Vezzena (ITALY)

Vezzena (ITALY) - Cheese Origin
Country of OriginItaly
RegionLavarone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Age4 to 12 months
MilkCow
ClassificationHard
ProducerCaseificio degli Altipiani del Vezzena di Lavarone
Weight and shape8 to 12 kg (17 lb to 26.5 lb), Round
SizeDiameter 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 inches), Height 9 to 12 cm (3.5 to 5 inches)
TasteIntense, piquant, sweet, earthy
TextureHard, creamy, buttery, widespread pinholes
AromaStrong green fermented grass and toasted seeds
PairingCanederli, 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:

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Where to Buy Vezzena:

More Cheeses from Italy:

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