Pecorino delle Balze Volterrane Cheese

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About Pecorino delle Balze Volterrane Cheese

Pecorino delle Balze Volterrane is a cheese from Italy, specifically produced in the province of Pisa. It is made from raw, whole sheep's milk and uses vegetable rennet derived from wild cardoon or artichoke inflorescences. The cheese is available in four types based on maturation: fresh, semi-mature, mature, and extra-mature. The cheese has a cylindrical shape with a rind that ranges from pale straw yellow to deep yellow, and it can be coated in olive oil and ash. It has a compact texture with a flavor that is initially mild, with scents of milk and flowers, and a slightly spicy aftertaste. The cheese is known for its aroma reminiscent of milk and wild cardoon, with scents of aromatic plants and yellow flowers.

Key Facts

Country of Origin Italy
Specific Origin Province of Pisa, including the municipalities of Volterra, Pomarance, Montecatini Val di Cecina, Castelnuovo Val di Cecina, and Monteverdi.
Protection PDO (2013)
Milk Type Sheep's milk
Milk Treatment Raw
Fat Content > 45% in dry matter
Rind Ranges from pale straw yellow to deep yellow; can be coated in olive oil and ash
Texture Compact structure with negligible friability, possibly with some holes
Flavor Initially mild with scents of milk and flowers, slightly spicy aftertaste
Aroma Persistent, reminiscent of milk and wild cardoon, with scents of aromatic plants and yellow flowers
Colors White for fresh cheese; more or less intense straw yellow for semi-mature, mature, and extra-mature versions
Forms Fresh, Semi-mature, Mature, Extra-mature
Age Fresh (7-44 days), Semi-mature (45 days to 6 months), Mature (6 to 12 months), Extra-mature (over 12 months)
Rennet Type Vegetable rennet from wild cardoon or artichoke inflorescences
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