Piave (Italy)

Piave DOP is an Italian Cow cheese that is named after the Piave river.

Piave is produced in the Dolomites area, province of Belluno, in the northernmost tip of the Veneto region.

Piave is a hard, cooked curd cheese, offered at five different ages:

Piave Fresco (aged 20-60 days – blue label)
Piave Mezzano (aged 61-180 days – blue label)
Piave Vecchio (aged 6 months – blue label)
Piave Vecchio Selezione Oro (aged 12 months – red label)
Piave Vecchio Riserva (aged 18 months – black label)

Wine Pairing Piave

Aged cheeses pair best with bold red wines.

The fat content in aged cheeses do well to counteract the tannins in these wines.

Barolo

This robust red wine from the Piemonte region in Italy, has intense flavors of cherry, leather, and earthiness. Barolo wines are full-bodied with strong acidity and high tannins that complement the richness and sharpness Piave.

Barbaresco

Made from Nebbiolo grapes in the Piemonte region, Barbaresco is a complex and structured red wine with floral, fruity, and earthy notes. Its acidity and tannins can enhance the nutty and savory flavors of Piave.

Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is another excellent choice for Piave. It is a bold and elegant red wine with flavors of dark berries, herbs, and earthiness. Its firm tannins and acidity complements the flavors of cheeses like Piave.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Chianti Classico Riserva is a well-balanced red wine with flavors of tart cherry, earth, and herbs. Its acidity and medium body make it a versatile pairing option for a variety of aged cheeses.

Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone is a powerful and full-bodied red wine from the Veneto region. Its rich and complex flavors of dried fruits, chocolate, and spices can stand up to the intensity of Piave, creating a harmonious pairing.

White Wines

Soave Classico

This dry white wine from the Veneto region is made primarily from Garganega grapes. Its crisp acidity and floral notes can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of Piave.

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer, with its aromatic profile of lychee, rose petals, and spice, can pair nicely with Piave. Its floral and slightly sweet notes can enhance the cheese's flavor while providing a refreshing contrast.

Oaked Chardonnay

A full-bodied oaked Chardonnay is a match made in heaven with an aged cheese like Piave. Its moderate acidity and citrus notes let the flavors of the cheese shine without becoming overpowering. The finish of Piave wraps it in a sweet balance with the oaky, buttery elements of an oaked Chardonnay.

Sparkling Wines

Franciacorta

Franciacorta is considered the superior pairing for aged Italian cheese.

Its complex, yeasty, and structured nature (produced in the traditional method) stands up well to the intense flavors and fat content of hard, aged cheeses, acting as an excellent palate cleanser.

Prosecco

With its lively bubbles and flavors of green apple and citrus, Prosecco can provide a delightful contrast to the richness of Piave.

Lambrusco

This slightly sparkling Italian red wine from Emilia-Romagna, offers a touch of sweetness, bright acidity, and fruity flavors that can balance the richness of Piavewhile cleansing the palate.

Dessert Wines

Vin Santo

Vin Santo is a sweet dessert wine from Tuscany, often made from dried grapes. Its honeyed flavors and nutty undertones can pair beautifully with Piave, particularly when served as a dessert pairing.

Marsala

Marsala is a fortified wine from Sicily with flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and caramel. Its sweetness and richness can complement the nuttiness of Piave, making it a delightful pairing.

Aged Port

Aged Port, a Tawny or Ruby, can be a delightful pairing with Piave.

The wine's rich flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and caramel, along with its sweetness and smooth texture, will enhance the nuttiness and savory notes of any cheese.

Personal Preferences

Enjoy your wine and cheese with local fruits nuts and bread!

Personal preferences play a significant role in wine and cheese pairings, so don't hesitate to experiment to find the combination that suits your taste buds best.

Consider adding some accompaniments like fruit, nuts, or bread to enhance the pairing experience: