May Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on April 26, 2024 by mcginnessalex

Le Superbe Jura Montagne Switzerland

Although many mountain cheeses have a similar basic nuttiness, they all have amazing subtleties of flavor and texture. Jura Montagne has a profoundly beefy, and savory smell with hints of toasted bread and grass. Jura Montagne is a small wheel in comparison to many mountain cheeses. The wheel has a natural rind that is formed from salting, turning and then brining the outside during affinage which gives the wheel its piquant finish. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Enjoy with Rich style white wines, or pair with a craft beer Ale. WINESTYLES: Rich BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean Information and photo © Zuercher & Co. and Le Superbe – All Rights Reserved.

Fior delle Alpi (Flower of the Alps Switzerland

Fior delle Alpi or Flower of the Alps, is a deliciously flavorful raw cow’s milk cheese from the mountains of Switzerland. Made with milk from cows who graze on lush mountain grass and meadow herbs results in a fruity and gently spiced cheese with a subtle crunch. Fior delle Alpi, is matured for up to 12 months and has a rich oniony flavor, very savory, like a brothy stew. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Enjoy with lighter white and red wines or Pilsner craft beer. WINESTYLES: Crisp & Mellow BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean Information and Photo © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

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If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club! Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely! Click to learn more >

April Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on March 26, 2024 by mcginnessalex

Mitica® Pecorino Toscano D.O.P. Semi-hard Sheep Milk Tuscany, Italy

Pecorino Toscano is an origin-protected cheese that is made from the milk of sheep that graze a diverse terrain, allowing them to produce a thick, rich milk. Though not as salty and sharp as Pecorino Romano, it is aged to the point at which its creamy flavor and smooth consistency give way to a sharper, more complex mix of flavor and a denser texture (aged minimum of 6 months). Delicious with a variety of Tuscan recipes, especially when grated on most pasta dishes and risottos. Also delicious to grate a few shavings on soups and fresh salads. Most importantly, it pairs beautifully with Mitica’s Honeycomb selection (see below). WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: What grows together, goes together! For wine, pair with any of our 2024 April Wine Club Selections. For beer, grab a Pale Ale to cleanse your palate or a Saison – with fruity & spicy notes – to complement the subtle sheep’s milk flavors without overwhelming them. WINESTYLES: Bold, Silky & Mellow BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean or Fruity & Spicy Information and photo © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Mitica® Pure Natural Honeycomb Italy

Brothers Fabrizio and Pierpaola have been tending bees and collecting honey for over 20 years. They designed innovative, rectangular forms to fit within the hive, into which the bees build the honeycomb directly. It is a wonderful way to experience this light and floral honey in its pure form, without any processing. HOW TO EAT HONEYCOMB: Enjoying honeycomb is an adventure in texture and taste, offering a pure, unprocessed glimpse into the wonders of nature’s sweetness. Both the honey and the wax of the honeycomb are entirely edible, in fact, the wax is packed with a ton of beneficial nutrients. To begin, cut a small piece from the comb—about the size of a teaspoon is perfect for starters. You can eat it directly, chew it like gum to savor the sweet honey, and then swallow the wax or discreetly discard it if you prefer. Honeycomb pairs excellently with a variety of foods; try spreading it over warm toast, allowing the honey to melt for a rich, indulgent treat, or pair it with cheese, such this month’s Pecorino Toscano Cheese Club selection (above).

Honeycomb on a cheese plate with walnuts

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March Cheese Club: Iowa City / Cedar Rapids

Posted on February 27, 2024 by mcginnessalex

Barber’s Farmhouse 1833 Vintage Reserve Cheddar England

With a creamy texture and smooth finish, 1833 contains naturally-occurring crystals that give it a distinctive crunch. Refined sweet notes balance out its tangy sharpness. Barber’s 1833 is made using traditional starter cultures and the finest West Country milk. Aged for at least 24 months, only when one of the Barber family judges it to be outstanding does it leave the farm as 1833. A cheese with unrivaled complexity and depth, savor it as part of a cheeseboard with apples, pickled walnuts and a tankard of Somerset cider. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon makes an excellent companion to this aged cheddar, reach for one of our March Wine Club Wines. For beer, grab an English cider. WINESTYLES: Bold BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean or Fruity & Spicy ABOUT BARBER’S FARMHOUSE: The Barber Family started making cheese on their Somerset Farm in 1833 and are now the oldest surviving cheddar-makers in the world. They are proud to work with more than 100 local farming families who supply them with quality milk to make their award-winning cheddar. Learn more here. Information and photo © Barber’s Farmhouse – All Rights Reserved.

Casa Forcello White Watermelon Mostarda Lombardia, Italy

Hand-cut pieces of candied white watermelon come alive with a hint of potent mustard extract. Mostarda is a traditional condiment that balances sweetness and heat. Unlike many whole mustard fruits on the market, these are extraordinarily fresh, flavorful and chunky. ABOUT CASA FORCELLO: Casa Forcello® mostarda is handmade in Mantova, Italy, in the heart of the northern region of Lombardia. Former pharmacist, Paola Calciolari, followed her true calling in creating her line of mostardas using local flavors and recipes handed down by her grandmother. She makes her exceptional mostardas by sourcing locally harvested fruit, slicing and candying them in their juices, and then adding drops of a very concentrated, spicy mustard extract; it is a highly labor intensive process. They are a delightful pairing with cheese, charcuterie, or roasted meats. Information and Photo © Casa Forcello/Forever Cheese & Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

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March Cheese Club: Des Moines Area

Posted on February 27, 2024 by mcginnessalex

Barber’s Farmhouse 1833 Vintage Reserve Cheddar England

Casa Forcello Pear Mostarda Lombardia, Italy

Hand-cut pieces of candied pears come alive with a hint of potent mustard extract. Mostarda is a traditional condiment that balances sweetness and heat. Unlike many whole mustard fruits on the market, these are extraordinarily fresh, flavorful and chunky. ABOUT CASA FORCELLO: Casa Forcello® mostarda is handmade in Mantova, Italy, in the heart of the northern region of Lombardia. Former pharmacist, Paola Calciolari, followed her true calling in creating her line of mostardas using local flavors and recipes handed down by her grandmother. She makes her exceptional mostardas by sourcing locally harvested fruit, slicing and candying them in their juices, and then adding drops of a very concentrated, spicy mustard extract; it is a highly labor intensive process. They are a delightful pairing with cheese, charcuterie, or roasted meats. Information and Photo © Casa Forcello/Forever Cheese & Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

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February Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on January 31, 2024 by mcginnessalex

Central Coast Creamery Seascape Semi-firm Cheese Paso Robles, California

This cheddar-like Cow and Goat milk blend has a velvety paste that will have you coming back for more! The Seascape name is inspired by a luxury resort in the Central Coast town of Aptos. The browned-butter notes of the cow milk meet in perfect harmony with the tangy and fruity goat’s milk to warm you up from the inside like grandma’s baked goods. It has aromas of warm, baked bread with a sweet and salty taste. Its texture is meltable, malleable, slightly elastic and semi-firm. AWARDS:

2015 – United States Cheese Championship – 3rd Place Award
2014 – American Cheese Society (ACS) – 3rd Place Award
2013 – American Cheese Society (ACS) – Best of Class
2012 – World Cheese Contest – Best of Class
2010 – American Cheese Society (ACS) – 2nd Place Award

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: A Chardonnay with a good balance of acidity and richness would be an excellent pairing with this cheese. As for beer, choose a Belgian-style Dubbel or a malty brown ale. WINESTYLES: Rich BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet ABOUT CENTRAL COAST CREAMERY: Central Coast Creamery is located near California’s coast in Paso Robles. The area itself was once home to a number of dairies; however, during the 1970s these independent farms lost their steam and were extinct by the end of the decade. Armed with 25 years of experience in the industry, Reggie Jones and his wife Kellie started the creamery hoping to rejuvenate the once burgeoning dairy scene. In true California spirit, all of their cheeses are made in primarily handmade, small batches using locally-sourced milk, free from artificial growth hormones, and aged on pine racks. Information and photo © Central Coast Creamery & Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Cheeseland Inc. Ewephoria Extra Aged Holland

This new creation from Holland is unlike any other sheep milk cheese you have ever tasted before. The milk comes from a small farm where the sheep are treated like family. Even though this cheese has been aged for one year, it has developed a sweet and nutty flavor. This cheese tastes like candy! Experience it for dessert with red or green grapes. WINE & CRAFT BEER RECOMMENDATIONS: Serve with a juicy red Bordeaux. For beer, choose a malty and slightly sweet beer, such as a Belgian Dubbel or a bock. WINESTYLES: Fruity BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet ABOUT CHEESELAND INC.: Cheeseland Inc. is a renowned purveyor of premium cheeses, known for its commitment to quality and diverse selection. With a passion for showcasing the rich and varied flavors of cheeses from around the world, Cheeseland Inc. has become a trusted source for cheese enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Their offerings range from artisanal creations to timeless classics, reflecting a dedication to both traditional craftsmanship and innovation. Information and Photo © Cheeseland Inc. & Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

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January Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on December 29, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Belletoile Triple Créme Brie Lorraine Valley, France

In 1960, Belletoile was the first triple créme Brie exported to the USA. It sets itself apart from traditional Brie and Camembert by incorporating extra cream in the production process, resulting in a delightful, creamy, and mellow texture. Its protective rind allows for prolonged enjoyment, as it softens and ages. Evolving flavor profiles start out fresh and mild, then transforms into a creamier and more aromatic taste as the cheese matures. This triple cream cheese is light, airy and mild with 70% fat. It’s more savory and buttery than a traditional brie. Enjoy with this recipe for a crostini topped with cherry jam. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pair with an unoaked Chardonnay or our January White Wine Selection. For beer, look for a crisp wheat beer, such as a Hefeweizen or an ale such as a saison. WINESTYLES: Silky BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean, or Sour, Tart & Funky Information and photo © Belletoile – All Rights Reserved.

Castellano Cecilia de Castilla Castile-León, Spain

A traditional Spanish sheep’s milk cheese from the Castilla y León region. This cheese has a rich, complex flavor with buttery, nutty and sweet undertones – everything you love about Spanish sheep’s milk cheese! Aged for 12 months, it has a deep ivory to light yellow color with a firm and almost crumbly texture. The flavors are complex, deep and nutty with a slightly sharp and tangy finish. WINE & CRAFT BEER RECOMMENDATIONS: Enjoy with a fruity red such as a Tempranillo, or a bubbly wine such as a Spanish Cava. For beer, grab a Basque Cider. WINESTYLES: Fruity & Mellow BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean Information and Photo © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

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December Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on November 30, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Jasper Hill Farm Alpha Tolman Greensboro, Vermont

Alpha Tolman has a buttery, fruit and nut flavor when young, developing bold meaty, caramelized onion flavors as it matures. The texture is dense and pliant, easily portioned and ideal for melting. Curds are cooked and pressed before being aged for 8-11 months to achieve a tight, elastic texture and robust, complex flavors. The texture, aesthetic, and flavor make Alpha an ideal choice for fondue or onion jam. For a satisfying and novel meal, follow the lead of Swiss/French raclette: melt it onto a plate of fingerling potatoes, cured meat, and natural sour pickles. HISTORY: Alpha Tolman is a Jasper Hill original, inspired by classic Alpine cheeses of Europe. Its name pays homage to Mr. Alpha Tolman, a philanthropic dairy farmer responsible for – among other notable works – building the town library in 1900. Alpha’s grandfather, Enoch Tolman, was an original settler of Greensboro, Vermont. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Try pairing with a robust Ale or other bock beers, or plummy red wines, such as a Barbera or Cabernet Franc. WINESTYLES: Mellow or Bold BEERSTYLES: Malty Info and photos © Jasper Hill Farm – All Rights Reserved.

Kasseri Champignon Cambozola Classic Triple Creme Blue Bavaria, Germany

It’s not a brie, it’s not a blue. This creamy, soft ripened cheese has a rind that is bloomy and white, while the paste is soft and creamy with flecks of blue. It’s a nice way to introduce someone to a blue style cheese as the flavor is mild and not overwhelming. Use this cheese when making our December Secondary Red wine pairing recipe. WINE & CRAFT BEER RECOMMENDATIONS: Enjoy with a rich Porter or Stout beer, or reach for a light-bodied Pinot Noir or sparkling wine made using the traditional method, such as a French Champagne or Spanish Cava. WINESTYLES: Mellow BEERSTYLES: Malty Information © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved. Photo © Gourmet Foods International – All Rights Reserved.

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November Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on October 26, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Central Coast Creamery Holey Cow Paso Robles, California

Holey Cow is semi-soft baby Swiss-style cheese made from pasteurized whole cows’ milk. Aged for two months, it has a smooth, pliable texture and an ample amount of (you guessed it!) recognizable holes. You’ll appreciate its buttery flavor and tangy finish. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pair the Holey Cow cheese with a rich Chardonnay. For beer, pair with a Witbier (Belgian-Style Wheat Beer) from our crisp & clean section. WINESTYLES: Rich BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean

Central Coast Creamery Faultline Paso Robles, California

Faultline is Central Coast Creamery’s newest addition. This cow’s milk cheese was the winner of “Best of California” at the 2023 California State Cheese Competition. The addition of Alpine cultures results in a cheese that has the sharp and mineral taste of a cheddar, but sweetness and nuttiness of an alpine style cheese. The paste has an initial sweet note up front, and a fermented fruit note near the rind. It has a creamy texture with distinct bits of crystallization. WINE & CRAFT BEER RECOMMENDATIONS: For wine, pair with a Pinot Noir. For beer, reach for an Amber Ale. WINESTYLES: Mellow BEERSTYLES: Malty ABOUT CENTRAL COAST CREAMERY: Located near California’s coast in Paso Robles, Central Coast Creamery is gaining momentum in the domestic artisan cheese category. At the helm is Reggie Jones, a veteran of the dairy industry, who has worked in various aspects of quality control, production management, whey refining and sales of cheese cultures and enzymes. After considering their next venture, Reggie’s family decided to make the move to California’s Central Coast, well-known for its support of artisan foods and wineries. Looking back into the region’s history, one will find that the area was once home to a number of dairies. However, during the 1970’s, most of the region’s independent dairy farms lost their steam, and were extinct by the end of the decade. The Jones family, looking to rejuvenate these roots, started Central Coast Creamery. In true California spirit, all of their cheeses are made in primarily handmade, small batches using locally-sourced milk free from artificial growth hormones, and aged on pine racks. Information © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

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October Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on September 30, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Fontina Val d’Aosta Semi-Soft Cheese Cow’s Milk Aosta Valley, Italy

The production of this cheese dates all the way back to the middle ages. The recipe has been passed down from generation to generation in the Aosta Valley. It is a classic Italian cheese and its name is protected to keep the true form of the cheese. The paste is smooth and buttery, essential for making Italian Fonduta (fondue) and perfect for gratins. Milk: Cow Country: Italy Pasteurization: Raw Region: Aosta Valley, Italy Age: 90+ days Fat: 45% Protection: D.O.P. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: For wine, pair this cheese with this month’s Wine Club Primitivo. For beer, look for a lager. WINESTYLES: Bold BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean Information © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Divina Market Marinated Olives with Sicilian Herbs Greece

A dynamic duo of buttery, pitted Mt. Athos green olives gently marinated with their custom blend of zesty, aromatic Sicilian herbs and spices. PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS: A great pairing with almost any cheese, as well as a variety of lighter beers and crisp white wines. WINESTYLES: Crisp BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean About Divina Market: Divina believes that great food should give back. Beginning with their partnerships in the fields with family-owned, sustainable farms, they help preserve timeless culinary heritages while their collection of olives, preserved vegetables and spreads simplify the joy of cooking and entertaining. Learn more > Information © Zuercher & Co., Divina Market and Food Match – All Rights Reserved.

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September Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on August 30, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Nettle Meadow Artisan Cheese Fig and Honey Fromage Frais Thurman, New York

Fromage Frais is a light and fluffy combination of cow’s and goat’s milk. The flavor is fresh, clean and mild – the cow’s milk provides sweetness, while goat’s milk adds a refreshing lemon-y finish. Nettle Meadow’s high quality milk and ingredients are what really makes this an exemplary fresh cheese. Use as a spread on bagels and sandwiches, salads or as a dip for crudités. Likewise, try experimenting with it as a filling for stuffed French toast, crêpes, blintzes, chicken breasts, ravioli, or pierogies. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: For wine, pair this cheese with this month’s Wine Club Heron Hill Riesling. For beer, look for a crisp pilsner. WINESTYLES: Crisp BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean NETTLE MEADOW ARTISAN CHEESE: Nettle Meadow Sanctuary Farm is home to over 130 farm sanctuary animals and a cheese company in Thurman, New York. Originally founded in 1990, it is now owned and operated by Lorraine Lambiase and Sheila Flanagan. Today, Nettle Meadow is a dairy farm and cheese company renowned for its exquisite handcrafted cheeses. With a focus on sustainable and humane practices, they specialize in goat and sheep milk creations. Through their passion for quality and environmental responsibility, they have created a diverse range of award-winning cheeses that reflect their commitment to artisanal excellence. Learn more > Information © Nettle Meadow Artisan Cheese & Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Fromager d’Affinois Le Fromager Rhône-Alpes, France

Similar in appearance to a brie cheese, both the white rind and the creamy interior of Le Fromager are milder in flavor. Made by ultra-filtration, a relatively modern process that claims a very high percentage of nutrients and butterfat from the milk during the making of the cheese. The ultra-filtration gives the cheese a silky-satin texture that many connoisseurs really enjoy. In addition, the cheese has a clean, rich and creamy taste. It’s a crowd pleaser for sure! Best enjoyed when the rind starts to bulge, and the center is oozing with rich, buttery aromas. It matches beautifully with crispy, crunchy Lavosh crackers and a bit of quince paste, or fig, prune and walnut log. Its oozy, spreadable texture will make an awesome grilled cheese indulgence. PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS: Bubbles are a must to pair with this cheese. It can be as simple as sparkling water or wine, or go all out with Champagne! It will also pair beautifully with this month’s Riesling as well as any crisp and clean beer. WINESTYLES: Crisp BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean FROMAGER D’AFFINOIS: Fromager d’Affinois, originating in France, produces exquisite cheeses using traditional craftsmanship combined with modern techniques. With a commitment to quality, they create soft and creamy varieties like Brie and Camembert. The company’s success is attributed to the collaboration between skilled artisans and local dairy farmers, resulting in a range of delectable cheeses that embody French cheese-making expertise. Learn more > Information © Fromager d’Affinois and Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Le Superbe Jura Montagne Switzerland

Fior delle Alpi (Flower of the Alps Switzerland

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Mitica® Pecorino Toscano D.O.P. Semi-hard Sheep Milk Tuscany, Italy

Mitica® Pure Natural Honeycomb Italy

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Barber’s Farmhouse 1833 Vintage Reserve Cheddar England

Casa Forcello White Watermelon Mostarda Lombardia, Italy

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Barber’s Farmhouse 1833 Vintage Reserve Cheddar England

Casa Forcello Pear Mostarda Lombardia, Italy

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Central Coast Creamery Seascape Semi-firm Cheese Paso Robles, California

Cheeseland Inc. Ewephoria Extra Aged Holland

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Belletoile Triple Créme Brie Lorraine Valley, France

Castellano Cecilia de Castilla Castile-León, Spain

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Jasper Hill Farm Alpha Tolman Greensboro, Vermont

Kasseri Champignon Cambozola Classic Triple Creme Blue Bavaria, Germany

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Central Coast Creamery Holey Cow Paso Robles, California

Central Coast Creamery Faultline Paso Robles, California

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Fontina Val d’Aosta Semi-Soft Cheese Cow’s Milk Aosta Valley, Italy

Divina Market Marinated Olives with Sicilian Herbs Greece

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Nettle Meadow Artisan Cheese Fig and Honey Fromage Frais Thurman, New York

Fromager d’Affinois Le Fromager Rhône-Alpes, France

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