The origins of Provolone Valpadana date back to the early 1800s and the Unification of Italy, when people from the South started migrating towards the Po Valley and brought the tradition of dairy cattle farming and the technique for stretched-curd cheese production with them. Provolone Valpadana is nowadays produced all across Northern Italy; it is made with whole cow's milk and available in two varieties, Dolce (sweet) and Piccante (piquant), both of which can be Affumicato (smoked).
Aged for 2-3 months, Provolone Dolce has a delicate flavor and goes well with young, fruity wines, while Provolone Piccante is matured for at least 4 months and paired with aged, red wines, since it has a much sharper, tangy flavor.
Both varieties are extremely versatile and often enjoyed breaded and fried, grilled, or served with Mostarda di Cremona, a Northern Italian condiment made of different fruits preserved in a mustard seed flavored syrup.
Part of
Babà rustico
Babà rustico is a Neapolitan savory bread consisting of flour, milk, yeast, eggs, and oil. Once prepared, the dough is filled with salami, prosciutto cotto, grated ... Read more
Sfincione
This traditional Sicilian focaccia is an oven-baked flatbread topped with an oregano-flavored tomato sauce made with the addition of onions, anchovies, breadcrumbs, and ... Read more
Guastella calabrese
Guastella is a traditional stuffed focaccia originating from Calabria, where it’s often made on Easter Monday. It’s usually made with a combination of flour,... Read more
Provoleta
In Argentina, provoleta or grilled provoleta cheese is typically enjoyed before a meal as an appetizer. It's one of the staples of the Argentine bbq asado. The semi-... Read more
Pairing tips
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo is a red grape variety grown in Puglia but considered genetically identical to Zinfandel in California and Crljenak Kaštelanski in Croatia. In Italy, ... Read more
Serve with
Mostarda di Cremona
Mostarda di cremona is a type of traditional fruit preserve used as a condiment in Italy. A jar of mostarda di cremona contains one or more varieties of fruit,... Read more
Best Provolone Valpadana
