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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • Food & Drink

Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese made from cow’s milk.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese made from cow’s milk, protected by Protected Designation of Origin rules. It is traditionally associated with northern Italy and comes in two main styles: dolce and piccante.

What it is

Gorgonzola is a blue-veined cheese made from unskimmed cow’s milk. It is one of the best-known Italian blue cheeses, with a creamy, tangy flavour that suits both table use and cooking.

Why it matters

Gorgonzola has PDO status, meaning only cheese produced in designated areas of northern Italy under approved rules can legally use the name. This protects its traditional production methods and regional identity.

Key details

The cheese is believed to date back to the 9th century, with written mentions from 879 CE. It is commonly sold in two styles: dolce (milder, creamier) and piccante (firmer, more pungent). In Canada, it is widely available as an imported specialty cheese.

In short

  • Italian blue cheese made from cow’s milk, with PDO protection.
  • Two main styles: dolce (mild) and piccante (sharp).
  • Origins trace to 9th-century northern Italy, near Milan.
  • Commonly used in sauces, pasta, risotto, and salads.
Canadian angle

Gorgonzola is commonly sold in Canada as an imported specialty cheese and is familiar in Canadian restaurants, grocery stores, and home cooking.

Quick questions

What is Gorgonzola?
Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese made from cow’s milk and protected as a PDO product.
What are the two main types of Gorgonzola?
The two main types are dolce, which is milder and creamier, and piccante, which is firmer and more pungent.
Is Gorgonzola made from cow’s milk?
Yes. Gorgonzola is made from cow’s milk, usually unskimmed milk.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorgonzola
    Supports: Definition, cow’s-milk blue cheese, 9th-century origin, PDO status
  2. Gorgonzola Consortium — https://en.gorgonzola.com/the-origins-of-gorgonzola-cheese/
    Supports: Traditional origin stories, name association with the town of Gorgonzola
  3. Cheese Talks — https://cheesetalks.com/gorgonzola-101/
    Supports: First written mention, dolce and piccante styles, protection history
  4. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/paid-content-gorgonzola-on-the-trail-of-italian-cheese
    Supports: Ancient origin, production regions, town-name association
  5. Wisconsin Cheese — https://www.wisconsincheese.com/the-cheese-life/article/128/gorgonzola
    Supports: Gorgonzola as a specific cow’s-milk blue cheese category
  6. Bob Lipinski — https://boblipinski.com/gorgonzola-italys-classic-blue-cheese/
    Supports: PDO status, production regions, styles and texture