A Black Pepper Cheese from Italy

On several occasions we’ve picked up Rustico Black Pepper Sheep’s Milk cheese (Italy) from Central Market. The texture of this cheese reminds us of parmigiano-reggiano as it is hard with no visible holes to speak of, but brighter in color and studded with peppercorns. On the nose it is mild but ever so slightly barnyardy. The taste was sharp, piquant, a bit sour and black-peppery. We at this cheese on a sandwich of cured Italian meats on a baguette. It would also go nicely on an antipasti tray.