Tag Archives: February Cheese Club

February Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese Clubheart-Hoch-Ybrig-CheeseHoch Ybrig Alpine Cheese Cow’s Milk Switzerland

Hoch Ybrig is like Gruyère’s little brother—crafted with a similar recipe but in a smaller, more manageable wheel. Named after the towering Swiss ski slopes, this Alpine cheese packs bold, savory onion notes alongside a surprisingly fruity finish, thanks to regular washes in a cider-infused brine during its 8–10 months of aging. Firm yet creamy, with scattered eyes—or holes—and a delicate crystalline crunch, it’s a true reflection of its mountain origins. The Hoch Ybrig recipe was crafted by Swiss affineur Rolf Beeler and in collaboration with cheesemaker Josef Werder. Melt it into fondue, or pair it with Northwoods Apiaries Buckwheat Honey to highlight its subtle sweetness.  Aged: 8 – 10 months Milk: Cow’s milk, unpasteurized Rind: Not edible Region: Switzerland WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: For wine, reach for a Riesling with bright acidity and a touch of sweetness to balance the cheese’s savory depth. Or, try with a Chardonnay to compliment its nutty complexity. For beer, try with a Belgian Dubbel for a richness with a subtle spice. WINESTYLES: Crisp or Rich wines BEERSTYLES: Fruity & Spicy beers Information © Murray’s Cheese. – All Rights Reserved.

hearts-molinari-and-sons-salamiMolinari & Sons Italian Dry Salami San Francisco, California

This dry-cured Italian dry salame from San Francisco-based Molinari is made in the Milanese style. It is a finely minced mixture of 80% pork and 20% beef spiced with pepper and garlic. It’s a classic salami with subtle hints of roasted nuts, medium body, a mix of salt, sweet and butter; overall very well balanced.  WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: For wine, pair this salami with a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Noir. For beer, try with a Wheat Beer or a Pilsner. *BONUS PAIRING* For cheese, try this with a Cheddar, a Comte, or our cheese selection of the month – Hoch Ybrig Alpine cheese. Also great in sandwiches, salads, pastas, and antipasti dishes.  WINESTYLES: Crisp or Mellow BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean About Molinari & Sons: Founded in 1896, Molinari & Sons has carried on the traditional Italian art of sausage-making in the cool climate of San Francisco. As a family-owned company with over a century of tradition, Molinari is renowned for its dedication to quality, using time-honored recipes and the finest ingredients to produce rich, flavorful salumi. From classic dry-cured salami to specialty artisan varieties, each product reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and authenticity. Whether enjoyed on its own, paired with cheese and wine, or incorporated into recipes, Molinari salami delivers a true taste of Italian heritage. Learn more here. Information © Zuercher & Co. & Molinari & Sons Salame – All Rights Reserved.

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

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Cheese ClubSeascape-cheese-wheel-emailCentral 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.

Ewephoria-cheese-wheelCheeseland 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!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

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Cheese ClubSmoking-GoatGrupo Ganaderos de Fuerteventura The Smokin’ Goat Smoked Goat Cheese Canary Islands, Spain

This smoked, pasteurized goat’s milk cheese is made by a family-run dairy on the Canary Islands that aims to protect the strong cheesemaking traditions of that region. The Smokin’ Goat is made with local Majorero goat’s milk, creating a smooth paste that is naturally high in fat and protein. The cheese is lightly smoked over beechwood, adding toasted notes to this otherwise sweet and tangy goat cheese. The rind pattern is a nod to the palm leaves that were historically used as cheese molds in this region. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: What grows together, goes together. Pair this cheese with any of our 2023 February Wine Club wines from Spain. For beer, grab something crisp and clean, like a Pilsner.  WINESTYLES: Bold or Crisp BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean

Drunken-Goat-cheeseThe Drunken Goat Semi-Soft Goat Cheese Queso de Murcia al Vino DOP Jumilla, Spain

The Drunken Goat is a semi-soft goat cheese bathed in red wine. It is made with pasteurized goat’s milk from the Murcia region of Spain and it’s smooth and mild with a beautiful violet hue – from soaking in Doble Pasta (DOH-blay PAHSS-tah) from the Monastrell grape. Aged for 6-8 weeks with 45-50% fat content, this cheese has a slightly fruity and herbal finish. The Drunken Goat is a great introduction to goat cheese as it doesn’t have the tangy or “goaty” cheese flavors that many people don’t like. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Same thing here – what grows together, goes together. Pair this cheese with any of our 2023 February Wine Club wines from Spain. For beer, grab something fruity and spicy, like a Belgian-Style Wheat Ale. WINESTYLES: Bold or Crisp BEERSTYLES: Fruity and 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 >

February Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese Clubpepper-corn-cheeseCheeseland Gouda with Peppercorns Holland

This mild, creamy Gouda with black peppercorns is a versatile cheese with a unique and interesting flavor profile. It is made with pasteurized milk, organic cream, salt, cheese culture and vegetarian rennet. It is delicious in salads, sandwiches or omelettes. This cheese also pairs beautifully with potatoes, or rich dishes like quiches, casseroles and frittatas. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Serve with mimosas using a dry Champagne, or serve with California Zinfandels, or Italian Primitivo wines. For Beer, look for a Lager, Pilsner, Brown Ale or Wheat Beer. WINESTYLES: Bubbly or Crisp BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean

neals-yard-montgomerys-cheddarNeal’s Yard Dairy Montgomery’s Cheddar England

Since 1911, Montgomery’s Cheddar has been made at Manor Farm, with milk from the 200 Friesian cows that roam the 1200 acre farm. Rich and savory flavors are the hallmark of Montgomery Cheddar. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pair with a red wine, such as a Pinot Noir, Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon. For beer, pair with an IPA or an English Cider. WINESTYLES: Bold BEERSTYLES: Hoppy & Bitter

Cheese_springDon’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 >

February Cheese Club: Iowa

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

Hook's 10 Year CheddarThis 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

Hook's Extra InningsA 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
Hook's Cheese Company

© Photo by Hook’s Cheese Company, Inc.

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.
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!

Monthly Cheese Club

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 >