Parmigiano Reggiano PDO - Mountain 48 months

Parmigiano Reggiano PDO Mountain Product is produced in mountain areas located within the boundaries of the production area envisaged by the specifications. Currently, within this area, there are 110 mountain dairies and over 1200 farmers. To be classified as a mountain product it is necessary that:

• The milk entirely milked and harvested in stables located in mountain areas;
• cattle feed is grown almost exclusively in mountain areas;
• the factories of the dairy producers and the headquarters of maturing, at least until 12 months of maturation, must be located in a mountain area;
• the qualitative selection is carried out in the 24th month of maturation through a "hammer" evaluation by experts from the Consortium, together with sensorial evaluation by a tasting group and subsequent chemical composition analysis.

The production area of Parmigiano Reggiano PDO includes the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna to the left of the Reno river, in the Emilia-Romagna region.

In this case we are located in Lama Mocogno in the province of Modena at an altitude of 842 m above sea level, thus boasting the title of Mountain Product.

For the production, milk from the evening milking is used, which rests in steel tanks for the whole night. After being partially skimmed, the evening milk is poured together with the morning milk, into the characteristic inverted bell-shaped copper boiler, without the addition of any additives. The natural graft whey is then added and heated to 33 °C. Once the temperature is reached, calf rennet obtained from the stomach of suckling calves is added until it coagulates, which takes place in 10-15 minutes. The curd is broken into small granules and then begins the cooking phase up to 55 °C. The mass obtained after cooking and the falling of the granules is lifted and cut in two; each mass is wrapped in a linen cloth and inserted in a wooden or Teflon mold. Here it assumes its characteristic shape and receives a casein plaque, incorporated on the surface of the crust which, thanks to an alphanumeric code, uniquely identifies each individual shape. This is followed by the marking with the marking fascera, which imprints on the rind: the dotted writing “PARMIGIANO REGGIANO”, the serial number of the dairy, month and year of production. Salting follows, which takes place by immersing the wheel for 16-20 days in a solution saturated with natural salt, and finally the seasoning on wooden boards in suitable rooms at controlled temperature and humidity, which lasts from a minimum of 12 months to over. two years. Only the wheels that pass a very strict selection are branded with the oval fire stamp at the age of 12 months.

The origins of Parmigiano Reggiano PDO date back to the Middle Ages, thanks to the work of the Benedictine and Cistercian monks of the Po valley who, between the Apennines and the right bank of the Po, reclaimed the marshes and cultivated the pastures necessary to feed the cows.  

The processing method of Parmigiano Reggiano PDO is essentially the same as nine centuries ago and uses the same essential ingredients (milk, rennet and salt), without any additives or preservatives.

Characteristics

The taste of Parmigiano Reggiano PDO aged 48 months is characterized by a savory and savory tone on the palate, with hints of hay and ripe fruit. The dough is crumbly and grainy.

Pairings

Parmigiano Reggiano PDO 48 months of maturation is excellent to be paired with typical cured meats from Emilia Romagna, to be grated on dry pasta, soups in broth, soups and first courses of the Emilia-Romagna tradition. Also perfect in flakes on beef-based main courses, such as cut, carpaccio and roast beef. Sublime with not too sweet honey, fruit compotes, traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena or Reggio Emilia, nuts such as walnuts and hazelnuts or dried figs.

Milk, salt, rennet.

Vacuum-packaged Parmigiano Reggiano PDO should be stored in the refrigerator at 2-8 °C; once opened, wrap it in a cloth and place it in an aroma-saving container, or in a transparent plastic bag for food.