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What to eat in Italy? Top 62 Italian Hard Cheeses

Last update: Fri Mar 14 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Italian Hard Cheese Types

01

Cheese

PROVINCE OF PARMA, Italy and  4 more regions
4.7
Parmigiano Reggiano
Parmigiano Reggiano infographic
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Considered to be among the world's top quality cheeses, Parmigiano Reggiano is made with raw, semi-skimmed milk from cows grazing on fresh grass and hay. It has a hard, gritty texture and its flavors range from nutty to robust and slightly piquant, depending on how long the cheese had matured.


The origins of Parmigiano Reggiano date back to the Middle Ages, when the Benedictine and Cistercian monks reclaimed the Po Valley wetlands and started producing this much-prized cheese. Since it originated and was mainly produced in the two city-states Parma and Reggio Emilia, the cheese was named Parmigiano Reggiano, meaning "a cheese from Parma and Reggio Emilia." The cheese got its name in the 19th century, and the word order is speculated to be purely due to alphabetical order. 
THE BEST Parmigiano Reggiano Cheeses
1 Parmigiano Reggiano Oltre 40 Mesi
Caseificio di Gavasseto e Roncadella
Parmigiano Reggiano Oltre 40 Mesi

5.0

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World Cheese Awards - Super Gold 2022

2 Parmigiano Reggiano Oltre 40 Mesi
Caseificio Sociale Canevaccia
Parmigiano Reggiano Oltre 40 Mesi

5.0

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World Cheese Awards - Super Gold 2021

3 Parmigiano Reggiano PDO
Nuova Castelli
Parmigiano Reggiano PDO

5.0

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Global Cheese Awards - Best 2024

4
Latteria Sociale Moderna
Parmigiano Reggiano Stagionato 30-39 Mesi

5.0

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World Cheese Awards - Super Gold 2024

5 Parmigiano Reggiano Dotti 36 mesi
Casearia Dotti
Parmigiano Reggiano Dotti 36 mesi

5.0

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World Cheese Awards - Super Gold 2024

02

Cheese

PROVINCE OF POTENZA, Italy
4.7
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Produced in the region of Basilicata, Canestrato di Moliterno is made from whole goat's and sheep's milk. It is matured in the so-called fondaci, a type of dry, cold, but well-ventilated semi-underground warehouse typical for the Moliterno area.


Depending on the length of maturation, this hard Italian cheese can be either quite sweet or piquant in flavor, and it can be found marketed in three different varieties: Primitivo, ripened for up to 6 months; Stagionato, ripened for up to 12 months, and Stravecchio, ripened for over a year.

03

Cheese

SARDINIA, Italy
4.6
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Produced exclusively on the island of Sardinia, Pecorino Sardo is a semi-cooked, hard cheese made with whole milk from the pasture-grazing Sarda sheep. This breed is indigenous to Sardinia, raised throughout Italy and considered to be among the best domestic breeds for milk production.


Highly adaptable to different terrains, Sarda sheep feed on fragrant Mediterranean shrubs, which gives Pecorino its distinctive aromatic flavor. It is available in two varieties: Pecorino Sardo Dolce (mild), a sweet and more delicate version, and Pecorino Sardo Maturo (mature), a much stronger flavored cheese that's matured for at least 2 months and pleasantly piquant. 
04

Cheese

LOMBARDY, Italy
4.5
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First produced in the 11th century by the Cistercian monks of the Santa Maria di Rovegnano Abbey in Chiaravalle Milanese, Grana Padano is known as one of the very few parmesan cheeses that can possibly compete with the far more famous Parmigiano-Reggiano.


This hard cheese is made from unpasteurized, semi-skimmed cow’s milk and it is available in these varieties: Grana Padano, Trentin Grana, and Grana Grattugiato. It is sold at different ripening stages: Grana Padano (9-16 months), Grana Padano Oltre 16 mesi (over 16 months) and Grana Padano Riserva (over 20 months). 
THE BEST Grana Padano Cheeses
1 Grana Padano Reserva
Bradburys Cheese
Grana Padano Reserva

5.0

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International Cheese Awards - Gold 2024, 2023

2 Grana Padano DOP Selezione da Fieno 50 mesi
Latteria San Pietro
Grana Padano DOP Selezione da Fieno 50 mesi

5.0

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World Cheese Awards - Super Gold 2024

3 Grana Padano PDO
Nuova Castelli
Grana Padano PDO

5.0

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Global Cheese Awards - Gold 2024, 2019

4 Grana Padano Riserva MN424 Virgilio Selezione
Consorzio Latterie Virgilio
Grana Padano Riserva MN424 Virgilio Selezione

4.9

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World Cheese Awards - Gold 2023

5 Grana Padano MN432 Virgilio Selezione
Consorzio Latterie Virgilio
Grana Padano MN432 Virgilio Selezione

4.9

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World Cheese Awards - Gold 2023

05

Cheese

SARDINIA, Italy and  one more region
4.5
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This hard cooked cheese is made with whole milk from pasture-grazed sheep, and has a particularly salty and slightly piquant flavor. Aged for at least 5 months, Pecorino Romano makes an excellent table cheese, particularly when combined with fresh vegetables and fruit, but after eight months of aging, it is mainly used for grating over classic Roman dishes such as Bucatini all’Amatriciana, Rigatoni alla Carbonara, Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, and Tripe alla Romana.


The origins of Pecorino Romano can be traced back to the Roman Empire, when cheese processing methods were first described by some of ancient Rome's most important writers on agriculture: Varrone, Columella, Virgilio and Pliny the Elder. In 227 BCE, the production of this renowned cheese spread to the neighboring island of Sardinia, where even today almost 90% of Pecorino Romano is produced, while the remaining 10% comes from Lazio and the Tuscan province of Grosseto.

06
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Grana Padano Oltre 16 mesi is a version of Grana Padano that's aged from 16 to 20 months. Due to the aging process, its texture gets crumbly, so this version is often used for grating over various dishes. The flavors are more herbal and milky than in the 9-16 months version of the cheese, and it's also got more aciditiy.


This 16-month version also melts well on the palate, with subtle nutty hints. It's recommended to serve this Grana variety with strawberries and pepper.

THE BEST Grana Padano Oltre 16 mesi Cheeses
1
Caseificio Pennar
Grana Padano Dop Gran Riserva 60 mesi

5.0

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Concours International de Lyon - Gold 2025

07

Cheese

VALTELLINA, Italy
4.4
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Certainly the finest and most well-known cheese of Valtellina valley, Bitto is a semi-hard or hard cheese, sold after it has been aged anywhere from 40 days to 3 years. The ancient production technique of this iconic Lombardian cheese dates back to the Celts, who were expert shepherds and dairymen.


Having been forced off the plains by the Romans, they found refuge in the mountainous region of Valtellina. Bitto is made from cow's milk with the addition of 10-20% of goat's milk. Young bitto is called giovane and it is soft in texture, white in color, and has a sweet flavor, similar to Gruyère
VARIATIONS OF Bitto
08
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One of the oldest cheeses produced in Europe, Pecorino Siciliano is a semi-cooked, hard cheese, made with raw, whole milk from various sheep breeds reared all across the island of Sicily. Easily distinguished by the reed woven basket pattern on its rind, this type of Pecorino has a pronounced herbal aroma, and a well-balanced piquant flavor, which tends to become stronger as the cheese ripens.


It is available in following varieties: Tuma, Primo Sale, Secondo Sale and Stagionato. Both fresh and semi-matured Pecorino Siciliano are great as table cheeses, typically served with bread and olives, while the more matured versions are especially good for grating and adding flavor to various pasta dishes.

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09

Cheese

BAGOLINO, Italy
4.3
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Bagoss is a unique Italian cheese produced in a small village called Bagolino. It is made from the Bruna Alpina cow's milk, and during the curd breaking, saffron is added to the cheese, resulting in typical straw yellow color of the body.


The cheese is aged for at least 12 months, but it can be left to mature for up to 3 years. Its rind is smooth, while the aromas are reminiscent of freshly cut grass. The flavor is savory, slightly spicy, and piquant. Bagoss should always be consumed at room temperature so that the hints of chestnuts and walnuts can be fully experienced and appreciated. 
10
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Pecorino di Pienza is a traditional variety of Pecorino produced in Pienza in the province of Siena. The cheese is made from sheep's milk and comes in a few versions – some are young, some covered in straw, some rubbed with ash, and some are pressed with tomatoes.


The young version is semi-ripened and colored with tomato juice on the rind, while the aged version has a black rind. The cheese is not spicy as other Pecorino types because veal rennet is used instead of kid goat rennet. Pecorino di Pienta is aged for 30 days, when it's still fresh and soft, ideal for melting of grilling, while the other versions are aged from 2 to 5 months. 
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11
Cheese
PROVINCE OF RAGUSA, Italy
4.2
12
Cheese
SARDINIA, Italy
4.2
13
Cheese
ASIAGO, Italy
4.1
14
Cheese
PROVINCE OF BELLUNO, Italy
4.1
15
16
Cheese
METROPOLITAN CITY OF BARI, Italy
4.1
17
18
19
20
Cheese
SICILY, Italy  and  one more region
3.8
21
22
Cheese
TRENTO, Italy
3.5
23
Cheese
BRANZI, Italy
3.3
24
Cheese
PROVINCE OF ENNA, Italy
2.7
25
Cheese
PALERMO, Italy
n/a
26
Cheese
PROVINCE OF FOGGIA, Italy
n/a
27
28
Cheese
VALTELLINA, Italy
n/a
29
Cheese
PROVINCE OF UDINE, Italy
n/a
30
Cheese
SICILY, Italy
n/a
31
32
Cheese
CASTELLINA, Italy
n/a
33
Cheese
PROVINCE OF POTENZA, Italy
n/a
34
Cheese
COMINO VALLEY, Italy
n/a
35
Cheese
PROVINCE OF CROTONE, Italy
n/a
36
37
Cheese
CALABRIA, Italy
n/a
38
Cheese
LOMBARDY, Italy
n/a
39
Cheese
LODI, Italy
n/a
40
Cheese
TRENTO, Italy
n/a
41
Cheese
FORMAZZA / POMATT, Italy
n/a
42
43
Cheese
SOUTH TYROL, Italy
n/a
44
Cheese
PROVINCE OF CUNEO, Italy  and  one more region
n/a
45
Cheese
SICILY, Italy
n/a
46
Cheese
CAMONICA VALLEY, Italy
n/a
47
Cheese
PROVINCE OF VERCELLI, Italy
n/a
48
49
50
51
52
53
Cheese
PROVINCE OF LODI, Italy
n/a
54
Cheese
CILENTO, Italy
n/a
55
Cheese
SARDINIA, Italy  and  one more region
n/a
56
Cheese
METROPOLITAN CITY OF CAGLIARI, Italy
n/a
57
58
59
60
61
62
Cheese
PROVINCE OF BRESCIA, Italy
n/a
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Italian Hard Cheese Producers

01

Cheese

REGGIO EMILIA1, Italy
4.7
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Nuova Castelli, based in Reggio Emilia, Italy, specializes in the production and distribution of Italian cheeses, including PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) products such as Parmigiano Reggiano and Gorgonzola. The company was established in 1892 and has expanded its operations internationally, exporting Italian cheeses to various markets around the world.


Nuova Castelli supports traditional cheese-making techniques while also implementing modern technologies to ensure quality and sustainability.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2021

Concours International de Lyon - Gold

2025

BEST Nuova Castelli Cheeses
02
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Caseificio Pennar is located in Italy, specializing in producing Asiago cheese, a traditional Italian cheese made from cow's milk. The cheese company is known for following traditional methods that have been passed down through generations, focusing on quality and authenticity.


They offer a range of cheeses aged for different periods.
AWARDS

Concours International de Lyon - Gold

2025

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2023

Global Cheese Awards - Best

2023

BEST Caseificio Pennar Cheeses
03

Cheese

ROCCALBEGNA, Italy
4.7
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Caseificio Il Fiorino, established in 1957, is known for producing traditional Italian cheeses. This family-run business specializes in the production of pecorino cheese, leveraging sheep's milk sourced locally. Their cheese-making process combines traditional methods with modern technology to enhance both the quality and variety of their cheeses.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2022

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars

2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars

2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

BEST Caseificio Il Fiorino Cheeses
04

Cheese

BERGAMO, Italy
4.7
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2023, 2022

International Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2023, 2022, 2019

05
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2024

BEST Caseificio Garau Cheeses
06
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Latterie Vicentine is a cheese producer based in Vicenza, Italy. It specializes in producing a variety of cheeses, leveraging local milk sources to create products that emphasize the region’s traditional flavors and techniques. This cooperative structure supports local dairy farmers by providing a stable market for their milk, fostering community economic stability and sustainability.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2023, 2021

Italian Cheese Awards - ICA

2022

BEST Latterie Vicentine Cheeses
07

Cheese

MONTALCINO, Italy
4.6
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AWARDS

Concours International de Lyon - Gold

2025

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024

International Cheese Awards - Gold

2024

BEST Caseificio dei Barbi Cheeses
08

Cheese

SOUTH TYROL, Italy
4.6
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024

BEST Ausser Schwemmalm Cheeses
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Italian Hard Cheeses

01
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Parmigiano Reggiano PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) made by Castelli is a high-quality Italian cheese renowned for its rich flavor and granular texture. Crafted using traditional methods, it is made from raw cow's milk and aged for a minimum of 12 months to develop its characteristic taste.


This cheese is often used grated over pasta, risotto, and soups, or enjoyed on its own with wine and fruits.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Best

2024

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2023

02
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Gran Pennar di Montagna is a cheese produced by Caseificio Pennar, a dairy located in the Asiago plateau region of Italy. The cheese is known for its hard texture and rich, savory flavor. It is likely aged for several months to develop its complex taste profile, which includes nutty and slightly sweet undertones.


This cheese is typically used in culinary applications where a robust flavor is desired, such as grating over pastas, soups, or salads.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2023

Global Cheese Awards - Best

2023

03
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AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2019

04
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2023, 2021

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars

2024

International Cheese Awards - Gold

2024

05
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2021

Italian Cheese Awards - ICA

2022

06

Cheese

CASTIGLION FIORENTINO, Italy
4.9
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Caprone cheese from De Magi is is a robust, aged cheese made from goat's milk. Known for its firm texture and complex flavor, this cheese has a rich, nutty profile with subtle hints of sweetness and tanginess. The aging process enhances its depth, resulting in a crumbly yet smooth texture that makes it suitable for grating, slicing, or enjoying on its own.


Caproni cheese is often enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments, such as olives, cured meats, and full-bodied wines, making it an excellent addition to cheese platters and culinary dishes. Its distinct taste and versatility make it a favorite among cheese enthusiasts.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2021

Concours International de Lyon - Gold

2025

07
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Crosta d’oro is a sheep cheese, made according to the most ancient Tuscan traditions. During the refinement, it is treated with grapeseed oil and at the end of its maturation, which lasts at least 150 days but can even reach 10 months. It has the dished shape, typical of Tuscan pecorino, the characteristic light golden-brown color, with some darker spots in the cavities.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2023

08
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024

09
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024

10
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024

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12
13
14

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 62 Italian Hard Cheeses” list until March 14, 2025, 3,690 ratings were recorded, of which 2,685 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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Italian Hard Cheeses