Division 5.1 Specificity of the geographical area

The natural factors are linked to climatic conditions in the defined geographical area, which foster an abundance of quality fodder for dairy cows and the development of the microbiological agents responsible for the organoleptic characteristics and colouring of the cheese. As regards human factors, in addition to the historic importance of the cheese in the local economy, it should be noted that the complex operations to which ‘Gorgonzola’ cheese is subjected are based on traditional, craft, cheese-making techniques: the inoculation of the milk with milk enzymes and a suspension of Penicillium spores and selected yeasts and the addition of calf rennet at the ideal temperature, dry salting and the characteristic perforation of the paste during maturation have been handed down over the centuries in the defined geographical area.