Country of Origin | Italy |
Region | Lavarone, Trentino-Alto Adige |
Age | 4 to 12 months |
Milk | Cow |
Classification | Hard |
Producer | Caseificio degli Altipiani del Vezzena di Lavarone |
Weight and shape | 8 to 12 kg (17 lb to 26.5 lb), Round |
Size | Diameter 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 inches), Height 9 to 12 cm (3.5 to 5 inches) |
Taste | Intense, piquant, sweet, earthy |
Texture | Hard, creamy, buttery, widespread pinholes |
Aroma | Strong green fermented grass and toasted seeds |
Pairing | Canederli, Nosiola Spagnolli, Refrontolo Passito, Chestnut honey, Rye bread |
Produced by 1000 meter above sea level in the alpine farms of Lavarone, the Vezzena cheese was the preferred cheese of the House of Habsburg, and Franz Joseph I during the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
It is only produced during the mountain pasturing season, from June to September and is left to mature for a minimum of 12 months (to 24 months).
Vezzena Tasting Notes
Vezzena has an intense, piquant albeit pleasantly bitter taste with hints of earthy and mild sweetness. It has a strong aroma of green and fermented woodland undergrowth and toasted sweet.
How to Enjoy (PAIRING)
Serve with full-bodied red wine, Refrontolo Passito or with white wine such as Nosiola Spagnolli.
For quick snacks, you can go with chestnut honey, Rye bread or with fruit.
If you want to dine like the Italians, grade it over Italy’s traditional food, canederli for a tasty treat.
Our favorite Italian’s Chestnut Honey to Go with Vezzena:
- Aromatic with a slightly bitter aftertaste
- Ideal in yogurt and desserts
- Italian imported raw honey
- Organic, non-GMO and Star-K Kosher certified
- Gluten free
Where to Buy Vezzena:
- Avionblu – 1.2 kg for €36.00
- Tastelovers.it – 350 g for €12.00
More Cheeses from Italy:
Last update on 2023-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API