Asiago

hard · cow milk · Italy · $$

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

Cheese	Why it works
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