Category Archives: Cheese Club
Artequeso
Buenalba Vino Blanco
Semicured Sheep Cheese with White Wine
Tembleque, Spain
Artequeso
Buenalba Al Pimentón
October Cheese Club: Iowa
Delitia
Parmigiano Reggiano Butter
Italy
We’re switching it up this month by featuring a—drum roll please—BUTTER!! Not just any butter, this sweet-smelling and gentle-flavored Reggiano Butter is made from the cream that remains after the production of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. The butter is of exceptional quality because the milk used—collected from Parma and Reggio Emilia family-owned farms in the area where Parmigiano Reggiano is produced—is strictly selected according to the extraordinary rules imposed on the production of the famous cheese. Enjoy on your next cheese and charcuterie board, on breads or other baked goods, over pasta or in sauces.
WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Delitia Butter pairs well with Malvasia dei Colli di Parma or a white aromatic and slightly sparkling wine. For a beer, most will pair beautifully, but try a light Lager or Pilsner; or go for a Belgian Dubbel, its malty sweetness and fruity notes will enhance the flavor of the butter.
WINESTYLES: Fruity or Crisp wines
BEERSTYLES: Crisp or Malty beers
Information © Delitia and Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.
Lou Bergier
Pichin
Toma
Piedmont, Italy
This 60-day aged Toma is crafted from raw Bruna Alpina cow’s milk and thistle flower, a rare pairing in the cheese world. Its name, which means “small mountain shepherd” in the Occitan dialect, honors Nonna Magno, the grandfather of producer Mario Fiandino. Following in his footsteps, the Bruna Alpina cows at the Fiandino farm are treated with exceptional care; they even listen to music at a specific frequency to soothe them and enhance milk production. The resulting creamy cheese boasts a subtle mushroom aroma and flavors of freshly cut grass and milk. It offers great value given its unique style and high quality.
WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Try pairing it with a light-bodied red wine, like a Pinot Noir, which will highlight the cheese’s delicate flavors without overpowering them. A Saison would be an excellent beer choice, as its spicy and fruity characteristics can balance the cheese’s richness beautifully.
WINESTYLES: Mellow red wines
BEERSTYLES: Fruity & Spicy
Information © Forever Cheese and Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.
Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!
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 >
September Cheese Club: Iowa
Artikaas
Youngsters
Smoked Gouda
Netherlands
Every Youngsters Gouda is aged 4 to 6 weeks for a perfectly creamy texture. In addition, this exceptional cow’s milk Gouda is smoked to infuse a velvety, toasty smokiness that is also creamy and buttery. It is great for melting over burgers, or snacking with salami.
WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
For wine, try this cheese with a Spanish red, such as a Tempranillo. The bold, fruity notes of Tempranillo can handle the richness of the smoked gouda, while the wine’s acidity can cut through the creaminess. For beer, look for an Amber Ale; the malty sweetness of an ale complements the smoky flavor of the cheese, creating a balanced and satisfying combination.
WINESTYLES: Fruity or Bold red wines
BEERSTYLES: Malty beers
Information © Artikaas and Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.
Cooper’s Hill
Double Gloucester
Great Britain
We’re bringing back a fan favorite! This pasteurized cow’s milk cheese combines the creamy texture and rounded taste of a quintessential British Double Gloucester with the tang of added chives and onions.
Cooper’s Hill celebrates a famous cheese rolling tradition enshrined in English folklore. Every year, a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese is sent down the hill and the first person chasing it to cross the finish line receives the wheel of the cheese and all the accolades. The next event is scheduled for May 26, 2025. Learn more about this fun tradition >
WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
For wine, pair with a Syrah; the bold, peppery notes of the red wine can handle the richness of the cheese. Or, if you’re looking for a white wine, try with this month’s Terra Dives Liolà Bianco; the balance of fresh fruit and acidity will pair well with the cheese’s creamy texture. For craft beer, a natural partner would be British or American Brown Ales.
WINESTYLES: Bold or Mellow red wines or Silky white wines.
BEERSTYLES: Fruity & Spicy
Information © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.
Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!
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 >
August Cheese Club: Iowa
Jean Perrin
Morbier AOP
Franche-Comte, France
Morbier was behind Jean Perrin’s creation of their cheese dairy in January 1965. Produced in strict keeping with tradition, it is the only Morbier available in the United States. It’s made from raw cow’s milk and cellar-refined for between 45 and 130 days to create a creamy, ivory-colored texture, and a range of flavors from soft and creamy to those with more character for bolder cheese lovers.
It is known for its distinct appearance, with a layer of ash running through the center. The ash used in Morbier cheese is vegetable ash, and it is primarily a traditional and aesthetic feature. The smell is legit; funky, washed and briny. The paste has a silkiness to it while still being firm. The flavor is multi-layered with a tannic finish.
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Pair the Morbier AOP cheese with this month’s Maison Biotteau AOP Anjou Rouge. The delicate tannins and bright acidity of this red wine complement the creamy and slightly tangy flavor of Morbier. For beer, reach for a Belgian Dubbel. The caramel and dark fruit notes in the beer balance well with the creamy texture and earthy flavors of the Morbier.
WINESTYLES: Mellow
BEERSTYLES: Dark & Roasty
Information and photo © Jean Perrin & Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.
Onetik
Ossau-Iraty AOC
Pyrenees, France
A genuine AOC treasure, this cheese boasts a rich, fruity, and nutty flavor from the milk of Manech and Basco-Béarnaise sheep. Ideal for picnics, its semi-firm and smooth texture offers delightful notes of hazelnut, butter, and herbs. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and salty meats like Prosciutto di Parma.
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Pair the Ossau-Iraty AOC with this month’s Maison Biotteau Anjou Blanc. The Chenin Blanc’s fresh acidity will enhance the nutty, buttery flavors of the cheese. As for beer, try with one of our August Beer Club selections, or another Belgian Saison. The farmhouse ale’s herbal and spicy characteristics complement the rich, nutty, and herbaceous profile of Ossau-Iraty.
WINESTYLES: Crisp
BEERSTYLES: Fruity & Spicy or Sour
Information and photo © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.
Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!
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 >
July Cheese Club: Iowa
Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.
Toma
Point Reyes Station, California
In Italian, Toma means “wheel of cheese made by the farmer herself.” What better way to describe this, Point Reyes’s most versatile, any time, any table cheese. It’s an all natural, pasteurized, semi-hard cheese that is creamy in texture with a waxed rind. It is creamy and buttery in flavor and has a grassy, tang finish.
USE & PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
The perfect any time snacking cheese, Toma is excellent for melting into pasta or risotto or in grilled cheese sandwiches. Grate on top of grilled vegetables, burgers or soups. Pair with sweet (peaches, fruit compotes), savory (toasted nuts, sautéed greens) and serve with hop-heavy beers, Pinot Noir or barrel-aged scotch. Toma loves an Old Fashioned cocktail or a Mai Tai!
WINESTYLES: Bold or Mellow
BEERSTYLES: Hoppy
FACTS:
- Made from pasteurized, rBST-free cows’ milk
- Made with microbial (vegetarian) rennet
- Aged for 90 days
- Gluten Free
- 2024 CA State Fair, Best of California
- 2023 CA State Fair, Gold Medal
- 2023 US Championship Cheese, 3rd Place
- 2022 World Cheese Awards – Silver
- 2022 CA State Fair, Best of California
- 2020 Good Food Awards – Best Cheese
- See all other awards here
Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.
TomaTruffle
Point Reyes Station, California
TomaTruffle is the perfect combination of classic Toma paired with the aromatic flavors of Italian Black Truffles from Umbria. Reminiscent of undergrowth, fresh strawberries, dried fruit and a hint of cocoa, the earthy flavor marries beautifully with the buttery richness of Toma. This semi-hard cheese is creamy in texture with a waxed rind. The distinct, aromatic flavor or truffles combines with Toma’s signature flavor for an earthy, buttery delight. TomaTruffle is the perfect decadent cheese for any celebration!
USE & PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Great as a snacking cheese or perfect for melting on eggs, sprinkled on warm potato chips or just enjoyed on its own with a glass of dry sparkling wine.!
WINESTYLES: Rich or Bold
BEERSTYLES: Fruity & Spicy or Crisp & Clean
FACTS:
- Made from pasteurized, rBST-free cows’ milk
- Made with microbial (vegetarian) rennet
- Aged for 90 days
- Gluten Free
- 2024 Good Food Awards
- 2024 CA State Fair, Gold
- 2023 International Cheese and Dairy Awards, Silver
- 2022 CA State Fair, Best of California
- 2022 World Cheese Awards – Silver
- 2022 World Champion Cheese Contest, Best of Class/Top 20 Cheeses
© Point Reyes Cheese – All Rights Reserved
© Point Reyes Cheese – All Rights Reserved
© Point Reyes Cheese – All Rights Reserved
© Point Reyes Cheese – All Rights Reserved
Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!
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 >
June Cheese Club: Iowa
Artequeso
Manchego Artesano D.O.P.
Semi-Curado
La Mancha, Spain
Made in the heart of Spain’s La Mancha region, Artequeso’s Manchego cheese is a taste of tradition. Crafted on the La Prudenciana Estate using milk from their herd of 1,000 Manchego sheep, this cheese has arrived to the US with great accolades, it was even featured on Mario Batali’s “Spain…On the Road Again” show. Aged for 4 months, it boasts a mild yet flavorful taste with a soft, stretchy texture.
WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: As they say, what grows together, goes together! Enjoy this Spanish cheese with any of our June Wine Club wines from Spain. It will also pair nicely with an unoaked Chardonnay. If you prefer red, pair with a good Tempranillo, Malbec or Chianti. For our beer lovers, we have two different recommendations to pair with this delicious cheese: Ciders or Malty beers… choose your own adventure!
WINESTYLES: Rich, Bold or Mellow
BEERSTYLES: Sour, Tart & Funky or Malty & Sweet
PRODUCTION: This unparalleled raw milk Manchego is exclusively produced using sheep’s milk collected from local herds. Once the milk is collected, Artequeso Manchego cheese is produced following only the strictest of artisan traditions, during which cheesemaker Alfonso Alvarez and his staff keep absolute control over each step of the cheesemaking process; this includes curd cutting, whey drainage, salting, and finally drying. Once the process is complete, each wheel is carefully tended to during the affinage process, with particular attention to controlled temperature and humidity levels.
ABOUT ARTEQUESO:
Artequeso is a family-run business dedicated to producing high-quality cheese in La Mancha, Spain. Utilizing traditional methods and the finest Manchega sheep’s milk, they have crafted a reputation for excellence. Their products reflect a commitment to authenticity, heritage, and environmental sustainability, embodying the rich culinary tradition of the region. Artequeso’s cheeses are celebrated for their distinct flavors and textures, achieved through meticulous care in every step of the cheesemaking process. For more details, click here.
Information and Photo © Zuercher & Co. and Artequeso- All Rights Reserved.
Hook’s Cheese Company Inc.
Five-Year Aged Cheddar
Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Made with pasteurized cow’s milk, featuring a vegetarian rennet, Hook’s Five-Year Aged Cheddar Cheese is a customer favorite. It is sharp, acidic, and a perfect accompaniment to any cheese board. It is made in five-pound blocks, which allows the cheese to develop rich, complex flavors over time. In some years, delicate proteins form crunchy pockets of caramelized goodness.
FOOD PAIRING: Make a yummy cheese and charcuterie board with dried fruits, bitter chocolate, quince paste, olives, pate, cornichon pickles, grained mustard, peppadew peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, assorted salami, and prosciutto.
WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: When pairing this cheese with white wines, reach for a Riesling, Chardonnay or anything with bubbles. For a red wine, grab a Syrah or Pinot Noir. For our beer lovers out there, enjoy with a Saison, Cider or Belgian Ale; and if you want to get really fancy with it, pair this cheese with your favorite Bourbon!
WINESTYLES: Rich or Bold
BEERSTYLES: Fruity & Spicy or Crisp & Clean
© Photo by Hook’s Cheese Company, Inc.
Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!
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 >
May Cheese Club: Iowa
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.
Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!
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
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).
Information and Photo © Zuercher & Co., Forever Cheese, Gees Bees & Asheville Bee Charmer – All Rights Reserved.
Casa Forcello
White Watermelon Mostarda
Casa Forcello
Pear Mostarda
WineStyles Tasting Station 