Skip to content
Blog

Italian Cheese

Did you know Italy was the first region to export cheese over 1500 years ago? Find your next favorite cheese with our lineup of Italian cheeses!
5 different Italian cheeses on a cutting board, all from Zupan's

Cheese is embedded in the history of Italy. The Roman empire was the first to export cheese to other Mediterranean regions. Popular cheeses, like mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone, all are Italian cheeses or influenced by true Italian cheese.  

Italian cheeses have and continue to rule the world, and rightfully so, are protected to showcase their unique qualities. PDO, or Protected Designation of Origin, signifies the legitimacy of more exclusive makes of cheese. Just like champagne’s AOC, cheese also has protected origin certifications, so you know you’re eating the real thing. Cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, some provolone, and Fontina Val D’Aosta are all PDO-certified in Italy. 

Because of the biological diversity of Italy, the range of cheese production is wide. From Alpine cheeses, to grating style and bloomy rind cheeses, Italy has it all. 

Blackberry Pecorino

PECORINO CON CONFETTURA DI MORE

Exclusive to Zupan’s in Portland. This cheese combines the bold, slightly salty flavor of pecorino with the natural sweetness of blackberries. During the final stages of maturation, typically around 60 days, blackberry jam is gently infused into the cheese, creating a harmonious balance between savory and sweet notes. This versatile cheese enhances a variety of dishes, including fresh salads, grilled meats, and cheese plates. Its unique flavor profile offers a delightful sensory experience, making it a captivating addition to any palate.

Pecorino Romano

This classic Sardinian sheep’s milk cheese dates back to ancient Rome. Originally this cheese was made by sheep farmers in the Lazio region of Italy, but now the island of Sardinia is considered the “Capital of Pecorino Romano”. Why? It’s simple – more sheep and more sheep’s milk. Sheep outnumber people in Sardinia by over 1 million! A traditional Italian grating cheese, Pecorino Romano is earthy, salty and full-flavored. A little bit goes a long way – this is a great cheese to have in your fridge to grate on top of dishes any day of the year. 

Pecorino Romano from the Portland, Oregon Zupan's Markets

Fontina Val D’Aosta

A well-known Italian Alpine cheese. Originating from the Valle D’Aosta region in Northern Italy, true Fontina Val d’Aosta is a shining star amongst non-certified “Fontina” cheeses. Great for melting, or finishing pizzas or frittatas, or to elevate baked mac n cheese. 

Fontina Val Daosta cheese from the Zupan's Markets grocer in Portland

Taleggio

“Everybody’s cheese”. Named after the valley where this soft cheese was first made: the Taleggio valley in Italy’s Lombardy region. This mild-pasted cheese takes on a strong flavor with the rind. A classic Italian smear-ripened cheese with a pungent rind, so you know it’s good! Taleggio is delicious numerous ways. Try smearing on ciabatta or melted onto mushroom pasta dishes.

Taleggio cheese from Zupan's cheese department

Aged Mountain Gorgonzola

Italy’s version of blue cheese, named after the town of Gorgonzola, where cows would journey between feeding pastures. Farmers started taking advantage of the surplus milk and created cheese with local strains of Penicillum Glaucum, a mold found in the area. Featuring beautiful, deep-colored veins, gorgonzola is often milder than blue cheese. This aged version provides a full-bodied flavor that is both assertive and robust and pairs perfectly with sweet honey and fig jam on your cheese plate. 

Italian aged mountain gorgonzola cheese at Zupan's Markets in Lake Grove

La Tur

Our cheesemonger’s Italian cheese of choice! A bloomy, soft cheese made from cow, goat and sheep’s milk. This cupcake-sized wheel of cheese is made in Northern Italy’s Alba region. La Tur has an incredibly complex flavor resulting from the interplay of three milks, and is layered with texture, beyond the simple paste-and-rind layers. Try this Italian soft cheese in the middle of a snacking board with Amarena cherries on top.

La Tur cheese available at Zupan's Markets in Portland
Share

More Fresh Content

photo of gourmet foods on a table from Zupan;s markets

Featured Items, Must Try

What’s New

Hungry for more? Check out new items that have just hit our shelves and get a taste!

Purveyors, New Items, Must Try

Beloved Cheesecakes

Indulge in the sweet, irresistible creations from Beloved Cheesecakes, now available at Zupan’s Markets.