This Parmigiano Reggiano is the best cheese in Italy (and one of the 16 best in the world)

The best cheeses in the world have just been awarded in Norway at the World Cheese Awards 2023 – the largest event in the sector, organized by the Guild of Fine Foode – where 4,502 cheeses from 43 countries were compared. Among Italians, Parmigiano Reggiano once again excels. And one in particular won the votes.

The winning Parmigiano Reggiano

If the best cheese in the world is the Nidelven Blå artisanal blue cheese produced by the Norwegian dairy Gangstadt Gårdsysteri, the first in Italy is also one of the most famous Italian cheeses in the world, parmesan. In particular, the prize of Best Italian Cheese went to the Parmigiano Reggiano product of Rastelli dairy to Rubbiano of Solignanoin the foothill area, at the confluence of the valleys of the Taro and Ceno rivers, in the province of Parma.

The company is part of the Parmigiano Reggiano consortium and is currently producing 12 daily forms (up to peaks of 14), with milk collected in the hilly area where the ideal microclimate gives this Parmesan an unmistakable flavour. It is a DOP hard cheese, produced with raw cow’s milk and left to mature for 30 to 39 months: the flavors start out strong, complex on the nose and lend themselves to important dishes – even in stuffed pasta – deserving at most a drop of balsamic vinegar as maturation continues. The dairy also produces the most versatile and consumed 24-month maturation, which has very balanced characteristics: sweet and tasty, crumbly enough. According to expert tasters, the cheese has a characteristic taste with notes of melted butter, citrus fruits and exotic fruit…

The World Cheese Award 2023

At the 35th edition of the World Cheese Awards they were 4,502 cheeses were presentedan increase of 6% compared to the previous year.

The products represented 43 countries and attracted participation from 954 companies from around the world (7.23% UK based, 92.77% international). Notably, in recent years the competition has seen the participation of some new entrants, including Poland, India, Liechtenstein and Turkey, among others.

During the competition, various styles and ages were showcased, also showcasing a wide range of milks including buffalo, cow, goat and sheep. All products were evaluated in just one day, when 264 experts from 38 different countries examined its appearance, texture, aroma and flavor. Bronze, Silver, Gold and Super Gold awards were awarded during the morning session before i Super Gold were reviewed to identify the 16 best cheeses of this yearfrom which the World Champion Cheese for 2023.

The 16 best cheeses in the world

The list of super Golds is a real tour of the world, with an Indian cheese also coming in fourth place. There are three Italian cheeses on the list:

1. Nidelven Blå – Gangstad Gårdsysteri – NORWAY
2. Baliehof Houtlandse Asche kaas – Baliehof Kaas en Zuivelboerderij Jabbek – BELGIUM
3. Years for the 5th Generation – Dorfkäserei Muolen kaeserei – SWITZERLAND
4. Eleftheria Brunost – Gourmet food – INDIA
5. Müller-Thurgau Rezent – Käserei Müller-Thurgau SWITZERLAND
6. Kärntnermilch Mölltaler Almkäse Selektion 50% FiT – Kärntnermilch – AUSTRIA
7. Michel – Rohmilchkäserei Backensholz – GERMANY
8. Holland Delta, 1 Year Old – Van der Heiden Kaas – NETHERLANDS
9. Old Amsterdam Goat – Westland Kaasexport – NETHERLANDS
10. Parmigiano Reggiano 30-39 Months – National Parmigiano Reggiano Rastelli Fratelli – ITALY
11. Deichkäse Gold – Rohmilchkäserei Backensholz – GERMANY
12. Sinodun Hill – Norton and Yarrow Cheese -UNITED KINGDOM
13. Goustal La Bergere – Société des Caves – FRANCE
14. Piran – La Bufalara – ITALY
15. Lamucca di Chestnut – Romagna Terre – ITALY
16. Wigmore – Village Maid Cheese – UNITED KINGDOM

The other Italian cheeses on the podium

At the 35th edition of the prestigious competition, the Italian national team CheeseItaly also collected 5 gold, 8 silver and 9 bronze medals. These are small and large producers from 5 different regions, with an excellent dairy tradition.

Among the gold include for example the Grana Padano Dop Soresina which receives recognition with a record maturation of 40 months; L’Sheep and goat Il Galeotto, The Aged Brenta from Latterie Vicenza and the Caciocavallo Silano by D’Ambruso Francesco.

Among silversL’Fresh Asiago Dop reserve from the Granterre Dairies for the third consecutive year he demonstrates that he knows how to obtain international recognition and finally obtains the deserved recognition also Spicy Gorgonzola Dop Soresinaby Latterie Vicentine.

THE bronzes consolidate the Italian dairy reality, from Scamorzone seasoned at Etrusco del Dismano, which is produced in the Modena Apennines by draining milk from Parmigiano Reggiano; from the Smoked Stracciatella with Seasoned Pecorino Adrianus.