We’ve all heard of Gorgonzola, Italy’s popular interpretation of blue cheese, but did you know that there are many varieties of Gorgonzola? This mild young cheese is called Dolce (meaning sweet in Italian) because of its honeyed flavor. Made from pasteurized cow’s milk, our Gorgonzola Dolce is soft and spreadable, with a buttery richness we just can’t seem to get enough of!
Beloved for its utterly delicious creamy textures and salty, tangy flavor Gorgonzola is produced using the blue cheese method. This entails injecting the rounds of cheese with stainless steel spikes, allowing oxygen to get into the cheese, and fostering the growth of that characteristic blue-green mold. This helps develop that lovely high contrast marbled interior we’re all familiar with. The process of “spiking” as it's called also softens the cheese and helps it develop the aromatic qualities we associate with blues.
The main difference between Gorgonzola Dolce and its more assertive cousin Gorgonzola Piccante is its age. While Dolce is generally only aged for two months, Piccante is stored for several more. During that time, it develops robust flavors and smells and its signature crumbly texture. Throughout the inoculation process of the blue spores that start the veining in these cheeses, Dolce gets a less intense culture than Piccante, another reason why its finished profile is more mild and sweet. Neither pressed or cooked the curd for Dolce remains very moist with a creamy interior.
While not as pungent or assertive as the majority of blues, what Gorgonzola Dolce lacks in bold flavor it more than makes up for in versatility. More subtly sharp and not as dry or crumbly as the aged Gorgonzola, its texture is sumptuously smooth. You'll delight in this more consistent and luxurious finish as it makes Gorgonzola Dolce perfect for a wide range of culinary pursuits. Spread it on fresh crusty bread with a dollop of flavorful fruit preserves, swirl it into soups for added creaminess and a hint of that blue taste, or simply serve it alongside fresh figs and honey for a celebration of its sweet flavor. However you decide to indulge, don't forget the champagne. Its effervescent nature and dry, clean taste always go well with this sweet cheese.