Tuscany, a picturesque region of central Italy, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and culinary treasures. Among the many gastronomic delights that this region offers, two premium products stand out: Pecorino Toscano DOP and Prosciutto Toscano DOP, prime examples of the region's dedication to quality.

What does DOP mean? DOP stands for “Denominazione di Origine Protetta,” which translates to “Designation of Origin Protected.” It is an Italian certification system that guarantees the origin, quality, and authenticity of certain agricultural and food products. The DOP label ensures that a product is produced, processed, and prepared in a specific geographical area using traditional methods and adhering to strict quality standards.

Let's now delve into the world of these exquisite Tuscan delicacies, as I did at a recent event held at C. Di Palo, a Manhattan wine bar adjacent to Di Palo’s, the premiere Italian specialty food shop in the heart of Little Italy. With over a century of experience, the Di Palo family has nurtured relationships with artisans across Italy, ensuring that their customers have access to the finest selection of cured meats and cheeses.

Pecorino Toscano DOP

Pecorino Toscano DOP is a traditional Tuscan sheep's milk cheese that has been made for centuries. Crafted from the milk of sheep grazing in the lush meadows of Tuscany, this semi-hard cheese is a straw-yellow color and may be sold soft and fresh or firm and ripened. Compared to Pecorino cheese from other parts of Italy, Pecorino Toscano tastes sweeter and milder.

“Pecorino Toscano goes back thousands of years,” says Lou DiPalo, 5th generation owner of DiPalo’s. “The Etruscans and then the Romans produced this type of cheese. Pecora means sheep in Italian, and Pecorino is any cheese made from sheep’s milk. Pecorino Toscano needs to be made from sheep that are grazing on Tuscan lands from as far west as Maremma to the rolling hills north of Florence. Pecorino Toscano ages differently than other Pecorinos and is traditionally served as a fresh cheese that has been aged about 30 days, or it can be aged from three to six months or even as much as nine to twelve months.”

*Photo: The Consortium for Pecorino Toscano DOP.*

Pecorino Toscano DOP is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, possessing a delicate nuttiness and a subtle tang. It is suitable for enjoying on its own or as an ingredient in a variety of culinary preparations like arancini, Italy’s iconic deep-fried rice balls.

“The fresh version of Pecorino Toscano is delicate and mild and is good to melt on toasted bread,” says DiPalo. “The aged are denser, darker in color, and much more intense in flavor.”

Prosciutto Toscano DOP

Logo for the Consortium of Prosciutto Toscano DOP

Prosciutto Toscano DOP is a renowned Tuscan dry-cured ham crafted from the finest locally bred pigs who graze on the area’s aromatic vegetation. The prosciutto has a rosy color, delicate marbling, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that epitomizes the art of traditional curing.

“We all know about Prosciutto di Parma, but Prosciutto di Toscano is produced in a slightly different way,” says DiPalo. “Prosciutto Toscano’s curing process is unique; when you taste it, you should experience slightly different characteristics. The leg of the ham is scored a bit higher up, closer to the hoof, allowing more salt penetration. Seasonings like juniper berry and black pepper are also rubbed in, which is the tradition in Tuscany, and it gives more enhanced flavors to the Prosciutto.”

Prosciutto Toscano DOP’s savory, sweet, and subtly salty taste, along with its delicate, buttery texture results in a product that represents the pinnacle of Tuscan culinary excellence.

The Ultimate Ham and Cheese

Both Pecorino Toscano DOP and Prosciutto Toscano DOP can be enjoyed on their own, but they also make a delightful pairing when combined. The nutty and tangy nuances of the Pecorino complement the delicate and savory flavors of the Prosciutto.

At the event, one of the favorite appetizers was toasted flatbread stuffed with the Tuscan Pecorino and Prosciutto. The creamy cheese, melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto, and crispy flatbread created a delightful contrast.

Italian Wine Pairings

Sparkling Wine

Anything’s better with bubbles, including Pecorino and Prosciutto! A crisp and dry Franciacorta or Trentodoc sparkling wine acts as a palate cleanser, balancing the rich flavors of these two Tuscan specialties.

Look for these producers: Franciacorta: Bellavista, Mosnel, Barone Pizzini, Mirabella, Bellavista, and Ca’ del Bosco. Trentodoc: Ferrari, Maso Martis, and Moser.

Learn more about Franciacorta here.

Learn more about TrentoDOC here.

White Wine

Learn more about Vernaccia di San Gimignano here.

Opt for a light and aromatic white wine like Tuscany’s famous Vernaccia di San Gimignano. San Gimignano is the area where most of the Prosciutto di Toscano DOP comes from. So, as the saying goes, what grows together, goes together.

These wines provide a refreshing acidity and fruitiness that harmonize with the delicate texture and umami flavors of the ham and the cheese.

Recommended producers: Montenidoli, Panizzi, Teruzzi, Podere le Volute, La Lastra, Poderi Arcangelo, and Cesani.

Red Wine

Learn more about Chianti Classico here.

Choose a light to medium-bodied red wine like Sangiovese from Chianti Classico. The red fruit flavors, savory herbal notes, and gentle tannins of these wines create a delightful contrast with the cheese, highlighting its nuttiness.

Here are a few of my favorites: I Fabbri, Volpaia, Fontodi, Felsina, Riecine, and Badia a Coltibuono.

What are You Waiting For?

Enjoyed separately or together, and preferably with wine, Pecorino Toscano DOP and Prosciutto Toscano DOP embody a true taste of Tuscany. Their unique flavors reflect the passion and skill of the producers, making them a must-try for those seeking an authentic Tuscan culinary experience.

A big thank you for sponsoring the evening at C. di Palo goes to Cut & Share, a 3-year project, co-financed by the European Community whose aim is to increase awareness in the USA about European premium products with Designation of Origin.