The Legacy of Monti Lessini: Volcanic Origins of Monte Veronese
In the panorama of Italian cheeses, few can boast origins as evocative as Monte Veronese. Born on the majestic Monti Lessini, in the province of Verona, this cheese has roots that delve into the volcanic past of the region. Approximately 40 million years ago, these lands were part of an active volcanic complex emerging from the ancient Tetide Sea. Today, thanks to the passionate work of the Consortium for the Protection of Monte Veronese Cheese DOP, founded in 1983, this volcanic heritage is celebrated and preserved.
The Consortium’s commitment goes far beyond ensuring compliance with production regulations. It materializes in the incessant work of enhancing the product, through initiatives aimed at safeguarding its typicality and unique characteristics. This commitment translates into informative campaigns, outreach activities, and participation in events, fairs, and tastings, which highlight the sensory richness and history of this unique cheese.
Alfonso Albi, president of the Consortium, emphasizes: “Whole milk,” “aged,” and “from the mountain pasture” are the three types of Monte Veronese, each with its own peculiarities and some common characteristics: complexity and a pronounced and intense aromatic profile. Intensity and complexity are the result of the lava’s action on the soil over the centuries, which has managed to counteract the mineral acidity of the terrain, generating lands that are suitable for producing raw materials of undeniable quality.
In the past, the mountains around Monti Lessini hosted a vast network of mountain dairies dedicated to the production of Monte Veronese cheese. However, with the depopulation of mountain areas, the number of these dairies has drastically decreased. To preserve this tradition and support local communities, in 2004 the Slow Food movement, with the support of the Veneto Region, proposed to gather the remaining dairies under the new designation “from the mountain pasture.”
Malga Cheese: A Sensory Experience of Alpine Peaks
Malga Cheese, therefore, represents an authentic expression of the high mountains. Similar to aged Monte Veronese, it stands out because the milk comes exclusively from mountain-grazing cows. This gives the cheese an even more intense aromatic profile, rich in nuances that evoke the majestic peaks of the Dolomites. Malga Monte Veronese is recognized as a Slow Food Presidium, a symbol of quality and tradition, and is visually distinguished by the branded letter “M” impressed on the rind.
In conclusion, Malga Dairy Cheese is much more than just a simple dairy product. It is a bridge to the past, a testament to the ancient agricultural traditions of these mountains, and a tribute to the power of nature that has shaped these lands. Every taste of Monte Veronese Mountain Dairy Cheese is a sensory journey through centuries of history and tradition, an experience that brings the consumer closer to the volcanic roots of this extraordinary cheese.
Monte Veronese and Heva
As part of its promotional activities, the Consortium is also involved in the Heva project – “Heroes of Europe: Volcanic Agriculture.”
Financed by the European Union under measure 1144 and aimed at the protection and valorization of volcanic products, it also involves collaboration with Italian wine consortia Soave, Lessini Durello, as well as the Greek consortium Union of Santorini Cooperatives – Santo Wines.
Among the main objectives of this project, which is based on collaboration between Italy and Greece, is the dissemination of greater knowledge and awareness among consumers regarding the quality and characteristics of wine and dairy production that differ based on the volcanic origin of the soils.
