semi-hard · cow milk · Italy · $$

Bel Paese

Melts beautifully, with a rich, creamy texture.

Attribute scores

meltability 8/10

sharpness 3/10

creaminess 7/10

firmness 4/10

pungency 3/10

Best cheese wine pairing

Pair Bel Paese with a medium-bodied red like Merlot, or an unoaked Chardonnay — a milder semi-hard cheese (sharpness 3) is best met halfway, not overpowered.

Substitutes for Bel Paese

Havarti similar overall, but less pungency Port Salut similar overall, but less meltability Muenster similar overall, but less pungency Leerdammer similar overall, but more sharpness Morbier similar overall, but more sharpness Colby similar overall, but less pungency