Taleggio DOP *Half Pound*

Taleggio DOP, Half Pound

Delight in the unique flavors of Taleggio DOP. A washed rind cheese from Italy made by Ciresa, with a peachy rind that feels slightly tacky and a stark white paste that loosens toward pudding as it warms.

Why you'll love it

• Washed rind — the rind is washed during aging, which is what builds the yeasty, mushroomy smell under that peach colored surface.
• Spreadable at room temperature — the paste turns soft enough to spread on bread without tearing it, though it still slices clean when cold.
• Cream up front, earth at the end — flows of butter and cream, then a quiet earthiness on the finish that keeps it from tasting flat.
• Pasteurized cow's milk — sold in half pound pieces cut from a larger wheel.
• DOP protected name — Taleggio carries the Italian protected designation of origin, so the name is tied to a defined, regulated cheese.

How to enjoy Let a piece sit out for twenty minutes, then spread it on warm focaccia or soft polenta. It melts beautifully into risotto and into a cream sauce for pasta, and it is happy with a dry white or a light red.

One of the great gateway washed rinds: aromatic enough to be interesting, mild enough that nobody at the table flinches.