Around the World in Three Cheeses: Italy, UK, & France
Picture yourself on a winding road through Tuscany, the sun dipping low over olive groves. Or maybe you’re trudging across a misty English moor, sheep bleating in the distance. How about a snowy alpine village in France, wood smoke curling from chimneys? You don’t need a passport, just a wedge of cheese. Let’s take a tasty trip with three of my favourites from The Cheese Man shop: Pecorino Toscano from Italy, Shropshire Blue from the UK, and Reblochon from France. Each bite tells a story. Ready to taste them with me?
Stop 1 – Pecorino Toscano: Italy’s Timeless Treasure
Picture yourself in the rolling hills of Tuscany, where sheep graze on lush green pastures under the golden Italian sun. It’s here that Pecorino Toscano, one of Italy’s oldest and most traditional Italian cheeses, is born. Made from sheep’s milk, this cheese can be enjoyed in both its fresh and aged forms.
What Makes Italian Cheeses Special?
Pecorino Toscano is milder than its cousin Pecorino Romano, offering a delicate, nutty flavour with hints of grassiness from the sheep’s diet. When aged, it develops a firmer texture with deeper umami notes, making it one of the most sought-after Italian artisan cheeses.
How to Enjoy It?
- Pair it with honey or fig jam: The sweetness perfectly complements the nutty and slightly salty taste.
- Shave it over pasta: A simple plate of fresh pappardelle with butter and sage is taken to another level with Pecorino Toscano.
- Wine pairing: A glass of Chianti or a crisp Vermentino enhances the cheese’s flavors beautifully.
Stop 2 – Shropshire Blue: The UK’s Hidden Gem
Let’s take a trip to the English countryside, where rich pastures and time-honored cheesemaking traditions come together to create one of Britain’s most exquisite blue cheeses, Shropshire Blue. This vibrant orange cheese, streaked with delicate blue veins, is a stunning blend of creamy texture and tangy depth.
What Makes British Cheeses Special?
Unlike its more famous cousin, Stilton, Shropshire Blue has a slightly milder bite with a buttery smoothness that melts on the tongue. It carries hints of caramel sweetness balanced by the signature blue cheese tang, making it a versatile and indulgent choice among British cheeses.
How to Enjoy It
- Drizzle with honey: The sweetness enhances the rich, earthy flavors of the blue veins.
- Crumble over a steak salad: A few shavings of Shropshire Blue take a simple salad to gourmet levels.
- Wine pairing: Try a glass of Port or a sweet Sauternes to contrast the cheese’s salty, creamy character.
Stop 3 – Reblochon: France’s Creamy Delight
Now, imagine yourself in the French Alps, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and cozy mountain chalets. Here, the locals produce Reblochon cheese, a French speciality that defines indulgence.
What Makes French Cheeses Special?
Reblochon is a washed-rind cheese with a buttery, nutty, and slightly earthy aroma. It has a soft, velvety texture that melts beautifully, making it a favorite in French cuisine and one of the most loved European cheeses.
How to Enjoy It
- Tartiflette: This legendary Alpine dish layers Reblochon with potatoes, bacon, and onions for the ultimate comfort food.
- Spread it on a fresh baguette: Let it come to room temperature, and enjoy its creamy richness on crusty bread.
- Wine pairing: A glass of dry white wine like a Savoie or Chardonnay complements its creaminess.
Savor the Stories Behind Every Cheese
What makes cheese truly special isn’t just the taste; it’s the traditions, the landscapes, and the people behind each wheel. From the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany to the misty countryside of England and the snowy peaks of France, every bite carries a piece of history.
Which stop calls to you most? Order one (or all three!) authentic European cheeses from The Cheese Man and let us know how you enjoyed them. We can’t wait to see Pecorino Toscano on your porch, Shropshire Blue crumbled in your salad, or Reblochon oozing in your kitchen!
FAQ's
Q1: What are the most famous European cheeses?
A: Some of the most famous European cheeses include Pecorino Toscano from Italy, Shropshire Blue from the UK, and Reblochon from France. Each cheese represents unique traditions and flavors from their regions.
Q2: What makes Pecorino Toscano different from Pecorino Romano?
A: Pecorino Toscano is milder and nuttier than Pecorino Romano. While Romano has a sharper, saltier bite, Toscano offers a delicate, grassy flavour, making it one of the most versatile Italian cheeses.
Q3: Is Shropshire Blue the same as Stilton?
A: No, Shropshire Blue cheese is different from Stilton. It has a creamier texture, vibrant orange colour, and a slightly sweeter, caramel-like note, while Stilton is sharper and more crumbly.
Q4: How do you eat Reblochon cheese?
A: Reblochon from France is best enjoyed melted in the traditional Alpine dish Tartiflette, spread on crusty baguettes, or paired with white wines like Savoie or Chardonnay.
Q5: What wine pairs best with European cheeses?
A: European cheeses pair beautifully with wine. Pecorino Toscano goes well with Chianti, Shropshire Blue matches with Port or Sauternes, and Reblochon pairs perfectly with Savoie or Chardonnay.
Q6: Where can I buy authentic European cheeses online?
A: You can order authentic European cheeses like Pecorino Toscano, Shropshire Blue, and Reblochon from The Cheese Man online shop, with delivery straight to your home.
Q7: Is Shropshire Blue stronger than Stilton?
A: Shropshire Blue is slightly milder than Stilton, offering a buttery smoothness and less pungent blue tang, making it a favourite among those who prefer creamier British cheeses.
Q8: What is Pecorino Toscano used for in cooking?
A: Pecorino Toscano is versatile in cooking, grated over pasta, paired with honey or fig jam, or served with Chianti. It’s one of the most beloved Italian artisan cheeses.
Q9: What is the texture of Reblochon cheese?
A: Reblochon is a washed-rind cheese with a soft, creamy, and velvety texture. It melts beautifully, making it a staple in French cuisine and Alpine comfort food.
Q10: Why are European cheeses considered the best in the world?
A: European cheeses are prized because they carry centuries of tradition, unique regional flavors, and artisanal production methods. From Italian Pecorino Toscano to British Shropshire Blue and French Reblochon, each cheese tells a cultural story.
