Are you a true cheese lover? If so, can you name the world’s finest cheeses?
With thousands of cheese varieties spread across the globe, ranging from soft and creamy to hard and complex, it’s no wonder that cheese has become a beloved food for many people worldwide.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 7 best cheeses in the world that have been globally recognized through prestigious international competitions such as the World Cheese Awards and World Championship Cheese Contest. These cheeses have proven their excellence in quality, taste, and traditional craftsmanship.
1. Parmigiano Reggiano (Italy)
Known as the “King of Cheeses,” Parmigiano Reggiano originates from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. This hard cheese has a savory, complex, and umami-rich flavor that intensifies with age.
This cheese is typically used as a topping for pasta, risotto, salads, or enjoyed directly with quality red wine.
Parmigiano Reggiano won 126 medals at the World Cheese Awards 2022. For years, this cheese has consistently been a champion in various international competitions.
2. Roquefort (France)
Roquefort, the legendary blue cheese from France, is made from sheep’s milk and traditionally processed in natural caves in the Roquefort-sur-Soulzon region. This cheese holds AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) status that protects its authenticity.
Roquefort has been recognized as the “Cheese of Kings” since the 11th century and continues to maintain its reputation as one of the world’s best blue cheeses. Its unique production process using Penicillium roqueforti mold can only be done in specific caves.
This cheese is typically enjoyed with honey, walnuts, or sweet wines like Sauternes.
Read more: Choosing the Perfect Cheese for Your Favorite Wine
3. Brie de Meaux (France)
This soft cheese with white rind from the Île-de-France region is famous for its creamy texture and mild yet complex flavor. Brie de Meaux has AOC protection and is often called the “Queen of Cheeses.”
This cheese has been a favorite of French nobility since the 8th century and continues to be the standard of excellence for soft cheese categories in international competitions.
It’s typically used for cheese boards, eaten with crackers, or melted on toast with fig jam.
4. Gruyère (Switzerland)
This semi-hard cheese from Switzerland has a complex flavor with nutty and fruity notes that develop with age. Gruyère has AOC protection and is produced using strict traditional methods.
Gruyère consistently wins high awards in various international cheese competitions and is recognized as the best cheese for fondue and gratinée.
5. Comté (France)
This cheese from the Jura Mountains is made from Montbéliarde cow’s milk and has a very complex flavor, ranging from nutty, fruity, to floral depending on the season and terroir.
Comté is an AOC cheese with a very strict quality rating system (scale 1-20). Only cheese with a minimum score of 12 can be sold under the Comté name.
This cheese is delicious eaten directly, in quiche, or paired with yellow Jura wine.
Read more: Uncovering the Art of Cheese Making
6. Aged Gouda (Netherlands)
Gouda aged for more than 18 months has a hard texture with calcium lactate crystals that provide a crunchy sensation. Its flavor develops from creamy to caramel and butterscotch.
This aged Gouda consistently wins awards in international competitions and is a favorite among cheese lovers due to its flavor complexity.
It can typically be enjoyed with nuts, dried fruits, or port wine.
7. Manchego (Spain)
This cheese from the La Mancha region is made from Manchega sheep’s milk and has a distinctive flavor with nutty notes and a slightly spicy finish.
Manchego is Spain’s most internationally recognized cheese and has DOP (Denominación de Origen Protegida) protection. This cheese has become Spain’s culinary ambassador on the international stage.
Traditionally eaten with quince paste (membrillo) and crackers, or Spanish red wine.
Read more: 6 Biggest Cheese Producing Countries in the World
Conclusion
These seven cheeses have proven their excellence through various international competitions and recognition from cheese experts worldwide. Each offers a unique flavor experience and reflects the traditions and culture of their regions of origin.
If you want to explore the world of cheese more deeply, start by trying one or two from this list.
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