“La Scacchiera” (the chessboard) Cheese - 280 g

This very aesthetically pleasing cheese “La Scacchiera” (the chessboard) by Andrea De’ Magi is so much more than its good looks. No chemical or artificial substances are used to give it its signature appearance: the rind is simply treated with two natural colouring agents: annatto for the red parts and vegetable charcoal for the black parts. That means that, although it is coloured, the rind is edible. The flavour is rather interesting, too: the cheese “La Scacchiera”, made from cow and sheep milk, has a very delicate and simple flavour which, however, is able to confer quite a distinctive character.

The soft paste melts in the mouth and becomes even creamier at room temperature; therefore, we suggest taking the cheese out of the fridge at least one hour before eating it. Its aroma is reminiscent of the smell of yoghurt and fresh butter, but it also features a slight animal note. The flavour is very sweet, perfect to refine starters or melt on hot dishes.

Andrea De’ Magi, also called the cheese alchemist, is a famous cheese-refiner. He likes to create unique cheeses, actual works of art, both in flavour and appearance. His attention to details and his great skills, born out of a great passion and developed through years of experience, have turned him into an influential figure among Italian and international cheese-makers. The cheese “La Scacchiera” is yet another example of its great skills as cheese-maker and of his enormous talent as cheese-refiner.