With its 100th year on the horizon, Stella Cheese, a brand of Lincolnshire, Ill.-based Saputo Dairy USA, says it is reflecting on what made it the star of Italian cheese in the first place: its full-flavored, traditional recipes. To prepare for its milestone birthday, the brand is going back to its roots to reintroduce two beloved classics that have stood the test of time: PDO-certified Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano cheeses imported from Northern Italy.

The Stella brand says its rich history dates back to 1923, when Italian diplomat Count Bolognesi began making authentic Parmesan cheese on a small farm on Lake Nebegamon in Northern Wisconsin in partnership with a master cheesemaker from Italy. The cheese quickly caught the fancy of the locals — who appreciated the authentic Italian taste — and continued to grow in popularity as the years went on.

The new Stella import collection includes the Stella Parmigiano Reggiano wedge and shredded cup. The cheese is aged an extra 10 months to allow for increased flavor development during the maturation process; it is characterized by its rich flavor and compact, granular texture, Stella says.

Stella Grana Padano wedge is aged an extra 5 months to give the cheese “medium seasoning.” Its mellow and nutty taste will complement other flavors well, Stella says.