Tag Archives: Cheese Club
Casa Forcello
White Watermelon Mostarda
March Cheese Club: Des Moines Area
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
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.
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 >
February Cheese Club: Iowa
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
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.
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 >
January Cheese Club: Iowa
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.
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 >
December Cheese Club: Iowa
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.
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 >
November Cheese Club: Iowa
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.
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 >
October Cheese Club: Iowa
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.
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
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.
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
Central Coast Creamery
Goat Gouda
Paso Robles, California
Central Coast Creamery’s flagship cheese bursts of fruity and caramel aromas that will transport you to the sun-soaked hills of California the moment you cut into it. Its ivory-colored paste is semi-firm, yet crumbly, tacky, and slightly chalky and crystalline. It has starchy flavors of tart apples, grass and crusty bread. This award winning gouda is made with 100% goat’s milk and is aged for 4 to 6 months.
Awards:
- 2016 – American Cheese Society (ACS) – 2nd Place Award
- 2016 – World Cheese Championship – 3rd Place Award
- 2014 – World Cheese Championship – 3rd Place Award
- 2013 – United States Cheese Championship – Best of Class
- 2011 – United States Cheese Championship – 2nd Place Award
- 2010 – Best of Show – American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA)
- 2010 – American Cheese Society (ACS) – 3rd Place Award
Carr Valley
Cranberry Chipotle Cheddar
La Valle, Wisconsin
WineStyles Tasting Station 