Bel Paese

semi-hard · cow milk · Italy · $$

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

Cheese	Why it works
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