There are flavors that tell a story, and Parmigiano Reggiano Vacche Rosse is one of them. It is a PDO product with roots in an ancient tradition of slow, conscious gestures, made from the prized milk of an extraordinary breed of cow: the Vacche Rosse di Razza Reggiana. Once forgotten, these cows with their fawn-colored coats and gentle gaze were at risk of extinction, supplanted by more productive breeds. But thanks to the commitment of passionate farmers and the work of the Consorzio Vacche Rosse, their legacy is now safe and lives on in every form of this excellent Parmigiano.
Vacche Rosse cows produce less milk than Frisian cows, but what they offer is a real treasure: milk rich in casein, naturally suited to cheese making. It takes about 16 liters of milk to produce just one kilo of Parmigiano Reggiano Vacche Rosse, which explains its higher price. But one taste is enough to understand that it is worth every penny. Its complex flavor, superior digestibility, and extraordinary aging capacity make it a unique product, capable of evolving over time like a great wine.
The sensory profile of Parmigiano Vacche Rosse is unmistakable: sweet, delicate, with an intense but balanced aroma. Even when aged for long periods, it retains an elastic texture, a straw yellow color, and aromatic notes ranging from dried fruit to fresh butter, with a long and persistent finish. All this is possible thanks to the cows' natural diet, based on grass, hay, and cereals, grown using traditional methods.
Every bite becomes a special moment. Parmigiano Reggiano Vacche Rosse can be enjoyed on its own, to appreciate every nuance, or paired with honey, mostarda, a glass of full-bodied red wine or a few drops of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar. Its different ages, which can exceed 5 years, offer varied taste experiences that are always refined and never banal. Some love its young and fresh version, with a perfect balance between sweetness and saltiness, while others prefer the one aged over 60 months for its aromatic intensity, crumbly texture, and complex hints of light spices, cinnamon, herbs, and dried fruit.
Each wheel is a tribute to Italian craftsmanship, a celebration of the gastronomic culture of Emilia and the silent work carried out every day in the dairies of the Reggio Emilia hills. It is a cheese to meditate on, to offer and to treasure, which speaks directly to the hearts of connoisseurs and those who seek not only taste in food, but also the identity of a territory.
Parmigiano Reggiano PDO Vacche Rosse is, to all intents and purposes, one of the highest expressions of Italian food production, a product that accepts no compromises and continues, even today, to be made in accordance with strict PDO production regulations, with an eye to sustainability, biodiversity, and absolute quality.