2 4 | t h e c l e v e r r o o t
AMONG EUROPE'S GOURMET CHEESES, Italy's Pecorini stand out for their quality and incredible
taste. Made from sheep's milk, Pecorino cheeses that respect specific production processes and
are made in designated zones carry a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO); these regulations
not only distinguish authentic producers from imposters, but protect the integrity of the cheese
itself by preserving its history.
We spoke with Alex Ourieff, Salumi e Formaggi Manager at Eataly in Los Angeles, to hear more
on the stringent quality standards of Pecorino Romano PDO, Pecorino Sardo PDO, and Fiore
Sardo PDO and why these cheeses are worth protecting with the PDO label. "I love the versatility
and variety of Pecorini," Ourieff says. "Even just between Pecorino Romano PDO, Pecorino Sardo
PDO, and Pecorino Fiore Sardo PDO, there's a huge range in flavor and in potential applications.
It's a fun family of cheeses to talk about with customers because most people are familiar with a
couple of Pecorini, namely Pecorino Romano PDO, but that really is just a jumping-off point from
which to explore a hugely varied style."
The Importance of Origin
THE ITALIAN
PECORINI
CATEGORY
CONTINUES
TO EXCEED ITS
STRINGENT
STANDARDS
by Emily Coleman
photos by Todd Westphal
CHEESE
A truly Italian
cheese plate with
Fiore Sardo PDO,
Pecorino Sardo
PDO, and Pecorino
Romano PDO.
