Parmigiano Reggiano: A thousand-year journey to the heart of Italian taste
When talking about Italian excellence, it is impossible not to mention the Parmesan cheese. It is more than just a cheese: it is a symbol of know-how, rural tradition and a deep bond with the land of Emilia.
Its history is rooted in the Middle Ages, but even today Parmigiano Reggiano is produced using artisanal methods, in strict compliance with a specification that guarantees its quality and authenticity.
Origins in medieval monasteries
The first traces of Parmigiano Reggiano date back to the 12th centurywhen Benedictine and Cistercian monks, in the countryside between Reggio Emilia, Parma, Modena e Bologna, They were looking for a way to store excess milk for longer.
Thus was born a long-ripened, hard cheese that could keep for months.
This “monks” cheese', made from raw milk, salt and rennet, spread rapidly thanks to its storage capacitysoon becoming a sought-after product in markets all over Italy.
A tradition that has never changed
What makes Parmigiano Reggiano so special is precisely the faithfulness to its original recipestill produced today with only three natural ingredients - raw milk, salt and rennet - without preservatives or additives.
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The milk comes exclusively from cows reared in a restricted area, fed with local fodder.
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The cheeses are turned and tended by hand, every day, in the “casere”.
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After a minimum maturing period of 12 months, each cheese is examined by the Parmesan Cheese Consortium before obtaining the firebrand mark attesting to its authenticity.
A process that unites past and present, identity and quality.
Parmigiano Reggiano and its territory
Parmigiano Reggiano is not just a product, but the authentic expression of a extraordinary territorybetween the hills of Reggio Emilia, Parma and Modena.
A land rich in history, rural culture and unique flavours, such as the’Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, which was born in the same countryside and shares with the world's best-loved cheese the values of patience, care and time.
It is no coincidence that Parmesan Cheese and Balsamic Vinegar are considered a perfect match: the intense, velvety sweetness of the balsamic enhances the aromatic notes, flavour and complexity of the cheese.
Discover in our section Condiments and Vinegars the ideal products to combine with different Parmesan cheese maturations: Go to shop »
Excellence exported all over the world
Parmigiano Reggiano is today protected by a Consortium which guarantees quality, traceability and international promotion.
It is one of the Italian products PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) most copied and imitated in the world, but only that branded by the Consortium can truly bear the name “Parmigiano Reggiano”. It is exported to over 150 countries and is a true ambassador of Italian gastronomic culture in the world.
A precious gift to enjoy and tell
Bringing Parmigiano Reggiano to the table means bringing history, culture and artisan passion.
A perfect gift idea for those who love authentic flavours, especially if accompanied by a High-quality balsamic vinegarmaybe one of our Special Editionsdesigned for special occasions and gourmet pairings.
Discover our gift proposals and our tasting box sets: visit the online store
Visit the places of taste
And if you want to immerse yourself in the heart of these traditions, we are waiting for you at The Borgo del Balsamicoin the hills of Albinea, to stay in our Dwellingssurrounded by gardens and historic vinegar cellars.
Discover hospitality and customised experiences: www.ilborgodelbalsamico.it/le-dimore-del-borgo
