Among the legends and curiosities that dot the thousand-year history of Gorgonzola, one of the most fascinating involves none other than Charlemagne, the great emperor of the Franks who in 800 AD was crowned by the Pope in Rome and became the most powerful ruler of medieval Europe.

It is said that during one of his many trips through the French countryside, Charlemagne stopped to visit a bishop — probably in the area of present-day eastern France or Burgundy — with the express intention of verifying his loyalty and loyalty to the crown. As was customary at the time, the guest of rank was welcomed with a solemn banquet, an occasion for both diplomacy and celebration. It was during that dinner that the great sovereign found himself in front of something unusual: a cheese with characteristic green veins, a singular appearance and an intense and enveloping flavor.

Charlemagne was immediately fascinated. Intrigued by those streaks that ran through the creamy paste, he would initially try to eliminate them with a knife, considering them a defect. It was the bishop himself who suggested that he taste it as it was, without fear. The sovereign tasted it and, according to legend, the reaction was immediate and total enthusiasm.

From that moment, the emperor became a passionate admirer of that cheese, so much so that he ordered regular supplies to be sent to his palace in Aachen, the splendid imperial residence in today’s West Germany that was the political and cultural heart of his kingdom. An extraordinary honor for a dairy product, which testifies to how Gorgonzola already had a capacity for seduction capable of crossing every geographical and social border, conquering even the most illustrious palates in Europe.