Gran Mugello
- Producer
- Il Palagiaccio
- Country
- Italy
- Region
- Tuscany
- Weight
- 12-16 lbs
- Website
- www.palagiaccio.us
- Milk
- Cow
- Treatment
- Raw
- Classification
- Hard
- Rennet
- Animal
- Rind
- Natural
Aged at the historic Il Palagiaccio dairy farm, Gran Mugello is a prime example of authentic Tuscan cheesemaking—a memorable mix of distinctive ivory color, dense texture, and intense lingering flavor.
Il Palagiaccio is a medieval garrison that was built in the 1200s by the Ubaldini family, constructed on the rich soils of the Mugello Valley. Through the ages, the garrison changed hands several times, passing to the Medici family and was even occupied by the German army in 1943 until Allied soldiers captured the manor and made it their headquarters. Over the centuries, Palagiaccio has endured and retained its function as a fortified farm. In recent years, it's been restored as a testament to the culture and tradition of Tuscany.
The milk is sourced from cows that drink mineral water from the Panna mountain. Once the cheese is made, it is aged in the Ubaldini Grottos beneath the Palagiaccio for 15 months and massaged each day with local extra virgin olive oil.
Tasting Notes
Gran Mugello is intensely buttery with hints of nuttiness and olive oil. Each bite can be savored slowly as it melts in the mouth.
Pairings
Pair Gran Mugello with a Champagne or bubbly Italian. If you prefer reds, try a Tuscan chianti classico or Montalcino.
