Grana Padano, granted DOP on 12 June 1996, is one of the few cheeses that can possibly compete with the King of Cheeses; Parmigiano-Reggiano. Created by the Cistercian monks of Chiaravalle in the 12th century, it is still made throughout the Po River Valley in northeastern Italy. The cheese is made from unpasteurized, semi-skimmed cow's milk from two milking and aged for 16 months.
At the end of the cheese making process, Grana Padano develops a firm, thick and deeply straw-colored rind protecting the fragrant, dry, flaking interior. Grana means grainy? in Italian which is reflected in the fine granular texture with an intensely sweet flavor. As Grana Padano ages, the flavors become pronounced, savory and complex and the texture becomes more crumbly.,Grana Padano, granted DOP on 12 June 1996, is one of the few cheeses that can possibly compete wit