hard · cow milk · Italy · $$

Asiago

A firm body, with a moderately tangy flavor.

Attribute scores

meltability 5/10

sharpness 6/10

creaminess 3/10

firmness 7/10

pungency 4/10

Best cheese wine pairing

Pair Asiago with a medium-bodied red like Merlot, or an unoaked Chardonnay — a milder semi-hard cheese (sharpness 6) is best met halfway, not overpowered.

Substitutes for Asiago

Salers a very close match across the board Mahón cheese similar overall, but less firmness Oscypek similar overall, but more pungency Manchego similar overall, but less meltability Pecorino Sardo similar overall, but less meltability Pag cheese similar overall, but less meltability