Cheeses

Pienza is a Renaissance town in the province of Siena, created by the fourteenth century Pope Pius II. While pecorino is made in virtually every region of Italy, those from Pienza have attained an elevated fame. This version, named for the dark black rind that denotes its age, is a fine example of the local cheesemaking skill. The sheep whose milk is used for this beautiful cheese graze in the Val d’Orcia, in the area of the famed Siena Clays, small rounded hills beloved by the local flocks. While mild, the cheese is sweet and nutty with a refined elegance.