Italian cheese interests are jubilant and French fromagiers are furious over this year’s World Cheese Awards ranking of the ‘top 100’ cheeses in the world.
Unlike in previous years when French cheeses were well-represented at the top, the results of this year’s competition held last November in Wales and announced this week put eight Italian cheeses in the top 10 along with one from Portugal and one from Mexico. Parmesan topped the list.
France’s Reblochon made #13, Comté came in #14 and long-time favorite Camembert only made it to #91. Eight French cheeses made it to the top 50, scored by judges who tasted over 4,000 entries in the contest.
While the French may feel slighted, perhaps the U.S. and UK have even more reason to complain; neither country landed a cheese on the list. Perhaps next year, when the judges convene again, this time in Trondheim, Norway.
Agreed.
There are many fantastic Italian cheeses. However, I wonder how you could ever compare a Parmesan, say, with a Brie – or a Stilton with a Gruyère?