Fiore Sardo

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Fiore Sardo, or "Sardinian Flower," is a robust sheep's milk cheese from Sardinia, Italy. Its name could originate from the use of wooden molds adorned with a floral design or from the use of cardoon flowers as rennet. This cheese is an integral part of Sardinian shepherd culture, historically essential but overshadowed in modern times by mass-produced Pecorino Romano.

Awarded PDO status in 1996, Fiore Sardo is crafted exclusively from the milk of local Sardinian sheep, ensuring its authenticity and depth of flavor. The cheese undergoes a distinctive process involving light smoking and aging in the cool Sardinian air, which imparts a unique smoky aroma and a rind that ranges from yellow to dark brown.

The flavor profile of Fiore Sardo is deeply entwined with the island's pastoral traditions, offering notes that span from spicy to herbaceous, reflecting the diverse flora consumed by the sheep. Suitable for grating or as a table cheese, it pairs excellently with robust southern Italian wines, embodying the essence of Sardinian terroir.

Important Facts

Country of Origin Italy
Specific Origin Sardinia
Certification DOP (1996)
Milk Type Sheep's Milk
Milk Treatment Raw
Rind Lightly smoked
Texture Hard
Flavor Spicy, herbaceous
Aroma Smoky aroma
Colors Straw yellow to dark brown
Forms Approximately 7–9 inches tall
Age 4 months to longer
Rennet Type Lamb's rennet

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