A Rare Tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano Casello d’Oro 2026 Winners at the JRE-International Congress
The Parmigiano Reggiano Casello d’Oro Awards 2026 brought together the finest expressions of one of Italy’s most iconic cheeses, with this year’s winners announced in Madrid, Spain. Among the distinguished international jury was JRE-Spain member Manuel “Manu” Franco, contributing his expertise to a panel of globally respected gastronomic voices.
For the first time since the official announcement, the 13 award-winning cheeses will be presented in an exclusive tasting experience during the JRE-International Congress, taking place on April 19 and 20 in Cologne, Germany. Congress participants will have the unique opportunity to engage in a horizontal tasting, sampling each of the winning Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses side by side, representing the diversity and craftsmanship of different cheese farms across the region of origin.
A Unique Tasting Experience
The upcoming tasting in Cologne marks a rare moment for culinary professionals to explore the nuances of Parmigiano Reggiano across multiple producers in one sitting. By comparing the award-winning cheeses directly, participants will gain insight into how terroir, production techniques, and subtle variations in aging influence flavor profiles.
This initiative not only celebrates excellence but also reinforces Parmigiano Reggiano’s position as a benchmark product in global gastronomy. Through the Casello d’Oro Awards and this exclusive tasting, the heritage and innovation behind each wheel of cheese are brought into focus, offering a deeper appreciation of a product that continues to define culinary standards worldwide.
About the Awards
The Casello d’Oro Awards highlight the pinnacle of Parmigiano Reggiano production, selecting winners from the annual “Palii del Parmigiano Reggiano.” These competitions are held within the cheese’s protected designation of origin area, encompassing the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Mantua (to the right of the Po River), and Bologna (to the left of the Reno River).
Each year, cheeses aged between 24 and 26 months are evaluated, a maturation period considered ideal for expressing the distinctive characteristics of Parmigiano Reggiano. This stage reveals the balance of texture, aroma, and complexity that defines the DOP product.
An exceptional international jury conducted a blind tasting to determine this year’s standout entries. The panel included Maddalena Fossati Dondero, Director of La Cucina Italiana, alongside Manu Franco, Miyuki Murase, Cathy Strange, Eva Vila, and Carlos Yescas. From the 13 finalists, two special mentions were awarded to the Caseificio Sociale di Monzato, recognizing outstanding quality and craftsmanship.
