Also known as Mountain Gorgonzola (di monte) or Gorgonzola naturale, Gorgonzola Piccante is an Italian cow’s milk, washed rind, blue cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy.

Gorgonzola cheese really only refers to cheese produced in the city of Gorgonzola, Italy. There are actually a few varieties, but the most popular are Gorgonzola Dolce and Gorgonzola Piccante. The main difference between Dolce and Piccante is that Gorgonzola Piccante's rind is thicker and dryer. Also, the taste of Dolce is sweet, whereas Piccante is spicy.

History of Gorgonzola

After some research, I have found that there are many different stories telling of the name origin of this cheese. However, the one from Cowgirl Creamery seems to be the most reasonable.

What we in this country know simply as, “Gorgonzola,” is more formally called “Stracchino di Gorgonzola” in Italy. “Stracchio,” which comes from the Italian word for tired (stracca), illustrates the process of the “tired” cows being milked in the course of their long autumn and spring walks to and from seasonal pastures. The herds would stop for a rest in the Lombardy town of Gorgonzola, resulting in Gorgonzola being flush with milk twice a year, the excess was used to make cheese.
Cowgirl Creamery

Cowgirl Creamery

Other stories talk about how Gorgonzola cheese was invented by accident where mold cultures were unknowingly allowed to grow on a Stracchino cheese and it yielded a moldy cheese, which at the time tasted delicious and motivated cheese makers to reproduce the effect. While, I personally do not believe that you could accidentally grow edible fungi on cheese, it seems to be an important part of the Gorgonzola legend.

Legend has it that a young cheesemaking romeo, rushing out to meet his juliet, left a vat of curds open all night, returned later, and in order to cover up his mistake added more fresh curds. In a few weeks, he found that a bluish mold had invaded his cheeses and rendered them far more delicious and interesting than before. Cheese: A Connoisseur's Guide to the World's Best

Cheese: A Connoisseur's Guide to the World's Best

How to eat

The smell was a little strong at first, but you're going to want to leave it at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving and the smell will dissipate.

I think typically most people in the States eat Gorgonzola over salad, but in Italy most often it is eaten over pasta, risotto, alongside polenta… Let’s not forget about its crucial role as a pizza topping! So many things to eat, and yet so little time…

Wrapping up

Definitely pick up your own wedge of Gorgonzola and try it out, but keep in mind: particularly Gorgonzola Piccante has a much stronger smell and flavor than Dolce so use it sparingly in recipes.