Italy’s Cheese Legends: Parmigiano Reggiano, Fiore Sardo, and Gorgonzola Piccante
At The Cheese Lady, this September we’re excited to celebrate Italian Cheese Month, a time to honour the tradition and artistry behind Italy’s finest cheeses.
While iconic varieties like Parmigiano Reggiano, Fiore Sardo, and Gorgonzola Piccante are available in supermarkets, it's worth seeking them out in proper cheese shops, where they are properly matured and not vacuum-packed, allowing their authentic flavour and texture to shine.
This month, we invite you to rediscover these exceptional cheeses as they were meant to be enjoyed — bursting with depth and character, each crafted by dedicated cheesemakers who uphold centuries-old traditions.
Parmigiano Reggiano: Expertly Crafted
Parmigiano Reggiano is a cheese synonymous with Italian culinary excellence, and at Ambrosi, it’s crafted with the highest level of care and expertise. The Ambrosi family has been a cornerstone of Italian cheese-making since the early 20th century, founded by visionary entrepreneur Luigi Ambrosi. Originally starting with a butter factory, Luigi’s son Ottorino expanded into premium cheeses, leveraging his deep understanding of agribusiness.
Ambrosi Parmigiano Reggiano is the result of this legacy — made using milk from grass-fed cows and aged for a minimum of 12 months. The result is a cheese with layers of flavour, ranging from floral and fruity in its younger wheels to rich, nutty, and spicy in its more mature forms.
Enjoy Parmigiano Reggiano with sparkling wines or bold reds to fully appreciate its complex, evolving taste.
Fiore Sardo: Sardinia’s Pecorino, Crafted by Sepi Formaggi Dairy
Fiore Sardo is one of the most ancient cheeses in Italy, and the Sedda family at Sepi Formaggi Dairy has perfected the art of making this pecorino. Located in Sardinia’s Campidano plain, Sepi was founded in the 1970s by Salvatore Sedda and his brothers, who were committed to preserving Sardinia’s rich cheese-making traditions. Over the years, the dairy has embraced modern techniques while staying true to its roots, ensuring that Fiore Sardo maintains its authentic character.
Crafted from raw ewe’s milk, Fiore Sardo is a hard, crumbly cheese with a piquant sweetness and a subtle smokiness. This cheese pairs beautifully with full-bodied Italian reds, making it an essential addition to any cheese board or pasta dish.
Gorgonzola Piccante: A Bold Blue, Crafted by Ambrosi
Ambrosi is also known for its exceptional Gorgonzola Piccante, a blue cheese that is as bold as it is delicious. The Ambrosi family has honed their craft over decades, and their Gorgonzola Piccante stands out for its firm texture, lingering bite, and nutty, sharp flavour. This is the original and stronger version of Gorgonzola, known for its extended aging process, which intensifies its taste and aroma.
Repeatedly washed with brine over the course of its aging, Gorgonzola Piccante develops a sticky rind and a rich, full-bodied flavour that pairs well with robust red wines or red-grape-based dessert wines. For a special treat, try it with honey or dried fruit to balance the cheese’s strength with a touch of sweetness.
As we celebrate Italian Cheese Month, we encourage you to explore these three remarkable cheeses. Whether you’re enjoying the fruity richness of Parmigiano, the smoky sweetness of Fiore Sardo, or the bold bite of Gorgonzola Piccante, you’ll be tasting the heart and soul of Italian cheesemaking.
Buon appetito!
The Cheese Lady x
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