Monti Trentini Cheese and Wine Pairing
Monti Trentini Cheese Company: Flavor from the Mountains of Trentino
What a fantastic wine and cheese pairing today at the bustling Eataly wine shop in New York, presented by Maria Vittoria Finco, Marketing and Communications Manager at Monti Trentini Cheese Company.
Making the presentation extra fun is that Maria is a family member, and had some marvelous stories to tell of her childhood with cheese. But first some background on the company.
The Monti Trentini Cheese Company, a family-run business with a deep-rooted cheese-making tradition dating back to 1925, is a testament to the rich heritage of Italian cheese-making.
Originating from a modest mountain dairy, the founder’s passion for cheese led him to Verona, where he further honed his craft. Today, his descendants uphold this legacy, blending traditional methods with modern technology.
Situated 2000 feet above sea level near Trentino’s tranquil lakes, Monti Trentini operates two dairies. This high-altitude setting, replete with unique flora, bestows a distinct character to their cheeses, celebrated for their exceptional quality and taste.
Monti Trentini’s expansive reach is impressive. Annually, they process over 40 million liters of milk into over 4 million kilos of cheese, including over 30 varieties. Noteworthy among these are three PDO cheeses: Asiago PDO, Grana Padano PDO, and Provolone Valpadana PDO, alongside regional specialties like Lagorai, Vezzena, and various caciotta cheeses.
The company emphasizes a short supply chain, sourcing milk daily from 140 small farms within a 90 km radius of their dairies, a practice that ensures both the high quality of their products and the sustainability of local agriculture. This commitment to local production and environmental responsibility is further reflected in their use of renewable energy and efforts to reduce water and energy consumption.
Pairing Wines with Food: The Art of Complementing Flavors
In pairing wines with food, the goal is to create a complementary or contrasting balance. A wine can either enhance the dish’s existing flavors or introduce new elements to complete the taste profile. For example, a wine with bright acidity can cut through the richness of a creamy cheese, creating a harmonious palate experience.
Pairing Wines with Food: The Art of Complementing Flavors
In pairing wines with food, the goal is to create a complementary or contrasting balance. A wine can either enhance the dish’s existing flavors or introduce additional elements to complete the taste profile. For example, a wine with bright acidity can cut through the richness of a creamy cheese, creating a harmonious palate experience.
Perfect Pairings: Monti Trentini Cheeses and Wines
Monti Trentini Asiago DOP and Ferrari Brut NV:
The creamy, buttery notes of Asiago DOP find a perfect match in Ferrari Brut NV. This 100% Chardonnay sparkling wine, crafted using the traditional method, offers crisp acidity, balancing the cheese’s richness.
Monti Trentini Caciatto Mountain Cheese and Ferrari Perle Rosé 2017:
The Caciatto, infused with rosemary and thyme, pairs beautifully with Ferrari Perle Rosé. This sparkling blend of Pinot Nero and Chardonnay, aged for five years, mirrors the cheese’s savory qualities.
Monti Trentini Vezzena Cheese and Cantina Les Vis Sauvignon Blanc:
Vezzena, a skim milk cheese with crystallized salt grains, pairs excellently with Cantina Les Vis Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s grassy notes contrast with the cheese’s dense texture and dried milk flavors.
Fioretto Stagionato with Truffles and Teroldego Foradori Red Wine:
In this pairing, the wine’s medium body harmonizes with the cheese’s rich flavor profile, creating a delightful synergy.
Monti Trentini’s dedication to quality and tradition, coupled with these thoughtfully selected wines, offers a gastronomic journey that is both authentic and memorable, reflecting the rich heritage and culinary excellence of Italy.
