Caciottone di Norcia cheese awarded PGI certification

Brussels – The Caciottone di Norcia, a cheese from the Valnerina valley (in the province of Perugia), officially entered the European Union’s protected geographical indications (PGI) register. This was certified by the European Commission, which accepted Italy’s application for registration today (Aug. 2). This new indication will join the 3,624 food products already protected by the EU, among Protected Geographical Indications (PGI), Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) and Geographical Indications (GI). With 907 names, Italy is the EU country with the most significant number of recognized products.

The EU Commission recognized that “milk blends were used to make cheese in Valnerina even before the middle of the 20th century” and the production process of the Caciottone di Norcia “was beneficial in terms of allowing a much longer shelf life thanks to the addition of sheep’s milk.” Over the years, its reputation “has increased significantly, to the point that this product is now synonymous with the production area.” The characteristic feature of the Cacciottone di Norcia is the ratio of cow’s milk (from a minimum of 90% to a maximum of 95%) and that of sheep’s milk (a minimum of 5% to a maximum of 10%).  “The taste is fragrant and aromatic with a characteristic aftertaste of cream. On the nose, the aromas/scents are of milk, warmed milk, and/or melted butter,” the EU executive said.