Outside the EU, the name "Parmesan" can legally be used for similar cheeses, with only the full Italian name unambiguously referring to PDO Parmigiano Reggiano.
It's not about taste, but copyright. A specific region can only make their traditional food/drink and so they can keep the prices high. Similarly it's only legal to name sparkling wine champagne if it came from the Champagne region.
It's not about taste, but copyright. A specific region can only make their traditional food/drink and so they can keep the prices high. Similarly it's only legal to name sparkling wine champagne if it came from the Champagne region.