This cheese was a doozy. Not to eat, but to research! After searching what felt like the entire interwebs, we finally found some information on this cheese. We learned that "di grotto" means cave aged in Italian and that this cheese is from the Piedmont region of Italy, famous for it's cheeses. This particular one is made from cow's milk from cows that roam the Italian hillside freely. The cheese is aged deep in the recesses of a cool dark cave for at least 90 days, sometimes longer. It's firm and a bit dry, much like a Pecorino or a Parmesan but a bit nuttier and grassier with a smoother, creamier feel.
How to eat:
We had a small wedge with some buttery crackers. The combo was delicious, the brightness of the cheese came through nicely with the butteriness of the crackers. This would be a lovely addition to a cheese plate or grated over any Italian dish, in place of Parmesan.
Pairing:
A full-bodied red wine would stand up nicely, as would a rich and creamy beer, such as a stout or a porter.
Where to buy:
We bought a 3 ounce wedge at the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op for $4.56. They have an impressive cheese department, definitely worth visiting. We could not find an online retailer but don't hesitate to ask your local cheese shop or cheese department about it.
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