Is the Parmesan Reggiano?
Reg-GIA-no — three syllables, 'gg' makes 'gj' sound. Stress on second syllable.
When ordering pasta or risotto and wanting to confirm the cheese used is genuine Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, not an imitation.
'Parmigiano Reggiano' is a DOP cheese — made only in Emilia-Romagna from specific cow's milk, aged minimum 12 months. 'Grana Padano' is a similar but different cheese. 'Parmesan' without the Reggiano specification can be any imitation product.
Il Parmigiano è di 24 o 36 mesi?
Is the Parmigiano 24 or 36 months?
Ageing matters — 36 months ('stravecchio') is more complex and crumbly
Lo grattate al momento?
Do you grate it at the moment?
Freshly grated Parmigiano is incomparably better than pre-grated
Avete anche il Grana Padano?
Do you also have Grana Padano?
Grana Padano is the slightly milder, less expensive cousin of Parmigiano
Parmigiano Reggiano is produced under strict rules in Emilia-Romagna: only traditional breeds of cows, only two milkings per day, no silage feeding, hand production. Each wheel weighs 40kg and is aged minimum 12 months. It is tested with a hammer by the Consorzio inspector — a ringing sound indicates a perfect wheel.