August Cheese Club: Iowa

Cheese Clubmorbier-cheeseJean 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.

Ossau-Iraty-AOC-CheeseOnetik 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!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

Cheese ClubZamorano-cheeseCecilia Zamorano D.O.P. Sheep Semibold Cheese Castile-León, Spain

Aged for 3-9 months, this DOP cheese is made from raw milk of its namesake region’s Churra and Castellano sheep. The rind has a familiar zigzag pattern – typical of many Spanish cheeses – but its flavor is all its own. This cheese is deliciously sweet and nutty with a touch of salt. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pair with a fruity wine such as a Tempranillo or a mellow wine such as our January Wine Club wines: Chateau Govain Merlot and the Domaine de Lilotte Bordeaux. For beer, grab something fruity and spicy, like a Belgian-Style Wheat Ale. WINESTYLES: Fruity or Mellow BEERSTYLES: Fruity and Spicy

Tomme-Pur-Chevre-cheeseOnetik Tomme Pur Chèvre Goat Cheese Pyrenees, France

This natural rinded Tomme cheese is made from pasteurized goat’s milk. Similar in texture to Onetik’s Ossau-Iraty Cheese, however, the flavors here are clearer and brighter, with cool herbal tones to replace the nuttiness that you would get from a sheep’s milk Tomme. This is a great addition to any cheese board. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pair with a crisp wine such as a Sancerre or a Sauvignon Blanc – try with our January White Wine Club wine – Chateau Le Prieur Cuvée Passion. For beer, pair with a crisp Basque Cider from the Basque region of Europe (think: “what grows together, goes together”). WINESTYLES: Crisp BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean Information © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

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 >