Sottocenere Al Tartufo Cheese

Sottocenere Al Tartufo is a luxurious Italian cheese that hails from the Veneto region, renowned for its unique infusion of black truffles and a distinctive ash rind. This semi-soft cheese is made from cow's milk and is characterized by its creamy texture and pale yellow interior, speckled with pieces of black truffle. The cheese is encased in a rind that has been rubbed with a blend of spices, including nutmeg, coriander, cinnamon, licorice, and cloves, which contributes to its complex flavor profile. The name 'Sottocenere' translates to 'under ash,' referring to the traditional method of aging the cheese under a layer of ash, which helps to preserve it and impart a subtle earthy flavor.

Sottocenere Al Tartufo has its roots in the Veneto region of Italy, a place with a rich history of cheese-making. The cheese is a relatively modern creation, designed to showcase the luxurious combination of high-quality cow's milk and the prized black truffle. The practice of aging cheese under ash is an ancient technique, used historically to preserve cheese and enhance its flavor. Sottocenere Al Tartufo is a testament to the innovation within Italian cheesemaking, blending traditional methods with gourmet ingredients to create a cheese that is both unique and deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of the region.

The production of Sottocenere Al Tartufo begins with high-quality cow's milk, which is gently heated and then coagulated using rennet. The curds are cut, drained, and then molded into wheels. Before the aging process, the cheese is infused with pieces of black truffle, ensuring that each bite is imbued with the truffle's distinctive aroma and flavor. The cheese wheels are then rubbed with a mixture of spices and aged under a layer of ash for several months. This aging process not only preserves the cheese but also allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a cheese that is rich, complex, and utterly unique.

Sottocenere Al Tartufo offers a rich and complex flavor profile, with the creamy, buttery notes of the cow's milk cheese beautifully complemented by the earthy, pungent aroma of black truffles. The spice-rubbed rind adds an additional layer of flavor, with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, and licorice. The texture is semi-soft and creamy, making it a delight to eat. The combination of flavors and textures makes Sottocenere Al Tartufo a truly indulgent cheese experience.

Sottocenere Al Tartufo pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods and beverages. For a classic pairing, serve it with a glass of full-bodied red wine, such as a Barolo or Amarone, which can stand up to the cheese's robust flavors. It also pairs beautifully with sparkling wines or a crisp white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio, to balance its richness. On the food front, Sottocenere Al Tartufo is excellent on a cheese board, accompanied by crusty bread, honey, and fresh or dried fruits. It can also be used to elevate simple dishes, such as risottos, pastas, or even a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich.