Monte Nardi – A Tribute to Italian Heritage in Australia’s First Regional Cheese

Monte Nardi by Nimbin Valley Dairy is a hard cow’s milk cheese that pays homage to the early Italian settlers of the Northern Rivers region. Crafted using traditional methods passed down through generations of Italian cheesemakers, Monte Nardi represents Australia’s first truly regional cheese. This 150g cheese showcases fresh milk flavours with a characteristic ‘grassiness’ from pasture-fed cows, offering a unique taste of local terroir. Aged for 3 months, it delivers a mild, sweet flavour with subtle hints of caramel that become more pronounced with age.

Tasting Notes:

• Mild, sweet flavour with a hint of caramel
• Fresh milk flavours and a grassy undertone from pasture-fed cows
• Firm, hard texture that softens with age

Why Monte Nardi Stands Out: Monte Nardi reflects the rich history of Italian settlers who brought their cheesemaking traditions to the Northern Rivers region of Australia. Nimbin Valley Dairy has perfected this cheese over time, using fresh cow’s milk and traditional techniques. Its evolving flavour profile, from mild and sweet at 3 months to complex and caramel-like as it ages, makes Monte Nardi a versatile and distinctive cheese for any occasion.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Pair with a light red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine
• Serve with fresh fruit, nuts, or crusty bread
• Ideal for cheeseboards, grating over pasta, or enjoying as a snack

Ingredients:

• Fresh Cow’s Milk
• Salt
• Cultures
• Rennet

Storage & Serving Tips: Store Monte Nardi in the refrigerator, wrapped in cheese paper or wax. For the best flavour, bring to room temperature before serving. As it ages, the cheese becomes more complex, making it perfect for slicing, grating, or enjoying on its own.