
Dolce Gorgonzola is slightly piquant and soft and creamy in texture. As it ages, the cheese becomes Gorgonzola
Piccante (sometimes called Naturale or Mountain). This cheese has more mold, making it quite robust, firm and crumbly.
Buying Tips
It's best to buy Gorgonzola in small quantities. Because the cheese is a
"live" product, it is continuously maturing. To ensure you're buying authentic Italian
Gorgonzola, look for foil-wrapped wedges marked with a lower-case "g."
Storage Tips
Once home, remove any crust, wrap the cheese in foil and refrigerate in an airtight container.
Note: If you leave Gorgonzola in the refrigerator too long, it may become too
strong to eat out of hand. Instead of throwing the cheese away, mix it
with
cream,
butter or other ingredients to create delicious
sauces or
fillings.
Serving Tips
• For the best flavor, take Gorgonzola out of the refrigerator at least half an hour before serving.
• Serve as a table cheese with crackers, pears, apples, nuts and
raisins.
• Slice and drizzle with
honey.
• Melt into a
fondue.
• Make a
sauce to serve with
pasta, vegetables,
chicken or
beef.
• Pair Gorgonzola Dolce with soft wines such as Riesling, Pino Bianco and Merlot.
• Pair Gorgonzola Piccante with aged red wines such as Barolo and Chianti, or a Moscato for dessert.
Try one of our favorite Gorgonzola recipes:
Prosciutto Gorgonzola Risotto
Gorgonzola Stuffed Dried Figs
Beat, Walnut and Gorgonzola Salad
