Taleggio

So off we go again......this time let's head off to Italy.  To be more precise, lets head up to the Northern region of Lombardy, we sweep through the breathtaking valleys until we get to the valley of Val Teleggio then we come across the little treasure of Taleggio.

Taleggio is a semi soft cheese made from cows milk (pasteurised) has a light orange crust and is ,made in a distinctive square.  Traditionally this cheese is matured in caves which in turn helps the moulds grow around the rind and gives Taleggio its unique whiff - sorry aroma!!  Without question it makes a huge difference to the flavour.

Taleggio

I grant you there is a little whiff about this cheese.  Not a strong odour by any means of the imagination, but a tangy  whiff of surprise.  That light smell pervades the senses and tantalises the taste buds.  The texture is definitely that of great delight. With one small bite it slides down the sides of your tongue caressing every taste bud and gives them a cheeky little wink and a nudge as they pass by.  I must say this style of soft rind cheese can be hit and miss at times but Taleggio really is one of its flag bearers.  In my humble opinion, this cheese is proud of what it is and needs no media hype as this cheese can really stand up for itself.  I would go as far to say if you have this as the only soft rind on your cheese board  then I doff my hat to you as you've made an excellent choice!

If you're fortunate enough to afford two whole Taleggio's - you can leave one to go past the 50 day soft rind stage (stored in the right conditions) this cheese will develop in to a lovely farmhouse cheese

On my cheese scale, I have to give this cheese a whopping 4!