Bagòs

This is a member of the Grana family and is the only example to be produced in alpine pastures. “Bagòs” in local dialect means ‘from Bagolino’, a village in the Val Caffaro which is the centre of production for this kind of cheese (and of which, unfortunately, numerous imitations from the plains have spread over the past few years). Saffron is traditionally added to the curd and it is this that causes the characteristic intense yellow colour. The forms are ripened at length, even for more than two years and are regularly oiled with linseed oil.  When the forms are cut, the exhalation of air from the tiny honey-comb of holes in the paste produces a faint but long lasting crackling sound like a long lament and, for this reason, it used to be joked that the cheese was “crying…”.

Organoleptic characteristics

Aspect and texture
hard with almost closed pinholes. Deeply intense yellow colour.
Taste
balanced, dry and intense with notes of fresh fruit and stables
Serving suggestions
Full bodied and aged red wines but also sparkling, young white wines. Fresh fruit ( Kaiser pears) marrow preserve. Homemade bread, polenta (to be accompanied with grilled rind)

Technical characteristics

Milk
skimmed, raw, cow’s milk
Production method
artisan and mountain pasture
Paste
cooked, pressed
Salting
dry
Ripening
one year minimum
Production period
throughout the year (summer alpine pasture)
Fats
30% F-Dm
Weight
14-17 kg
Dimensions
35-40 cm diameter, h. 10-15 cm
Producers
dairies and alpine shepherds in the Val Caffaro, province of Brescia
Whole cheese code
1501010
Cutted cheese code
1501011

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