What is La Tur Cheese? The Italian Cheese That Melts Hearts

Welcome to our culinary journey! Today, we’re diving into the world of Italian cheese, specifically, La Tur. This soft, creamy delight is more than a cheese – it’s an experience. Blending cow’s, sheep’s, and goat’s milk, it offers a unique flavor profile that has been melting hearts (and on tongues) for years. Join us as we explore why La Tur is a must-try for any cheese lover.

Quick Facts About La Tur Cheese

Fact	Details
Origin	Piedmont, Italy
Milk	A blend of cow’s, goat’s, and sheep’s milk
Texture	Creamy and soft-ripened
Flavor	Mild, tangy, slightly sweet
Color	Ivory to light yellow
Rind	Thin, bloomy
Aging Time	At least 10 days
Pairing	Fruits, honey, nuts, white wine
Shape	Small cylindrical cakes
Production Method	Artisanal
Type	Soft cheese
Use	Spread on bread, or in salads, pasta dishes
Shelf Life	Short, best consumed fresh
Serving Temperature	Room temperature
Popular In	Italy and gourmet cheese markets worldwide
Storage	Refrigerated, in a sealed container
Size	Usually around 215 grams per cake

What is La Tur Cheese?

La Tur Cheese is a captivating culinary delight hailing from the pastoral hills of Piedmont, Italy. This cheese is the embodiment of the region’s rich dairy heritage, skillfully crafted from a harmonious blend of cow’s, goat’s, and sheep’s milk. The result is a cheese that carries the subtle complexities of all three milks, offering an intriguing taste profile that lingers on the palate.

The texture of La Tur is as fascinating as its flavor. It’s a soft-ripened cheese, meaning it matures from the outside in. This creates a creamy, near-liquid outer layer that encases a firmer, more cake-like center. The rind is thin and bloomy, contributing to a mouthfeel that is as luxurious as it is unique.

La Tur cheese presents a mild, tangy flavor with a slightly sweet undertone. Its taste is a symphony of the earthy nuances of goat’s milk, the buttery richness of cow’s milk, and the delicate sweetness of sheep’s milk. Each bite brings forth these distinct notes in a melody that is both sophisticated and comforting.

Serving La Tur Cheese is a joy in itself. It makes a beautiful centerpiece on a cheese board, especially when paired with fresh fruits, nuts, and a drizzle of honey. The cheese also shines in salads, pasta dishes, or simply spread on a warm piece of rustic bread.

In essence, La Tur Cheese is much more than just a cheese. It’s a celebration of Italian craftsmanship, a testament to the region’s love for dairy, and a sensory experience that cheese enthusiasts around the world cherish.

What Does La Tur Cheese Taste Like?

La Tur Cheese is known for its rich and full, milky flavor, with a buttery richness from cow’s milk, a tangy edge from goat’s milk, and a mellow nuttiness from sheep’s milk.

The overall taste can be described as grassy and lemony, mildly nutty, and tangy similar to goat cheese. However, La Tur has more texture and flavor variations than most cheeses. Its dominant flavor is sweet and akin to honey, but there is also a light tart goat cheese flavor.

The rind of La Tur adds another layer of complexity to its flavor profile. It’s thin, fragile, and slightly fuzzy, carrying a mildly mushroomy taste. As the cheese matures, these flavors become more pronounced.

In addition to its multi-layered flavor, the texture of La Tur is equally noteworthy. Described as having an ice-cream-like texture and the richness of a triple cream, this cheese is sure to provide a unique tasting experience. The mixed milk adds a pungency of aroma, making La Tur a truly standout cheese in terms of both taste and texture.

La Tur Cheese Tasting Notes

Appearance: La Tur Cheese is a small, round cheese with a bloomy rind. It has a soft, creamy, nearly runny texture near the rind which encases a firmer, cake-like center. Its color ranges from bright white to straw yellow.
Smell: The aroma of La Tur Cheese is complex, with earthy notes from the goat’s milk, sweet creaminess from the cow’s milk, and a hint of nuttiness from the sheep’s milk. As it matures, it may develop a stronger, more pungent smell.
Taste: The taste of La Tur is a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It has a mild, milky flavor with a buttery richness, a tangy edge, and a mellow nutty undertone. Some tasters also note a slight grassy or lemony flavor.
Texture: The texture of this cheese is one of its defining features. It is creamy and spreadable, becoming more gooey as it ripens. The thin rind also adds a slight textural contrast.
Aftertaste: La Tur leaves a lingering aftertaste that is a mix of sweet and tangy. The finish is smooth and lingers on the palate, inviting you to take another bite.

How to Eat La Tur Cheese?

Serve at Room Temperature: To enjoy its full flavor, La Tur Cheese should be served at room temperature. Take it out of the refrigerator at least an hour before serving.
On a Cheese Board: It’s perfect for a cheese board due to its unique texture and taste. Pair it with fresh fruits like grapes or figs, a variety of nuts, and a drizzle of honey.
With Bread: The creamy texture of La Tur Cheese makes it ideal for spreading on warm, crusty bread or crackers.
In Salads: Crumble or cube La Tur Cheese and toss it in your favorite salads to add a gourmet touch.
With Wine: Pair it with a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red wine. The acidity of the wine will cut through the richness of the cheese, making for a balanced tasting experience.
Cooking: You can use La Tur Cheese in pasta dishes or risotto. Its creaminess will add a luscious texture to your dish.
Dessert Course: Due to its slightly sweet undertones, La Tur Cheese can also be served as part of a dessert course, paired with sweet fruits or preserves.
Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, wrap them in parchment paper or wax paper and store them in a sealed container in the fridge. This will help to preserve its flavor and texture.

Reminder: the best way to enjoy La Tur Cheese is to eat it fresh, as its delicate flavors and textures are best experienced when the cheese is at its peak.

10 Best La Tur Cheese Substitutes

Cheese	Characteristics	Why It Works as a Substitute
Brie	A soft, creamy cheese with a bloomy rind and mild flavor.	Similar in texture and creaminess to La Tur, and its mild flavor won’t overpower dishes.
Camembert	Soft, creamy, and slightly funky in flavor with an edible rind.	It’s similar in texture to La Tur and has a strong, unique flavor.
Ricotta	A fresh, creamy cheese with a mild and slightly sweet flavor.	Similar in texture and creaminess to La Tur, its mild flavor won’t overpower dishes.
Goat Cheese (Chevre)	Tangy and slightly tart, with a crumbly or creamy texture depending on the type.	Shares the tangy note of La Tur, and can be used in a similar way in many recipes.
Crottin de Chavignol	A French goat cheese, tangy and nutty in flavor with a firm texture.	Has a similar flavor profile to La Tur and can be used in salads and baked dishes.
Saint Andre	An ultra-creamy, buttery cheese with a mild, tangy flavor.	Its high-fat content makes it as rich and creamy as La Tur.
Robiola	A soft, creamy Italian cheese that can be made from cow’s, sheep’s, or goat’s milk.	Like La Tur, Robiola is a mixed-milk cheese and shares a similar creamy texture and complex flavor.
Cream Cheese	Smooth, creamy, and mildly tangy.	While not as complex in flavor, its texture and tanginess make it a decent substitute in some recipes.
Mascarpone	A rich, creamy Italian cheese with a sweet, delicate flavor.	Its creaminess is similar to La Tur, and it can be used in recipes that require a soft, spreadable cheese.
Fromage Blanc	A fresh, creamy French cheese with a slightly tangy flavor.	It’s texture is much like La Tur and it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

What Pairs Well With La Tur Cheese?

Food that goes well with La Tur Cheese:

Category	Food	Why It Works with La Tur Cheese
Bread/Crackers	Sourdough, Baguette, Whole Grain Crackers	These breads and crackers have a sturdy texture that can hold up to the creaminess of La Tur, and their flavors complement the cheese without overpowering it.
Fruits	Apples, Pears, Figs, Grapes	The sweetness and acidity of these fruits balance the rich, creamy, and tangy flavor of La Tur.
Nuts	Almonds, Walnuts, Pistachios	Nuts add a contrasting crunch to the creamy texture of La Tur and their slight bitterness offsets the cheese’s richness.
Charcuterie	Prosciutto, Salami, Chorizo	The salty, savory flavors of cured meats pair well with the creamy, tangy La Tur, creating a balanced bite.
Honey/Preserves	Clover Honey, Fig Jam, Quince Paste	Sweet spreads like honey and fruit preserves provide a pleasant contrast to the savory, tangy flavors of La Tur.
Vegetables	Marinated Artichokes, Roasted Bell Peppers, Olives	These vegetables offer a variety of textures and flavors that complement the creaminess and tanginess of La Tur.
Desserts	Dark Chocolate, Berry Tart, Almond Biscotti	Desserts with a bit of bitterness or tartness work well with La Tur, as they cut through its richness while enhancing its natural sweetness.

Also read: 11 Best Crackers that Pair Well with Cheese

Beverage that goes well with La Tur Cheese:

Category	Beverage	Why It Works with La Tur Cheese
Wine	Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Prosecco	These wines have the acidity and/or fruitiness to balance the creamy, tangy La Tur. Light-bodied reds and crisp whites are particularly effective.
Beer	Belgian Tripel, Saison, Pale Ale	The carbonation in beer can cut through the richness of La Tur, and these styles offer complementary flavors ranging from fruity to slightly bitter.
Cider	Dry Apple Cider, Pear Cider	The acidity and fruitiness of cider make it a good match for La Tur, as it can balance the cheese’s creaminess and enhance its tanginess.
Whiskey	Single Malt Scotch, Irish Whiskey	The complexity and warmth of whiskey can stand up to the rich, full flavor of La Tur, creating an intriguing pairing.
Non-Alcoholic	Sparkling Water, Grape Juice, Apple Juice	These beverages provide a refreshing contrast to the rich La Tur, with sparkling water cleansing the palate and fruit juices offering a sweet counterpoint to the cheese’s tangy flavor.
Tea	Green Tea, Chamomile Tea, Earl Grey	The tannins in tea can complement the creaminess of La Tur, and these varieties offer a range of flavors from floral to citrusy that pair well with the cheese.
Coffee	Espresso, Cold Brew, Latte	Coffee’s bitterness and acidity can balance the rich, creamy La Tur, and its warmth makes it a comforting pairing.

Also read: Best Wine and Cheese Pairings: The Ultimate Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the meaning of La Tur?

The name “La Tur” originates from the Italian word “torre”, which means tower – referring to the shape of the cheese.

2. Can you eat the rind of La Tur?

Yes, you can eat the rind of La Tur. The soft, moist rind is completely edible and enhances the overall flavor of the cheese. It’s part of what makes La Tur unique and delicious.

3. What is the shelf life of La Tur cheese?

The shelf life of La Tur cheese is approximately 45 days from production when stored properly in the refrigerator. However, once opened, it’s best to consume within 3 weeks.

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