Stelvio, known in German as Stilfser, is a DOP cheese from the Alto Adige region of northern Italy, a German-speaking alpine area near the Austrian border. Its dual naming reflects the region’s mixed cultural heritage, and the cheese sits stylistically between Italian and Austrian traditions.

Flavor Profile

Stelvio is a semi-hard washed-rind cheese with a supple paste and a distinctive orange-brown rind. The flavor is aromatic and savory with a moderate pungency from the rind washing, balanced by a buttery sweetness underneath. There is a grassy, herbaceous alpine quality that comes from mountain pasture grazing.

How to Serve

Serve at room temperature on a board where its washed-rind aromatics can develop. Stelvio melts well and is used locally in gratins, dumplings, and baked dishes. It sits comfortably alongside speck and other alpine cured meats.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair with a Lagrein, a Gewürztraminer from Alto Adige, or a malty amber beer. Serve with speck, rye bread, pickled vegetables, and mountain honey.

Storage

Wrap in wax paper and store in the refrigerator, away from delicate cheeses since the rind aroma transfers. Best within three weeks of cutting.