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