What is Quartirolo Lombardo? A PDO Cheese from Lombardy

Quartirolo Lombardo is a distinctive, PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) certified cheese hailing from the enchanting region of Lombardy, Italy. This unique dairy marvel is renowned for its soft texture and slightly tangy flavor that stems from the rich Lombard pastures.
The cheese undergoes a special maturation process which adds to its characteristic depth of flavor. Quartirolo Lombardo is not just a cheese, it’s a testament to Lombardy’s rich culinary heritage and a must-try for any cheese enthusiast!
Quick Facts About Quartirolo Lombardo
Country of Origin | Italy |
Region | Lombardy |
AOP/PDO | Since 1996 |
Classification | Fresh cheese, semi-soft |
Milk | Raw cow’s milk |
Dates back | 10th century |
Rind | Soft, thin, natural |
Length | 18 to 22 cm (7 to 8.5 inches) |
Width | 4 to 8 cm (1.5 to 3 inches) |
Height (thickness) | 4 to 8 cm (1.5 to 3 inches) |
Shape | Flat square |
Weight | 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) |
Fat content | 9% |
Age | 5 to 10 days (first aging), at least 40 days (mature) |
Aroma | Yogurt, milky, wild herbs |
Taste | Refreshing, sour, sweet, hint of tart flavor |
Pairing | Bruschetta, salad, pasta, risotto |
Beverage pairing | Valbissera di san Colombano, Malvasia delle Lipari |
Texture | Friable, grainy |
Color | Ivory white (first aging), grey-green reddish (later stages of aging) |
What is Quartirolo Lombardo?

Quartirolo Lombardo is a delightful secret from the dairy heartland of Italy, Lombardy. This traditional cheese is a testament to the region’s rich pastoral heritage and its knack for creating culinary masterpieces. The name Quartirolo Lombardo is intriguing in itself, taking inspiration from the “fourth grass” or “quarto pelo,” referring to the seasonal grass that grows in late summer and early fall, which gives the cheese its unique flavor.
This soft table cheese is renowned for its characteristic square shape and thin rind that encases a creamy, pale white, or straw-yellow interior. With a slightly tangy yet sweet taste, Quartirolo Lombardo presents an interesting blend of flavors that can range from mild when young, to robust and full-bodied as it matures.
What sets Quartirolo Lombardo apart is its Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, which ensures that every step of the cheese-making process, from milk production to aging, strictly adheres to regional traditions. The cheese is made from cow’s milk, and the distinct flavor profile is attributed to the specific diet of the cows grazing on the lush pastures of Lombardy during different seasons.
Quartirolo Lombardo Tasting Notes
- Texture: Quartirolo Lombardo has a soft and creamy texture. Younger versions of the cheese are more delicate and spreadable, while the matured ones develop a firmer texture.
- Color: The cheese boasts a pale white to straw-yellow color depending on its age. The rind is thin and soft, often bearing the marks of the cloth in which it was wrapped during the production process.
- Flavor: The flavor profile of Quartirolo Lombardo is intriguing. When young, the cheese has a mildly tangy yet sweet taste with a hint of grassiness. As it ages, the flavor becomes more robust and full-bodied, offering a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter notes.
- Aroma: Quartirolo Lombardo emits a fresh and milky aroma, reminiscent of the lush pastures of Lombardy. The scent intensifies as the cheese matures, becoming more complex and captivating.
- Aftertaste: The aftertaste of Quartirolo Lombardo lingers pleasantly on the palate. It leaves behind a subtly tart and tangy note that makes you reach for another piece.
- Culinary Uses: Quartirolo Lombardo can be used in a range of dishes. Its ability to melt well makes it an excellent topping for pizzas and gratins. It can also be diced into salads, sliced for sandwiches, or simply savored on its own.
7 Best Quartirolo Lombardo Substitutes
Substitute | Flavor Profile | Texture | Best Used In |
---|---|---|---|
Mild Cheddar | Mild, slightly tangy. | Firm, crumbly. | Salads, sandwiches, toppings. |
Colby | Mild, creamy. | Semi-hard, elastic. | Sandwiches, burgers, salads. |
Monterey Jack | Mild, buttery, slightly tart. | Smooth, creamy. | Nachos, quesadillas, casseroles. |
Havarti | Mild, slightly tangy, buttery. | Semi-soft, creamy. | Sandwiches, cheese boards, toppings. |
Muenster | Mild, smooth, slightly tangy. | Semi-soft, smooth. | Grilled cheese, mac and cheese, burgers. |
Provolone | Mild to sharp depending on aging. | Semi-hard, smooth. | Sandwiches, pizza, pasta dishes. |
American Cheese | Mild, creamy. | Soft, creamy. | Burgers, sandwiches, melting dishes. |
What Pairs Well With Quartirolo Lombardo?
Food that goes well with Quartirolo Lombardo:
Category | Food Pairings with Quartirolo Lombardo |
---|---|
Bread/Biscuits | Baguette, Ciabatta, Crackers |
Fruits | Apples, Pears, Grapes, Figs |
Meats | Prosciutto, Salami, Mortadella |
Vegetables | Tomatoes, Roasted Bell Peppers, Grilled Zucchini |
Nuts & Seeds | Walnuts, Almonds, Pine Nuts |
Condiments & Spreads | Honey, Fig Jam |
Desserts | Dark Chocolate, Fruit Tarts |
Seafood | Smoked Salmon, Grilled Shrimp |
Pasta & Grains | Ravioli, Gnocchi, Risotto |
Herbs & Spices | Basil, Oregano, Rosemary, Black Pepper |
Beverage that goes well with Quartirolo Lombardo:
Category | Beverage Pairings with Quartirolo Lombardo |
---|---|
White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Verdicchio |
Red Wine | Barbera, Valpolicella, Dolcetto |
Spirits | Grappa, Aperol Spritz |
Non-Alcoholic | Sparkling Water, Fresh Apple Juice |
Beer | Pilsner, Wheat Beer, Blonde Ale |
Also read: Best Wine and Cheese Pairings: The Ultimate Guide
Buy Quartirolo Lombardo Online:
- Foodexplore.com – €18.54 per 1.5 kg
- Italybite.it – €5.90 per 250 g
- Ordersgelmax.com – US$29.87 per 1.5 kg
- Luxofood.com – Rp150,000 per 200 g
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