An evening that includes Italian cheese and wine is a recipe for romance any time of year, but on Valentine’s Day, you want to pull out all the stops. Each one of the following formaggi has an extra special element of amore that you can enjoy with a partner or indulge in all for yourself.
When it comes to wine, I suggest something bubbly, which is in general a great pairing with many different styles of cheese. Splurge on a Franciacorta, the Italian equivalent of Champagne, or pick up a bottle of Prosecco to toast to San Valentino.
You can build a board with a taste of all of these cheeses, working your way from mild to wild in the order below, or pick and choose the ones that appeal most to you. I've also included ideas on where to find these delectable Italian cheeses. Just be sure to take your wedges out of the fridge at least a half-hour before serving, so they can relax to room temperature before you cozy up with them.
Robiola Bosina. Credit: Gaby Grossbach
Robiola Bosina
Piedmont Caseificio dell’Alta Langa
Two milks coming together in perfect harmony is perhaps a metaphor for an ideal relationship, and certainly a match made in heaven in this glorious, gooey robiola from Piedmont. A blend of cow’s and sheep’s milks results in balanced flavors of butter and brine. The snowy white rind on this square-shaped stunner gives way to a silky, luscious interior. Available at Eataly and Murray’s.
Ubriaco Pinot Rose Cheese. Credit: Fabrizio Furlan
Ubriaco Pinot Rosé
Veneto, Moro Formaggi
A serious contender for the most romantic cheese ever made, Ubriaco Pinot Rosé is bathed in a sparkling Pinot Grigio rosé (ubriaco means “drunk” in Italian), then topped with rose petals that have been soaked in the same wine. This cow’s milk beauty is fruity and delicately boozy, a truly elegant union of wine and cheese. Available at select Kroeger stores.
Moliterno al Tartufo. Credit: Rick Posada
Moliterno al Tartufo
Sardinia, Central Formaggi
Few delicacies are more prized than truffles (tartufi in Italian), which were described by the 19th-century gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin as “the very diamond of gastronomy.” The tantalizing Tubers have also long been celebrated for their purported aphrodisiac qualities. Their musky aroma and heady flavor come through boldly and beautifully in Moliterno al Tartufo, a seductive sheep’s milk cheese from the island of Sardinia that is infused with black summer truffles after it’s been aged for 3–4 months, then matured an additional 3 months. This pecorino is a definite showstopper. Available at Eataly, Bedford Cheese Shop, and Murray’s, among others.
Primo Sale al Peperoncino
Sicily, Multiple Producers
Bring in a Sicilian to spice things up: Primo Sale al Peperoncino is studded with fiery chili peppers that are complemented by the richness of the sheep’s milk used to make this southern Italian staple. Note that peperoncini are also considered to be natural aphrodisiacs, in addition to stimulating digestion and releasing endorphins. Available at D. Coluccio & Sons and Di Palo’s.
Gorgonzola dolce. Credit: Kristine Jannuzzi
Gorgonzola
Piedmont and Lombardy, Multiple Producers
According to legend, Gorgonzola came into existence by accident centuries ago, when a lustful Italian cheesemaker rushed out to meet his lover and abandoned his curds overnight. When he returned the next day, he added fresh curds to cover up his mistake, and a few weeks later he discovered the blue mold. He tasted it and decided to share his unexpected creation—so we have love to thank for what has become the most famous and beloved Italian erborinato (“blue cheese”). Pair sharp Gorgonzola piccante with honey or dark chocolate for a sensual savory and sweet combo, or go for Gorgonzola dolce straight off the spoon. Available at Eataly, Bedford Cheese Shop, and Murray’s, among others.
Blu 61.
Blu 61
Veneto, La Casearia Carpenedo
Another blue that was born because of amore, but in this case intentionally, Blu 61 was developed by cheesemaker Antonio Carpenedo in 2011 to celebrate 50 years of marriage to his wife, Giuseppina. This striking cow’s milk wheel, aged in sweet Raboso Passito wine and covered with berries, could easily be mistaken for a cake. This is the ultimate Valentine’s Day dessert cheese. Available at Di Palo’s.