Cheese Database

Bastardo del Grappa vs Montasio

Bastardo del Grappa

Facts

Milk
Cow
Texture
Semi-hard
Type
Pressed
Rind
Natural rind
Country
Italy
Place
Veneto

Bastardo del Grappa is a cow's milk cheese from the Veneto, in Italy, tied to the high pastures of Monte Grappa. The name does not mean a mixed milk cheese. It marks a method that sits between two familiar Asiago styles, one pressed and relatively fresh, the other kept much longer. The wheels are round, with a dry natural rind and a pale straw paste. Small eyes are scattered through the body.

Montasio

Facts

Milk
Cow
Texture
Semi-hard
Type
Pressed
Rind
Natural rind
Country
Italy
Place
Friuli
Status
PDO

Montasio is a pressed cow's milk cheese from Friuli, in northeastern Italy, and the name is protected. Young wheels are supple and mild, while older wheels turn firmer, drier, and better for grating. The paste is pale to straw colored, with a natural rind and sometimes a few small eyes. It belongs with the northern Italian cheeses that move from the table to the grater as they age. Friuli is the heart of that identity.