Gorgonzola: on the trail of Italy’s most prized cheese

20.11.2023 - 10:53 / nationalgeographic.com / Lake Iseo

One of the world's oldest blue-veined cheeses, Gorgonzola PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) is the pride of Italy’s north. Produced in the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy (there are 15 provinces of production in total), the ‘king of blue cheeses’ is said to have originated in the 9^th century and to have taken its name from the town of Gorgonzola, one of its original production centres just outside Milan. Straw-white, it comes in two varieties: creamy, soft, sweet Gorgonzola PDO dolce, and the stronger, spicier, more crumbly Gorgonzola PDO piccante. Made with whole pasteurised milk from the region’s cows, with no additives or preservatives, Gorgonzola PDO dolce is matured for a minimum of 50 days and a maximum of 150 days; the piccante, a minimum of 80 days and up to a maximum of 270 days. A favourite in kitchens worldwide, its production is a rarefied process known only to a few. Here are the must-visit locations to indulge in the delicacy and learn more about the 'king of blue cheeses'.

The provinces of Bergamo and Brescia are a treat for the culinary traveller. Like many parts of Lombardy, there are some superb wine pairings for Gorgonzola PDO to be found here, including the ruby red DOCG Moscato di Scanzo, from the Bergamo region. The city of Bergamo, with its Città Alta old town high on a hill above the Po Valley plains, is a wonderful place to explore. Encircled by 16^th-century Venetian walls, local restaurants are set in medieval buildings with vaulted ceilings where menus focus on hearty fare including polenta with Gorgonzola PDO. Just to the east, the city and surrounding province of Brescia is tucked at the foot of Alpine pastures. Gorgonzola PDO is just one of the many prized products of this European Region of Gastronomy. Try recipes rich with the blue-veined cheese, such as risotto, stuffed pastas and fresh salads.

Located on the banks of the River Adda, the city and commune of Lodi is one of southern Lombardy's key dairy producing areas. The region is renowned for its cheeses, many made by producers that date back over a century. Lodi’s rolling pasturelands are a verdant contrast to the handsome orderly architecture of the city’s Piazza della Vittoria, considered one of Italy’s most beautiful squares. Take an evening stroll and enjoy an aperitivo glass of Franciacorta — Italy’s DOCG sparkling wine made in a tiny area around the shores of Lake Iseo — with cicchetti (snacks) that focus on cheeses such as Gorgonzola PDO. The city of Cremona, known for its production of violas and violins played by the likes of Stradivari, is another elegant waterfront destination on the left bank of the Po. The region is renowned for its dairy pastures, with cheese and cured meats such as Cremona IGP