This
part of Tuscany is also famous for its Pecorino Cheese.
Whether it's 'Stagionato' (hard and dry) or 'Fresco' (soft
and creamy) it is a cheese with a unique and strong flavour.
It is made from sheep's milk (pecora in Italian is sheep)
and is to be seen in round forms in all the local shops.
A firm favourite on the menu for after supper is a slice
of Pecorino topped with a dash of local honey - simply
delicious!
Our Cheese Tour takes you to at least two different producers.
One of our favourite spots is an Agriturismo (working
farm), where they produce no less than 32 different types
of Pecorino, including Herbed and Spiced, Honeyed, Peppered;
something to suit every taste! A beautiful location, with
old hay mills on site, the sheep stalls within walking
distance and an owner who is very enthusiastic about both
his flock and his cheese. He will walk and talk you through
the whole process of how the cheese is made from the milking
through to the finished product, you'll see fridges full
of cheese rounds of all ages and last but not least you
will have a chance to taste a good selection of the different
cheeses.
Another fantastic farm produces Pecorino, a variety of
goat's cheeses, ricotta and an Italian version of the
Greek feta. This is an organic farm where you can be up
close to the animals, learn how they produce a variety
of Tuscan products, then enjoy a splendid lunch made up
entirely of products from the farm, including of course
a good selection of cheese.
If you're in for the full day we suggest that the afternoon
is topped off with a brief stop for a wine tasting in
one of the many marvellous vineyards in Montalcino. What
better to go with your cheese than a glass of Rosso di
Montalcino, or if you are feeling extravagant, a Brunello?!
There will be plenty of opportunity to taste and buy
the cheese products at all the sites. If you really like
a particular type you can mail order from home when you
return.
So if you are passionate about cheese why not join
us for the day?
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