We love Parmigiano-Reggiano, but there's a whole world of aged hard cheese to explore, from England, the United States, Holland, and, of course, Italy. Sublime in a sandwich, grated over pasta, or tucked into an omelet or quiche, any of these would also be a perfect addition to a cheese plate. Crisp white wines, lush reds, and especially bubbles get along beautifully with all of these tasty, complex cheeses.
Our Top Picks
Hard Cheese
- Garrotxa/ Spain/ Goat's Milk.
Sweet and mild; notes of grass and hay. $30 per pound; The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills; 800-547- 1515 or cheesestorebh.com - Doddington/ England/ Cow's Milk.
Cheddary and mellow. $34 per pound; 877-797- 1200 or artisanalcheese.com - Sbrinz/ Switzerland/
Cow's Milk.
Earthy and smoky; try it on a cheese plate. $15 per pound; 877-446-8763 or igourmet.com - Three Sisters Serena/ California/ Cow's Milk.
Fruity, tangy, and assertive. $20 per
pound; 559-562-2132
or threesisterscheese.com
for stores - Piave/ Italy/ Cow's Milk.
Pleasantly sharp, milky sweet, and
nutty. $13 per pound; 888-692-4339
or murrayscheese.com - Gouda/ Holland/ Cow's Milk.
Toasty, caramel flavors that are almost stout-like. Aged four years. $21 per pound; 877-797-1200 or artisanalcheese.com - Grana Padano/ Italy/ Cow's Milk.
Big flavor and a slight crunch; aged almost two years. $15 per pound; 877-446-8763 or igourmet.com