Named after a river which runs through the province of Belluno, the northernmost part of Veneto, Piave is a cooked hard cheese made with pasteurized cow’s milk. It is available in following varieties: Fresco (fresh), Mezzano (aged for 60-80 days), Vecchio (aged for more than 180 days), Vecchio Selezione Oro (aged for 12 months) and Vecchio Riserva (aged for 18 months or longer).
Fresh Piave has a sweet, lactic flavor, which becomes more intense and slightly piquant as the cheese ripens. Piave Mezzano is excellent for preparing cheese soufflé, while the more matured versions are perfect for adding flavor to various risottos and pasta dishes.
Piave is also an essential ingredient of Formai Frit - fried cheese with polenta and sauerkraut, a traditional Belluno dish.
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