Hidden gem in Charlotte’s Oakhurst neighborhood where the menu is as creative as the food
May 9, 2023
Cheese Wisdom: A three-milk cheese from Italy
You could substitute this for butter
by Anita Skogland
The Cheese: IL Nocciolo, Caseificio dell’Alta Langa, Bosia, Italy
Where to Buy: Orrman’s Cheese Shop
Price: $7.50/cube
The Style: A small cube of rich, creamy, buttery cheese that is ripened only a day before packaging. It is made from goat, sheep, and cow’s milk.
Flavor Profile: Fresh cream, with a hint of nuts, salt, and dried grass.
How to Enjoy: This is a little square of perfection (it looks like a petit-four or a piece of fudge). You will need to resist the temptation to cut it in half and eat it as is. Spread this on a cracker, on some celery, or on warm banana nut bread topped with a touch of apricot jam.
Wine Pairings: You have a lot of options with this one. Sparkling wines, such as sparkling rosé, Prosecco, or Cremant d’Alsace; light white wines such as Picpoul or Gruner Veltliner; or even a Beaujolais would all pair nicely since they are all light in body and won’t overcome the delicate flavors of the cheese.
Extra Reading: IL Nicciolo means “hazelnut tree” in Italian. That name is used for this cheese due to its diminutive size. It is produced in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. The cheese is packaged in a small waxed box and wrapped in plastic wrap. Due to its short aging time, when you purchase it, eat it within a few days as it does not have a long shelf life.
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