AFTER WHITE WINE, PRISON INMATES ON GORGONA ISLAND ARE NOW PRODUCING CHEESE. A NEW STEP IN THE PROJECT PROMOTED BY FRESCOBALDI, INVOLVING THE CHEESE MAESTRO ALBERTO MARCOMINI, AND THE PRESTIGIOUS PINCHIORRI WINE RESTAURANT

A new step has been taken in the recovery project of prison inmates on the Island of Gorgona, sponsored by Frescobaldi: after white wine produced on the island, now cheeses are conquering the demanding palates of experts and enthusiasts. It is a limited production, only 200 forms of cheese that are unique due to the skilled hands of a Master of cheese-making techniques, Alberto Marcomini, who has offered his professional experience to teach the art of making quality cheese. And the cheeses will find a place of honor on the tables of some of the best restaurants in Italy, starting in October.
First of all, Enoteca Pinchiorri, partners in the project and the Dei Frescobaldi Wine Bar and Restaurant, among the most famous and prestigious in the world. Two types of cheese are produced in Gorgona: both are made from raw cow, sheep and goat milk. The first type of cheese is square shaped and flavored with myrtle and rosemary found on the island that was gathered, dried and crushed to give it an aromatic and unmistakable flavor. The second type is round in shape and is washed in Gorgona wine. Both are made from freshly milked raw milk at 35 degrees, transformed into rennet without fermentation or use of technology, flavored with local flavors and aromas.
"The idea is to produce a 0 km cheese, exalting the raw materials of a unique territory and following the oldest and most traditional cheese-making techniques", said Alberto Marcomini. “The goal is to teach the secrets of cheese-making to the detainees to give them the opportunity to learn a trade”. The cheeses and the wine produced by the prisoners on the island and a special dish created by Annie Féolde, risoni pasta with green lemon and snails, were the stars of a special lunch at the Enoteca Pinchiorri today.
"I am pleased to have a name like Alberto Marcomini, who was convinced by my enthusiasm, among the partners involved in this project”, said Lamberto Frescobaldi, president of the Tuscan wine company, “I am convinced that the cheeses and the wine produced on Gorgona Island will win the hearts of many consumers, and let the world know about this uncontaminated island, the only one left in Italy, which is a role model for recovery and social reintegration”.
"When they explained the Gorgona project to me, I accepted with great enthusiasm, not only because of friendship that links me to the Frescobaldi family, but also because I consider it important to pay greater attention to the conditions of prisons in Italy”, said Giorgio Pinchiorri.
“We must be part of a movement to improve the quality of life in prisons and it is also fundamental to rehabilitate the prisoners through their commitment to learn a craft or an art”. The design of the packaging of the cheese was entrusted to another excellent Tuscan company, Doni & Associati that has signed many prestigious wine labels, including of course, the wine of Gorgona.