If you're a cheese aficionado, Metsovo is your dream destination. This quaint mountain town in Greece is a cheese lover's paradise, known for its rich variety and high-quality cheeses that bear its name. Metsovone, a smoked, hard, mostly cow's cheese, is the star of the show. It has been granted Protected Designation of Origin status and involves a meticulous preparation process that includes three months of maturing and 12 days of smoking with burning grass and herbs. The result is a cheese that is deeply flavorful, aromatic, and truly unique.
But the cheese landscape in Metsovo doesn't end there. You'll also find Metsovela, a semi-hard cheese, and sweet Graviera, as well as Grana, a type of Parmesan. For those who prefer softer options, there's Galotyri, which is perfect for spreading on pies, and Batsisio, a type of chevre. And for the adventurous, there are even cheeses infused with red wine and wild herbs. Even the Metsovian butter is special, rich, and packed full of flavor.
The Averoff family, specifically through the Tossizza Foundation established by Evangelos Averoff, played a crucial role in elevating Metsovo's cheese-making skills. They invested in local cheesemakers, sending them to Italy to hone their craft. Today, Metsovo produces an astonishing 170 tonnes of cheese, sourced from the milk of sheep, goats, and cows.
Specialty stores like Pigi and Gnision, which stock cheeses exclusive to the Tossizza Foundation, offer a wide range of samples, allowing you to taste and select your favorites. It's not just about buying cheese; it's an experience, a journey of flavors that reflects the rich culinary heritage of this charming Greek town. If you're planning a trip to Metsovo, make sure to leave some extra space in your suitcase—you're going to need it for all the cheese you'll want to bring home!
