Piacentinu Ennese DOP

The significance of this cheese’s name is much debated.  According to some, ‘Piacentinu’ means ‘cheese that pleases (piace)’, whilst others claim it means ‘cheese that weeps (piange)’ due to the fact that drops of serum are sometimes present in the fresh forms.  It could also mean a cheese ‘to be ripened’ like the northern Italy hard cheeses, since ‘piacentino’ was the traditional name given those cheeses.  In fact, although the current trend is to eat it fresh, Piacentinu Ennese is well adapted to a lengthy ripening process.  Its most obvious characteristic is the abundant addition of wild saffron to the curd, giving it a unique colour and flavour.  The sheep used for its production feed mainly on vetch, a leguminous plant, which confers its own distinctive flavour to the milk.

Organoleptic characteristics

Aspect and texture
compact, very intense yellow paste and rind. More or less hard according to the length of ripening and with the addition of black peppercorn
Taste
intense, particularly in the raw milk version, with notes of sheep’s milk, saffron and pepper
Serving suggestions
White or young red wines. Hot pear and quince chutney. Fresh broad beans and peas. Pasta without tomato sauces, French loaves

Technical characteristics

Milk
full fat, raw, sheep’s milk
Production method
artisan
Paste
pressed
Salting
dry
Ripening
at least 60 days
Production period
October to June
Fats
40 % F-Dm
Weight
between Kg 3,5 and 4,5.
Dimensions
variable; height: minimum14 cm maximum 15 cm., diameter minimum 20 cm, maximum 21 cm.
Producers
artisan dairies in the environs of Enna city
Whole cheese code
8000035
Cutted cheese code
8000039

Sign up for our newsletter

Be among the first to know what is happening in the World of Guffanti: events, new products, initiatives and stories.