The unique micro climate in the natural caves where these cheeses are matured, under the Grigna mountain, is key to the flavour and profile of this cheese. Mauri Formaggi has been crafting traditional Valsassina cheeses since 1920, founded by Emilio Mauri in the picturesque village of Pasturo where the original factory still stands as the heart of the business. With a commitment to excellence, the family has maintained the integrity of their craft, using locally sourced fresh milk to create cheeses that honor both tradition and innovation. Surrounded by the lush pastures of Lombardy, the Mauri family still mature cheeses at their purpose built caves, carved into the foothills of the Italian Alps
Washed and brushed several times over a month, the cheese develops a thin bloom flecked with grey yeasts and blue Penicillium mould on its distinctive orange rind. Beneath the thin, crusty rind the ivory texture of the cheese begins to change slowly as it ripens, becoming buttery and soft, balanced with a distinctive yeasty flavour.
Specially selected wheels are chosen for further aging in the caves for up to 50 days. The resulting Taleggio di Grotta transforms from a creamy, yeasty cheese, to a slightly firmer, richer and meatier version of the original with a heavier, pronounced rind.