What is Imokilly Regato?
A prestigious hard cheese from the Barony of Imokilly in County Cork, Ireland, made exclusively from milk collected between 1 April and 31 October, when cows graze on Cork’s lush green pastures. Inspired by Italian Regato-style cheesemaking, it is produced in large wheels and aged for a minimum of 6 months. The seasonal restriction ensures the exceptional quality of spring and summer milk.
Taste, aroma, and texture
Hard, granular, and slightly brittle, with a crystalline structure that breaks cleanly. Similar in character to high-quality Italian hard cheeses. The interior is pale straw-yellow. A natural rind develops during ageing, and protein crystals become visible in older wheels.
Lactic and fruity notes are equally dominant, with the exceptional quality of seasonal Cork milk defining the profile. Earthy notes are noticeable, while herbal notes are present in the background. Animal and smoky notes remain faint. Rich, clean, and complex for an Irish cheese.
Cheesepedia taste profile
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A general profile can describe Imokilly Regato, but it cannot know how closely the cheese fits your preferences. Cheesepedia Premium compares this profile with your personal taste profile and lets you evaluate cheeses side by side.
See your personal matchHow to enjoy it
- Grated over pasta, soups, or roasted vegetables.
- Served in chunks on cheese boards or snack plates.
- Used in gratins, baked dishes, or savoury pastries.
What pairs with Imokilly Regato?
Classic serving companions from the Cheesepedia catalog.
- Butter Cracker
- Grissini
- Lavash Chips
- Salted Cracker
- Mini Sesame Bagel
Find the right wine in Cheesepedia
Cheesepedia uses an expert-designed algorithm that compares the cheese's taste, intensity, and production profile with the wine's body, acidity, tannin, and sweetness. Wine pairings are not generated by AI.
See wine pairings for Imokilly RegatoStory and origin
Developed in the 1970s by the Dairygold cooperative in Mallow, County Cork, to make use of the exceptional milk quality of the fertile Imokilly region. Irish cheesemakers combined traditional Italian Regato-style techniques with the terroir of Cork’s pastoral landscape. It has held PDO status since 1996, recognising the link between the cheese’s character and its specific geographical origin.
Storage and serving
- Store in the fridge, wrapped or vacuum-packed.
- Air travel: suitable, especially if vacuum-packed.
Profile sources and methodology
This page uses the same curated record as the Cheesepedia mobile app. Production-style and designation references provide context; they do not imply endorsement of Cheesepedia.
