All About Cheese

Parmesan Pear Rock

Great matches

Parmesan cheeses may have tiny white dots formed when the proteins break down as the cheese matures. These are calcium lactate crystals. They have a crunchy texture in the mouth and are a good sign of a well-aged cheese.

Although hard Italian-style cheeses are most often integrated into a dish, there are some foods that really work well with their gutsy flavour, and it’s worth keeping this in mind when cooking.

  • Tomatoes – fresh, slow-roasted, semi-dried and sauces
  • Asparagus
  • Olives
  • Bacon, ham and prosciutto
  • Chicken
  • Crisp greens
  • Pears and apples
  • Roasted pumpkin
  • Toasted pine nuts

Parmesan and Wine

Hard Italian Great Matches

If you are game, try including a well-aged Parmesan on a cheese plate after dinner. It’s a great way to finish off the wine served with the meal as this style of cheese is a very versatile wine partner!

  • Sparkling wine such as sparkling whites and reds, Champagne
  • Full-bodied white wines such as Chardonnay, Semillon
  • Full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot
  • Fortified wines such as port, muscat