Sottocenere al Tartufo – Approx. 330g

Sottocenere al Tartufo is an Italian cheese renowned for its rich flavour profile and luxurious touch, thanks to the inclusion of truffles. This cheese hails from the Veneto region and is a variation of the traditional Sottocenere cheese, which is known for its distinctive ageing process and aromatic qualities.

Cheese Characteristics:

• Milk Source: Sottocenere al Tartufo is typically made from cow’s milk, providing a creamy and mild base that complements the complex flavours of the truffle.
• Texture: The cheese has a semi-soft to semi-hard texture, with a smooth, creamy interior that becomes firmer as it ages. The cheese is known for its slightly elastic and crumbly consistency.
• Flavour: The flavour of Sottocenere al Tartufo is a sophisticated blend of creamy, nutty, and slightly tangy notes, enhanced by the earthy and aromatic qualities of the truffles. The truffle infusion imparts a rich, musky flavour that complements the cheese’s mildness, creating a luxurious and complex taste experience.
• Aging Process: Sottocenere al Tartufo undergoes a unique aging process. The cheese is traditionally aged for several months, during which it is coated with a mixture of spices, herbs, and sometimes ash. The addition of truffles typically occurs during or just before this ageing process, allowing the truffle’s flavour to infuse the cheese. The ageing process helps to develop the cheese’s texture and integrate the truffle flavour throughout.
• Appearance: The cheese has a distinctive appearance, often featuring a natural rind that may be covered with a layer of herbs or spices, including the characteristic black or greyish truffle specks. The interior is a creamy, pale-yellow colour, flecked with truffle bits.

Serving Suggestions:

Sottocenere al Tartufo is versatile and can be used in various culinary applications:

• Cheese Platters: Serve it as part of a cheese platter to highlight its unique flavour. It pairs well with fruits, nuts, and artisanal breads.
• Cooking: Use it to enhance dishes with a touch of luxury:
  • Pasta and Risottos: Grated or shaved Sottocenere al Tartufo adds a rich, truffle-infused flavour to pasta dishes, risottos, and sauces.
  • Appetizers: Incorporate it into appetizers, such as stuffed mushrooms or savoury tarts.
  • Sandwiches and Panini: It melts well, making it an excellent choice for gourmet sandwiches and panini.
• Pairings:
  • Wines: Sottocenere al Tartufo pairs well with a range of wines. Full-bodied whites like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complement its flavours, while light to medium reds, such as Pinot Noir or Chianti, also work well.
  • Accompaniments: It pairs nicely with a variety of accompaniments, including fresh bread, crackers, and pickled vegetables.