Fontina

Fontina is one of Italy’s most delectable cheeses. It comes from the high alpine meadows of the Valle d’Aosta and is made with unpasteurized cows’ milk in mountain chalets during the summer months. In winter the cheese is factory-made in the valleys. Fontina is deep golden yellow with a tough almond-brown rind, a firm slightly springy texture and random tiny holes. The flavor is delicate with subtle hints of honey, fruit and nuts. It makes a memorable dessert cheese and is also an essential ingredient of fon- duta — Piedmontese fondue — along with white wine and shaved white truffles. (253)