Ubriaco Briscole al Barbera

There are cheeses from all over the world best enjoyed at certain times of year with certain kinds of food. This wonderful Italian goat and cows milk cheese that is washed with wine is just what the warmer seasons call for. The taste is bright, tangy and fruity (with a hint of flour) much like Parmesan Reggiano but the texture is a little less hard and crumbly. This unique cheese from the Veneto region begs to be enjoyed with your favorite foods of the summer season dominated by salads, fresh vegetables and lighter fare. Ubriaco translates to drunk or drunken, in this case the cheese is washed with the famed wine Barbera from the Piedmont region of Italy. Enjoy the same way you would a fine, aged Pecorino as an appetizer or as part of your meal. Lovely with sliced tomatoes, grapes and a lightweight red wine.