October Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on September 29, 2021 by mcginnessalex

Reny Picot Cantar de Covadonga Spain

Cantar de Covadonga is a white, crumbly, yet creamy blue veined soft-cheese named after the region in which it originates in Northern Spain. Covadonga is located just Northwest of the Picos de Europa, a mountain range in the Heart of Asturias, Spain. Originally coming from the Latin name, “Cova Domenica”, meaning the “Cave of the Lady”, the term became abbreviated to simply, Covadonga. This region in Spain is known for its wide range of cheeses, especially their blue ones. The Cantar de Covadonga is made from a blend of carefully selected cow’s and sheep’s milk and is aged for 3 to 4 months until it obtains its outstanding flavor. FOOD PAIRING: The Cantar de Covadonga makes for a great addition to any cheese board; or it can be enjoyed with burgers, mushrooms, chicken or on a salad. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: For wine, pair with a Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel or Pinot Noir. For beer, reach for a Stout, Porter, or IPA. WINESTYLES: Crisp, Mellow or Bold BEERSTYLES: Dark & Roasty or Hoppy & Bitter ABOUT RENY PICOT: Reny Picot was founded in 1960 in Asturias, Spain. Today, it is a Spanish Dairy Group with major global presence in the US, Mexico, France, Portugal, China and Poland. Their mission is to bring their flagship brand to as many parts of the world as possible, while still providing consumers with the very highest quality of dairy products. Learn more about their story here.

La Alberca Queso Oveja al Romero Spain

This rosemary coated Manchego-style cheese is made with Manchega sheep’s milk from the La Mancha region of Spain. The center is reminiscent of a dense fudge that softens on the palate while the exterior has spicy, herbal notes. The rosemary infuses into the cheese and is balanced by the sweet walnut tones of the cheese’s center. This Queso Oveja al Romero exceeds the expectations of any cheese lover. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: The Queso Oveja al Romero will pair beautifully with a Cava, or with this month’s Red Wine Club Selections – Alella Vinícola Ivori Aged Red Wine and Alella Vinícola Costa del Maresme. For beer, look for a lighter style such as a Lager or an Ale. WINESTYLES: Mellow or Bold BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean HISTORY OF QUESO OVEJA AL ROMERO: Produced in the same region as Manchego, this style of cheese has been around just as long as Manchego itself. Creameries and families follow traditions of rubbing the cheese with Iberic lard and rosemary while the cheese matures. As the flavors continue to be absorbed, the cheese is brushed off, and more herbs are rubbed on until the process is complete.

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone! 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 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 cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely! Click to learn more >

September Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on August 27, 2021 by mcginnessalex

Fiscalini Farmstead San Joaquin Gold Modesto, California

The San Joaquin Gold is a handcrafted Parmesan-style cheese made with raw cow’s milk on Fiscalini’s sustainable farm. Named after the valley where it is made, this is an original cheese recipe created by and made only at Fiscalini Farmstead. It is an Italian-style cheese with a natural thin rind and a buttery color. It is mildly sweet and mellow when young, but develops into a darker golden hue and deeper, nuttier flavor as it ages. The San Joaquin Gold is made into 30-pound wheels and aged for a minimum of 12 months. FOOD PAIRING: Try Fiscalini Farmstead’s Roasted Potatoes with San Joaquin Gold cheese. Get the recipe here > WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: The San Joaquin Gold pairs well with our three ‘September Wine Club’ Wines – Rocklin Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Craftwork Old Vine Zinfandel, or the Craftwork Sauvignon Blanc. For beer, reach for a Cider, Pilsner or a Lager. WINESTYLES: Crisp, Mellow or Bold BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean

Fiscalini Farmstead Old World Aged Cheddar Modesto, California

The Old World Aged Cheddar is a handcrafted English Style Clothbound Cheese made with raw cow’s milk on Fiscalini’s sustainable farm. Straw colored with a nutty, slightly smoky, earthy finish, this remains the farmstead’s most popular and highly awarded cheese. It is firm, yet crumbly with a robust and buttery taste. The wheels are wrapped in a cheesecloth during their 14-month aging process; this protects the outermost layer while allowing the rest of the cheese to breathe and develop internally. This hard cheese is produced into 60-pound wheels. FOOD PAIRING: Elevate your Avocado Toast with Fiscalini Farmstead’s Old World Aged Cheddar. Try this recipe > WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Pair the Old World Aged Cheddar with any of our ‘September Wine Club’ Wines – Rocklin Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Craftwork Old Vine Zinfandel, or the Craftwork Sauvignon Blanc. For beer, also look for a Cider, Pilsner or a Lager. WINESTYLES: Crisp, Mellow or Bold BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean ABOUT FISCALINI FARMSTEAD: The Fiscalini Farmstead was established in Modesto, California in 1914 by John Baptiste Fiscalini, son of a Swiss immigrant, Mateo Fiscalini. Over the past 100 years, the farmstead has been passed down from generation to generation and has expanded to now include a cheesemaking facility on their premises. The family continues a way of life that respects, preserves and honors the animals, land and its resources. Learn more about their Farmstead here.

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

August Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on July 27, 2021 by mcginnessalex

Olli Salumeria Calabrese Oceanside, California

A spicy salami that gets its kick from cayenne pepper and paprika. It is zesty, yet not overpowering. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Red Zinfandels make the perfect accompaniment to this salami. For craft beer, reach for a Belgian-style Golden Ale or a hoppy IPA to balance the spice of the salami. WINESTYLES: Mellow or Bold BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean; or Hoppy & Bitter ABOUT OLLI SALUMERIA: Owner, Oliviero (or Olli) grew up in a family of salumi makers. In 1850, his great grandfather was already making salami in Norcia, Italy. By 1900, his family moved to Rome, opening many salumi stores throughout a larger market. By 1950, his grandfather started a manufacturing business, that had later grown to be the most successful salumi business in Rome. Born in Rome in 1978, Oliviero spent many years learning from his grandfather. By 2010, he moved to the United States to start his own company, Olli Salumeria, using the traditional techniques learned from his family. Learn more about their story here >

Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog Arcata, California

The Original American Original® was conceived in a dream, states founder Mary Keehn. Her creation opened the door for soft-ripened goat cheese in America. Each handcrafted wheel features a distinctive ribbon of edible vegetable ash. On the palate, there are flavors of buttermilk and fresh cream, complemented with floral notes, herbaceous overtones, and a clean citrus finish. As Humboldt Fog matures, the cream-line develops and the flavor intensifies. FOOD PAIRING: Drizzle it with honey and serve with prosciutto, tart apple and Marcona almonds; or crumble it over a salad for a delicious treat. Try this recipe > WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Young Humboldt: Demi-sec sparkling or Sauvignon Blanc wines. IPA, Porter or Wheat craft beer. Ripe Humboldt Fog: Pinot Grigio, Rosé, Sweet Sherry, Vouray wines or enjoy with a Pale Ale craft beer. Mature Humboldt Fog: Pinot Noir or Zinfandel wines or IPA or Stout craft beer. WINESTYLES: Crisp, Mellow BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean or Malty and Sweet ABOUT CYPRESS GROVE: Cypress Grove is located on the rural north coast of California. Cypress Grove founder, Mary Keehn, had a dream of a soft-ripened goat cheese that later became an award-winning, recognized cheese; this creation fueled the growth to one of the most popular creameries in the country. Learn more about her story >

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

July Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on June 29, 2021 by mcginnessalex

Kynthos Halloumi Cyprus, Greece

A traditional cheese of Cyprus, Greece, the Kynthos Halloumi will have you feeling like you’re surrounded by the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches of Greece. Made of cow’s milk, sheep’s milk and goat’s milk, this cheese has a very low acid content, making it the perfect grilling or frying cheese. Halloumi often resembles a much firmer and saltier block of clean, light mozzarella. FOOD PAIRING: This is cheese is a great blank slate to all sorts of dishes. Try grilled, fried, baked, sautéed, or simply on its own. Chop up with watermelon for a fun summer salad, or add any sauce on top of your baked cheese – perfect for a summer BBQ. Try one of Kynthos’ Grilled Halloumi recipes here. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Crisp and fruity wines, such as a Rosé make a perfect accompaniment to this cheese. Look for a Greek wine – what grows together, goes together! For craft beer, reach for a crisp and clean brew. WINESTYLES: Crisp or Fruity BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean “Halloumi has been increasingly eaten all over the world since its creation in what is now known as the Middle Eastern island country of Cyprus back during the Medieval Byzantine period which started in 395 AD. Halloumi is widely recognized throughout the Mediterranean as the crowning cheese jewel of Cyprus cuisine as well as in neighboring Turkey and Greece.” – Kynthos Gril

Kourellas Kefaloytre Grevena, Greece

Kefaloytre is a classic cheese of Greece. It is a hard, aged cheese made up of pasteurized sheep and goat’s milk. The Kourellas family keep things traditional by salting the cheese by hand as it matures. Dating back to the Byzantine era, Kefalotyri is believed to be the ancestor of most hard Greek cheeses. FOOD PAIRING: This cheese is an essential ingredient in classic Greek dishes, such as moussaka, pastitsio, or spanakopita. Grate over pasta, serve shavings with pears and grapes, or fry a couple slices with your eggs. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Similar to the Halloumi pairings, search for something crisp and fruity, such as a Rosé. Even better, look for a Greek wine to accompany your cheese! For craft beer, stick with a crisp and clean brew. WINESTYLES: Crisp or Fruity BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean ABOUT KOURELLAS DAIRY: Greece’s first organic dairy, the Kourellas family has been making traditional Greek dairy since 1960. Their family farm sits in Grevena, a region known for its exceptional dairy products. Although over the years they have outgrown their original dairy, they continue to maintain the same standards of quality and recipes passed down from generation to generation. Learn more about their story here.

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

June Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on May 27, 2021 by mcginnessalex

Caseificio dell’Alta Langa Rocchetta Italy

The Rocchetta is a blend of three different milks, pasteurized cow’s milk, pasteurized sheep’s milk and pasteurized goat’s milk. It is a slightly ripened soft cheese, without holes, and an edible white/straw yellow rind. Short and careful aging create a creamy balance, allowing the sweetness and acidity to melt together. The palate highlights flavors of butter and crème fraiche. FOOD PAIRING: This cheese eats well on its own, or served alongside cured meats and jams, or in a salad. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: The Caseificio dell’Alta Langa Rocchetta cheese pairs well with Italian wines, such as our June Primary White Wine Club wine, or a crisp Pinot Grigio. For beer, reach for a Weiss Beer or any pilsner WINESTYLES: Crisp BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean ABOUT CASEIFICIO DELL’ALTA LANGA: Based in the Piedmont Hills of Italy, in a small village called Bosia, Caseificio dell’Alta Langa continues to follow traditions of the people who have inhabited this land for centuries. The territory is made up of steep slopes where goats, sheep and cows are herded and modest amounts of milk is milked and produced each day. Learn more about their story here.

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

May Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on April 28, 2021 by mcginnessalex

Benning®
Mild Goats Milk Gouda
Holland

Benning® Mild Goats Milk Gouda is a semi-firm, pure white, versatile cheese that is fresh and mild in taste. It is made from light goats’ milk that is then formed into classic gouda-style wheels and aged to create a smooth and creamy textured cheese. This cheese is great for the pickiest of eaters. It is mildly tangy and slightly sweet with hints of caramel.

FOOD PAIRING: This cheese melts beautifully; eat as is, or slice/grate onto your favorite sandwich or pizza.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: The Benning® Mild Milk Gouda pairs well with dark and malty beers such as a malty Amber Ale. It also pairs nicely with a buttery Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or our May Wine Club Chenin Blanc.

WINESTYLES: Silky
BEERSTYLES: Dark & Roasty or Malty & Sweet

Cypress Grove®
Midnight Moon®
Holland

This aged goat milk cheese is made exclusively for Cypress Grove® in Holland. Aged for at least six-months, Midnight Moon® is an ivory-colored goat cheese with forward nutty and brown-buttery flavors, finish with long caramel notes. Similar to classic goudas, Midnight Moon® forms protein crystals as it ages, and lends to a slight crunch to the otherwise dense and smooth cheese. This goat cheese is known to convert even the pickiest of goat cheese critics!

AWARDS:

Best of Class, World Championship Cheese Contest 2010, 2020
Super Gold, World Cheese Awards 2015, 2018
Gold, World Cheese Awards 2014
Best New Product in Show, sofi Awards 2002
Silver, World Cheese Awards 2017
Silver Finalist, sofi Awards 2003
Third Place, World Championship Cheese Contest 2014
Bronze, World Cheese Awards 2016
Bronze, sofi Awards 2017

FOOD PAIRING: Serve with fig jams, seeded crackers, or bread

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: For wine, pair with Ice Wine, Sweet Sherry, Syrah or Zinfandel. As for beer, look for a Belgian Dark, Stout, or a Tripel.

WINESTYLES: Fruity or Bold
BEERSTYLES: Dark & Roasty, or Fruity & Spicy

ABOUT CYPRESS GROVE®, ARCATA, CALIFORNIA:
In the 1970’s, when pre-packed TV dinners and processed, rubber cheese were popular, a self-proclaimed “serious hippie” named Mary Keehn was on the hunt for something different. A mother a four, she wanted to find healthier milk for her children. Mary noticed her neighbor owned goats for brush control and asked if she could purchase two, at which the neighbor replied, “if you can catch ’em, you can have ’em”. Each day, Mary went out with grain until eventually she lured in her first two goats: Esmeralda and Hazel. These goats turned into four, and many more from there. With a lot of goats, came a lot of milk, and thus, Cypress Grove® was born! Learn more about their story here.

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone!

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

Posted on March 31, 2021 by mcginnessalex

Grafton Village Cheese Clothbound Cheddar Vermont, USA

Grafton’s signature Cheddar is wrapped in cheesecloth and cave-aged for 6-8 months, a traditional method used for centuries allowing the cheese to take on a deeper variety of flavors. Grassy, nutty notes dominate with some lemony accents and a smooth, lactic body. The texture is firm and creamy with a tendency to crumble. AWARDS:

2019 American Cheese Society – Second Place
2019 International Cheese & Dairy Awards – Gold
2019 Big E Gold Medal Cheese Competition – Silver
Many others – click here

FOOD PAIRING: Serve as table cheese, alongside dried fruits, nutty bread, dark berries, or grainy mustards WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: For wine, pair with our April Wine Club Wine – Pierre Jean Sauvignon Blanc; or other ‘Old-World’ classics such as a Chablis, Pinot Noir or Riesling. For beer, reach for a Wheat Beer, Red Ale or off-dry Cider. WINESTYLES: Silky BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean or Fruity & Spicy

ABOUT GRAFTON VILLAGE CHEESE: The Grafton Cooperative Cheese Company was founded in 1892 by dairy farmers in rural agricultural communities who gathered together to make their surplus raw milk into cheese. This helped the community as they were able to take an abundance of creamy milk and turn it into a food that could be stored for a longer period of time. In 1912, a fire destroyed the original factory; it wasn’t until several decades later, in the mid 1960s, the nonprofit Windham Foundation restored the company, and a new era for the town was born. Today, quality and taste are the hallmarks of their company’s award-winning cheeses. Learn more about their story here.

Quicke’s Devonshire Red Clothbound Cheese Devon, UK

Quicke’s is handcrafted using milk from grass-fed cows, clothbound and naturally matured, typically for 6 months. This vibrant, full-flavored cheese has a distinctive taste on a classic Red Leicester, with crumbly texture, fresh, nutty flavors and a lemony creaminess. Best to be eaten within 7 days of opening. Once opened, wrap in greaseproof paper and store in air-tight container in the fridge. AWARDS:

2020 Great Taste Award

FOOD PAIRING: Use in a Shepard’s Pie or with savory scones WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Pair with April’s Red Wine Club Wines or a fruity Pinot Noir. Also pairs well with sparkling wines, ciders and ales. WINESTYLES: Mellow or Fruity BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean; Sour, Tart & Funky; or Fruity & Spicy

ABOUT QUICKE’S: Established in 1540 by Andrew Quicke, when he fell in love with Devon village and built a better farm. Using traditional recipes, time-honored techniques and heritage starters passed down through the generations, Quicke’s continues to create outstanding clothbound cheddar. Made by hand in the old-fashioned way, slowly matured for a deeply satisfying flavor, their cheese celebrates the deep connection that has grown between the Quicke family and the land they have nurtured for almost 500 years. Learn more about their story here.

WineStyles of West Des Moines is excited to announce they have got their hands on a small amount of Hook’s Cheese Company’s special 15 Year Cheddar! While this is not featured in this month’s Cheese Club, we promise you don’t want to miss this. Ask how you can pick up this very special, limited cheese at your local wine store!

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

March Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on February 27, 2021 by mcginnessalex

Beehive Cheese Company Pour Me A Slice Uintah, Utah, USA

‘Pour Me A Slice’ is sweet and creamy. Beehive Cheese partnered with their good friends at Basil Hayden’s to create a cheese infused with their Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. As you near the rind, the spiciness of the bourbon becomes more pronounced. This beauty will be enjoyed by bourbon and cheese enthusiasts alike. “We love pioneers and explorers. That’s what makes our partnership with Basil Hayden’s so exciting. Basil Hayden Sr. began distilling his Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey in 1796 using his own mash based on what he had on hand. Unconstrained by the rules of traditional bourbon, he discovered what we now call “high-rye”. At Beehive Cheese, we can relate to breaking rules and going our own direction. Since our founding, we have produced unique and complex cheeses that are leaders in their category of American cheeses.” – Beehive Cheese Company LLC FOOD PAIRING: Pair with toasted nuts, chocolate, berries, and charcuterie. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Drink along with any of Basil Hayden’s premium bourbons, medium to full-bodied red wines, ales of all kinds and ciders. WINESTYLES: Mellow and Bold BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean; Sour, Tart & Funky; or Malty & Sweet

Beehive Cheese Company Barely Buzzed Uintah, Utah, USA

This Utah Cheddar is rubbed with espresso and lavender, and is a winner of 20 major awards. Barely Buzzed is the perfect party cheese. It’s easy to pair, stunning to look at, and always the center of attention on the cheese board. The espresso and lavender rub imparts notes of butterscotch and caramel, which are prevalent near the rind, but find their way to the center of the cheese. This is a full-bodied cheese with a nutty flavor and smooth texture. Hours after it’s made, the special grind is rubbed on the rind. The 20-pound wheel ages for 6-8 months. As it ages, Beehive’s cheesemakers test each batch to determine the right time to introduce the wheel into the world. Learn more about the story behind Barely Buzzed here. FOOD PAIRING: Pair with Toasted Nuts, Chocolate, Berries and Charcuterie WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Drink with medium to full-bodied red wines, ports, ales of all kinds, stouts, and ciders AWARDS:

1st Place, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2015 American Cheese Society
3rd Place 2012, 2014 World Cheese Awards

WINESTYLES: Mellow and Bold BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean; Sour, Tart & Funky; Malty & Sweet; or Dark & Roasty

ABOUT BEEHIVE CHEESE COMPANY: In 2005, Tim Welsh and his brother-in-law, Pat Ford, had a vision of opening a creamery in the mountains of Northern Utah. With no more than eight days of cheesemaking experience between the two of them when they first began, the two broke tradition without even realizing it. They enjoyed the freedom to experiment and created their own rules about what artisan cheese could be. With their families by their sides, they built a company grounded in independent thinking, connectedness, and authenticity. They partnered with some of the best cheese researchers and creameries the western U.S. had to offer. Today, Beehive Cheese continues to produce award-winning cheeses that bring family and friends together. Learn more about Beehive Cheese Company’s story here.

ABOUT THE FOUNDERS: Pat Ford:

Pat Ford has grown Beehive Cheese into an industry leading maker through his relentless positivity and enthusiasm for customer service. His career in sales has spanned over several decades to include real estate development, business to business software sales, and a brief stint in fire truck sales. Service is very important to Pat. He’s been an active member of the American Cheese Society (ACS) for the last 15 years and served on the Board of Directors for six years. During his tenure on the ACS board, he played an important role in Pat Ford 19 the creation of the Certified Cheese Professional (CCP) program. When he isn’t busy traveling the world with his wife, Jeanette, you can usually find him driving a tractor (or mule) on his ranch. He’s a proud father of five and a grandpa to nine spunky, cheese loving grandkids. Tim Welsh:

Before starting Beehive Cheese he worked in the fast-paced world of software and technology. He founded Beehive Cheese with his brother-in-law, Pat Ford. Tim poured every ounce of passion into making exceptional, award-winning cheese. Supporting local arts is very important to Tim. Tim has served on the Advisory Board at Red Butte Garden / University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He also serves on the Board of the California Artisan Cheese Guild. His charitable interests include the Ogden Friends of Acoustic Music Festival and their year-round events. Tim has traveled the world with his wife, Kari, and three sons—all of whom work at Beehive. He enjoys cooking, taking in a concert at Red Butte Garden, and snuggles with his two pups, Noodle and Gypsy

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

February Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on January 31, 2021 by mcginnessalex

Hook’s Cheese Company, Inc. 10 Year Cheddar Wisconsin, USA

This 10 year cheddar won 1st place at the 2006 American Cheese Society Show, the only 10 year cheddar to get a 1st place in this, or any competition. It has more calcium crystals than Hook’s 7 year cheddar. It has a full, rich cheddar flavor with a smooth finish. The 10 year cheddar has calcium lactate crystals. These have the texture of salt but have no flavor. More crystals develop as the cheddars get older. The 10 year has a rich, kind of creamy, slightly acidic but more of a fruity note to it. FOOD PAIRING: Make a yummy cheese and charcuterie board with dried fruits, quince paste, olives, pate, cornichon pickles, grained mustard, peppadew peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, assorted salami and prosciutto. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: When pairing wine with this cheese, reach for a big, bold Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, or Merlot; for beer, look for something a Cider or something malty and sweet, such as a Scotch Ale or an Oatmeal Stout. WINESTYLES: Bold BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet

Hook’s Cheese Company, Inc. Triple Play Extra Innings Wisconsin, USA

A fantastic blend of three types of milk – cow, sheep, and goat. Flavor notes that come through – Baby Swiss, Havarti and Gouda. Aged over a year. At this point the Gouda flavor has become more prevalent and crystals have started to form. FOOD PAIRING: Dried apricots, dried cherries, sliced apples and pears; as well as flatbread, sesame breadsticks, olive tapenade, and shelled pistachios. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: When pairing wine with this cheese, reach for a Zinfandel; for beer, look for something Hoppy and Bitter such as an IPA. WINESTYLES: Bold BEERSTYLES: Hoppy & Bitter

ABOUT HOOK’S CHEESE COMPANY: In 1970 Tony Hook began apprenticing at a small cheese factory in Barneveld and got his cheesemakers license in 1972. In 1976, college sweethearts, Tony and Julie, formed Hook’s Cheese Company. At that time they only produced Cheddar and some Swiss. Since then, they have not only grown into a much larger factory, they have also expanded their lines of cheese. This duo continues to produce award winning cheeses including Colby, Monterey Jack, Maple Jack, Muenster, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Parmesan, Swiss, Havarti, Gouda, Blue Cheese and many others. To learn more about the Hook’s family and the cheeses they produce, click here.

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

January Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on December 31, 2020 by mcginnessalex

Blumenkäse Switzerland

An alpine cheese covered with wildflowers from the meadows of Switzerland. This floral beauty isn’t just pretty on the outside, it’s packed with flavors of French onion soup and sweet carrots on the inside. The rind is decorated in a long list of herbs and flowers, including: winter savory, dill, garlic, caraway, lovage, marjoram, mint, leek, chive, parsley, juniper berries, onion, marigolds, cornflower, roses, and strawberry leaves. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: When pairing wine with this cheese, reach for a Chardonnay, Viognier, Bubbles or Fruity Red Wines; for beer, look for something Hoppy and Bitter, such as an IPA. WINESTYLES: Crisp, Fruity, and Bubbly BEERSTYLES: Hoppy and Bitter Blumenkases

Marcel Petite Sagesse 24-Month Comté France

Selected by Essex St. Cheese Co., Sagesse Comté (formerly “Symphony”) represents the highest level a wheel of Comté can achieve at Marcel Petite; only 2% of all production reaches this point. Sagesse Comté is selected in line with the Essex flavor profile, but is bigger and broader in taste with a darker paste and immense tyrosine crystallization. This is an unpasteurized cows’ milk cheese with a powerful depth of flavor, similar to a great piece of dark chocolate. Sagesse Comté is available only once a year. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: When pairing wine with this cheese, reach for a Champagne, aged Chardonnay, or Pinot Noir; for beer, look for something Malty & Sweet such as a Milk Stout. WINESTYLES: Rich, Mellow, or Bubbly BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet

Reny Picot Cantar de Covadonga Spain

La Alberca Queso Oveja al Romero Spain

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Fiscalini Farmstead San Joaquin Gold Modesto, California

Fiscalini Farmstead Old World Aged Cheddar Modesto, California

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Olli Salumeria Calabrese Oceanside, California

Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog Arcata, California

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

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Kynthos Halloumi Cyprus, Greece

Kourellas Kefaloytre Grevena, Greece

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

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Caseificio dell’Alta Langa Rocchetta Italy

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

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Benning®Mild Goats Milk GoudaHolland

Cypress Grove®Midnight Moon®Holland

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone!Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

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Grafton Village Cheese Clothbound Cheddar Vermont, USA

Quicke’s Devonshire Red Clothbound Cheese Devon, UK

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Beehive Cheese Company Pour Me A Slice Uintah, Utah, USA

Beehive Cheese Company Barely Buzzed Uintah, Utah, USA

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Hook’s Cheese Company, Inc. 10 Year Cheddar Wisconsin, USA

Hook’s Cheese Company, Inc. Triple Play Extra Innings Wisconsin, USA

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

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Blumenkäse Switzerland

Marcel Petite Sagesse 24-Month Comté France

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

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Benning®
Mild Goats Milk Gouda
Holland

Cypress Grove®
Midnight Moon®
Holland

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone!

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!