Among the latest Italian cheese products from Atalanta’s Il Villaggio brand is Asiago DOP, which is crafted on a picturesque plateau in the foothills of the Dolomite range of the Italian Alps.
The creamy, tangy taste and crumbly interior make it ideal for grating over and into pasta dishes, risotto, polenta, and gratins, according to Atalanta.
“‘Asiago’ is an Italian DOP product within the EU, and the Consortzio Tutela Formaggio Asiago governs its production,” according to Atalanta. “It must be made with the milk of heritage Pezzata Nera and Bruna Alpina cows, and it can only be produced in four provinces of northeastern Italy: Vicenza, Trento, and sections of Padova and Treviso.”
The territory extends from the Po River Valley’s lowlands to the Asiago Plateau’s high pastures. Cheeses made exclusively from milk produced, processed, and matured in areas 2,000 feet above sea level receive the additional designation “Product of the Mountains.”
Also new from Atalanta is Il Villaggio Twist & Grate Grana Padano is an iconic cheese in an innovative new form, perfect for busy families and kids to add flavor anytime, anywhere with its built-in, recyclable grater.
Il Villaggio also has a full line of mozzarella products, including:
- Ovaline: egg-sized fresh mozzarella low in salt with a full fresh milk taste; ideal for cooking in pasta and main dishes
- Bocconcino: bite-sized mozzarella packaged in water to stay soft; ideal for salads and cheese boards
- Ciliegine: cherry-sized fresh mozzarella with a creamy, oozing core that holds together; ideal for appetizers and salads
- Braided Mozzarella: mozzarella crafted into a handmade braid available plain or marinated in basil-infused olive oil parsley, red pepper flakes and garlic; ideal for both eating fresh and cooking
- Armenian String Cheese: vacuum-packed handmade string of cheese with black nigella seeds; ideal for snacking
- Smoked Mozzarella Ball: vacuum-packed hickory-smoked mozzarella; ideal for pizza
- Cheese Roll with Prosciutto Ham: mozzarella wrapped in a thin slice of prosciutto; ideal for charcuterie boards.
This article is an excerpt from the January 2024 issue of Supermarket Perimeter. You can read the entire Italian Cheese feature and more in the digital edition here.