Barricato al pepe

Barricato al pepe is an Italian cheese hailing from the region of Veneto. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk. It's first left to age for 4 months before it's coated with peppercorns, and the cheese is then aged in oak barrels for 6 more months before consumption.

Underneath its natural rind, the texture is semi-hard, firm, and crumbly, dotted with black peppercorns. The aromas are spicy and fruity (from wine residue in the barrels), while the flavors are rich, spicy, and buttery. It's recommended to pair Barricato al pepe with a glass of Riesling or Gewürztraminer.