Living in Tuscany and speaking about cheese I can say a lot of Pecorino di Pienza. I am sure you know that there are different types of Pecorinos in Italy: Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Sardo, Pecorino Toscano and Pecorino Siciliano, but in my opinion the Tuscan cheese from Pienza in the Orcia Valley is the best ever. In these beautiful hills the pecorino cheese is made with sheep’s milk from sheep which originally came from Sardinia, and is aged in barriques, covered in ashes, tomato, straw and walnut leaves. Depending on the ageing, there come three types of Pecorino, Fresh, Semi aged and Aged – I love them all ! In a cheese tour you can see, learn and make your own cheese if you like, isn’t this fantastic? I am sorry but talking about pecorino I get a little thirsty and automatically comes out the wine you can pair it with. The fresh pecorino pairs well with different kinds of breads made with Walnuts, Raisins, Cumin, and with fresh white wines. The semi aged pecorino is perfect with fresh fruit like pears and grapes, with red wines that are not full bodied like Pinot Noir or a smooth Merlot, also good whites like Vernaccia di San Gimignano or Sauvignon. The aged pecorino goes well with big red wines like Brunello, Barolo, Amarone or a good Franciacorta Brut, also Barbera, Dolcetto D’Alba or Valtellina Superiore are not bad at all …
Obviously the perfect combination is the kind of cheese you like with wine you love – this works always with me and am sure it is the same for you. In my wine and food tours I always say this, the good food and the great wines are a matter of pleasure … and it is YOU who choose what to taste. Contact me to arrange your private pecorino cheese tour & tasting in Cortona, Pienza, Tuscany!
