January Cheese Club: Iowa

Cheese ClubPetit-agour-cheese-wheelAgour Petit Agour Pur Brebis Semi-hard Sheep’s Milk Cheese France

Made from pasteurized sheep’s milk from the Basque Pyreness region, it boasts a sweet, subtle flavor and a creamy yet sturdy texture. Its bright orange rind, dusted with the region’s speciality, Espellettes pimento, giving it a distinctive rusty red appearance, can be brushed clean before slicing. The method used making this cheese is claimed to be the oldest surviving tradition in the world, dating back 4000 year. Petit Agour offers a distinctly sheep-y character, with floral, nutty, and lanolin notes typical of rustic sheep’s milk cheeses—without veering into overly sharp or barnyard flavors. Pair it with cherry spread for a classic combination, or try shaving it over roasted vegetables or a salad of bitter greens. It’s equally delightful on its own, sliced wafer-thin. Aged: 3 months Region: Basque, France WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: For wine, pair with a Merlot or Pinot Grigio. For beer, reach for an amber or brown ale, the malty sweetness and caramel notes of an ale harmonize beautifully with the cheese’s subtle, nutty flavors. WINESTYLES: Mellow or Crisp wines BEERSTYLES: Dark beers Information © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

La-Petite-Cave-Roquefort-cheeseGabriel Coulet Roquefort La Petite Cave Sheep’s Milk Cheese France

Gabriel Coulet is a family business and a well regarded cellar which proudly preserves an age old tradition. In 1872, Guilhaume Coulet built a wine cellar that later became a cheese aging cave. Roquefort is the undisputed king of French blue cheeses, and they don’t come much better than Gabriel Coulet. Their Roquefort has a wonderful creamy paste with a buttery texture, a peppery bite from the veining, and a nice salt finish. Aged: 4+ months Region: Auvergne, Midi Pyrenees Protection: AOC Fat: 52% WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: For wine, try this cheese with a Port. A ruby or tawny Port offers a bold, sweet profile with notes of dried fruit and nuts that counterbalances the salty, tangy richness of Roquefort. For beer, try with an Imperial Stout; the roasted malt flavors, dark chocolate, and coffee notes of an Imperial Stout will also pair beautifully with Roquefort’s salty and tangy intensity. WINESTYLES: Nectar wines BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet Information © 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 >