Around the World in Three Cheeses: Italy, UK, and 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, woodsmoke curling from chimneys? You don’t need a passport—just a wedge of cheese. Let’s take a tasty trip with three of my favorites from our 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 cheeses, is born. Made from sheep’s milk, this cheese can be enjoyed in both its fresh and aged forms.
What Makes It Special?
Pecorino Toscano is milder than its cousin Pecorino Romano, offering a delicate, nutty flavor with hints of grassiness from the sheep’s diet. When aged, it develops a firmer texture with deeper umami notes.
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 It 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.
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, a cheese that defines indulgence.
What Makes It 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.
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.
Final Thoughts: 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!) from our shop and let us know how you enjoyed it— we are waiting to see Pecorino Toscano on your porch or Reblochon oozing in your kitchen!
