Amatrice Mela Rossa di Montagna e Whisky Pecorino Cheese, 8.8 Lb

Amatrice Mela Rossa e Whisky: An Alpine High-Proof Masterpiece

Weight: 8.8 lbs (Approx. 4kg Whole Wheel)

Prepare your palate for a sophisticated dance between the orchard and the distillery. The Amatrice Mela Rossa di Montagna e Whisky is an avant-garde Pecorino that captures the essence of a crisp mountain morning. By marrying the sweetness of Red Mountain Apples with the smoky, golden warmth of Whisky, the master cheesemakers of Amatrice have created a profile that is simultaneously fruity, boozy, and deeply savory.

This 8.8 lb wheel is a stunning example of "Affinato" (refined) cheesemaking, where the cheese serves as a canvas for high-altitude ingredients.

The Infusion Process

This cheese undergoes a dual-refining process that permeates the paste from the outside in:

• The Apple Bath: The cheese is treated with the juice and pulp of late-harvest mountain red apples. This imparts a natural malic sweetness and a floral top note that cuts through the richness of the sheep’s milk.
• The Whisky Finish: The wheels are then meticulously bathed in premium Whisky. The alcohol acts as a carrier, pulling the apple aromatics deeper into the cheese while adding its own notes of peat, vanilla, and toasted oak to the rind.

Sensory Profile

• The Appearance: A vibrant, amber-hued rind that reflects its time spent in the spirits. The interior remains a pale, creamy ivory.
• The Aroma: A complex bouquet of baked apples, heather honey, and a distinct "malty" undertone from the whisky.
• The Flavor: Truly multi-layered. It begins with the familiar nutty tang of Pecorino, followed by a burst of orchard fruit sweetness, and finishes with a sophisticated, warming hum of oak-aged spirit.

Perfect Pairings

This 8.8 lb wheel is the ultimate centerpiece for a luxury tasting event or a refined holiday gathering.

• On the Board: Serve with thin slices of fresh Fuji or Pink Lady apples, smoked almonds, and a drizzle of wildflower honey.
• The Drink: Naturally, it pairs exquisitely with a Single Malt Scotch or a Small-Batch Bourbon. For wine lovers, a late-harvest Riesling or a Vin Santo provides a beautiful acidic balance.
• Culinary Twist: Grate it over a pork loin roast or incorporate it into a savory tart with caramelized onions.

Technical Profile

Artisan Note: The Mela Rossa e Whisky is a sensory bridge between dessert and savory courses. It is often served as the "grand finale" of a cheese course because of its lingering, spirit-forward finish.