September Cheese Club: Iowa

Cheese ClubKingston-Gorgonzola-CheeseKingston CoOp Creamery
Amish Gorgonzola
Cambria, Wisconsin

Rich, savory and accessible with a bold, yet balanced bite. It’s a perfect match for flavor-enhancing pairings like candied walnuts, apples or a refreshing pale ale.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Try this cheese with a bold wine, such as a Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon. Or, for something lighter (and our beer lovers), enjoy with a refreshing pale ale.

WINESTYLES: Bold
BEERSTYLES:
Crisp & Clean

About the Creamery:
This unique creamery is entirely founded, staffed, and operated by members of the local Amish community. Established in 1975 as an offshoot of Indiana’s Elkhart-LaGrange Amish settlement, the Kingston Amish community remains deeply committed to Old Order traditions. Their dedication to sustainable dairy farming and ethical land stewardship is evident in every wheel of cheese they produce. Kingston sources milk exclusively from over 85 member farms, all of which follow traditional Amish practices including hand milking, pasture grazing, and horse-drawn carriage milk collection. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.


1057-cheddar-emailSomerdale and Millbrook Dairy
1057
Extra Mature Scottish Cheddar
Scotland

Somerdale proudly partners with Millbrook Dairy to supply the distinctive 1057 Scottish Cheddar. Traditionally made in Scotland and aged for over 12 months, this cheddar develops deep savory notes balanced by smooth, lingering creaminess. It has a firm, crumbly texture with bold, tangy character and a sharp finish.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Try this cheese with a Syrah/Shiraz for dark fruit and spice or an oaked Chardonnay for buttery richness that complements its sharp, nutty character. For beer, choose a Scottish Ale, whose malty sweetness balances the cheddar’s tang and saltiness.

WINESTYLES: Fruity or Rich
BEERSTYLES: Malty

Additional Notes:
Named after the year Macbeth, the last Celtic King of Scotland carelessly lost his head, 1057 celebrates Scotland’s bold heritage with an equally bold cheese.  Hand-selected by experts David Evans and Kevin Beer, only the finest cheddars made from Scottish milk are considered. Each wheel must meet exacting standards: the right firmness, a rugged, crumbly texture, and a flavor that balances full creaminess with bold, punchy character. The result is a robust, extra mature cheddar that embodies the best of Scotland (rich, distinctive and fit for a king).

Information & Photos © Zuercher & Co. and Millbrook Dairy – 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 >

September Cheese Club: Iowa

Cheese ClubFig & Honey CheeseNettle 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-fromagerFromager 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!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

Cheese ClubShopshire BlueShopshire Blue Blue Cheese Leicestershire, UK

Made of pasteurized cow’s milk, this semi-firm blue cheese is described as a cross between Stilton and Cheshire. Within 10-12 weeks, it forms an orange-brown, natural rind and smooth texture. It has a sharp, strong flavor and a bit of a tangy aroma, with a fat content of 48%. This cheese is vegetarian friendly and has won many medals including silver at the 2014 World Cheese Awards. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: For wine, pair with a Port Noir or a Riesling. For beer, pair with any of our stouts or ales featured in our September Beer Club. WINESTYLES: Silky or Mellow BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet or Fruity & Spicy

Red Dragon cheeseRed Dragon Cheese Cheddar Wales, UK

Made from pasteurized cow’s milk, this smooth, firm, tasty cheddar is made with Welsh brown ale and mustard seeds making it a buttery and spicy cheese with plenty of bite, but without being too hot. The mustard seeds give the cheddar marvelous flavor and texture, while the brown ale makes the cheese moist and tangy. This vegetarian cheese is aged for three months. Serve as a table cheese or melted on toast. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pair with a Shiraz or a Sauvignon Blanc blend, such as our September Wine Club Selection. For beer, pair with a dark ale, such as those featured in our September Beer Club. WINESTYLES: Silky or Bold BEERSTYLES: Malty or Fruity & Spicy Information © cheese.com and igourmet.com – 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 >

September Cheese Club: Iowa

GOLDFiscalini FarmsteadCheese Club 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

Old World CheddarFiscalini 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 Fascalini Cheese logo 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.  

Screen Shot 2021-06-28 at 7.24.47 PMDon’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

Cheese ClubVermont Shepherd VeranoVermont Shepherd Verano Putney, Vermont

Coming from its name, Verano is Vermont Shepherd’s seasonal summer cheese; made from pure sheeps’ milk when their pastures are abundant with wild herbs and grasses. This summer cheese is one of their rarest and best US sheep’s milk cheese, Verano ages 3-5 months and ripens by August. It is a smooth and creamy, semi-hard cheese; highlighting a sweet, rich and earthy flavor with hints of clover, mint, and thyme. The rustic wheel has a rough, golden brown rind. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Semi-hard Cheese, such as Verano pair incredibly with a Red Burgundy or White Bordeaux. These wines are well-balanced in acidity, fruit, and tannins to enhance the flavor of Verano.  As for beer, reach for an Amber Ale. This caramel and malt forward beer will play with the earthiness of Verano. Vermont Shepherd Verano_ WINESTYLES: Fruity BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet ABOUT VERMONT SHEPHERD: Vermont Shepherd is a 250-acre farm in Westminster West, Vermont with 300-700 sheep (depending on the time of year), 2 Border Collies (who herd the sheep) and 8 Maremma – a beautiful white dog who protects the sheep from predators – along with shepherds of all ages. At the northern edge of the farm is a cave which is home to their 2 types of cheese, where they live out the seasons of their lives.   Vermont Shepherd has won two conservation awards in 2002 and 2006 for the quality of its farming work and improving the soils, pastures, and water resources. 

Vella Dry Monterey JackVella Cheese Company Dry Monterey Jack Sonoma, California

Firm, pale yellow with a sweet nutty flavor. This cheese is great for grating, shredding, slicing, cooking or just plain eating. Marvelous in toasted cheese sandwiches, omelets and soufflés. Delicious shredded on pasta, soups or tacos, casseroles or enchiladas – for a taste that is unique and special. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Vella Cheese Co.’s Dry Monterey Jack pairs well with a bright, citrus forward Chardonnay from our Crisp or Fruity section. As for beer, this Jack pairs well with a Kolsch or a Blonde Ale from our Crisp and Clean section. Vella Dry Monterey Jack WINESTYLES: Crisp and Fruity BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean ABOUT VELLA CHEESE COMPANY: Gaetano (Tom) Vella arrived in Sonoma in the early 1920s, holding various jobs with the Sonoma Mission Creamery, in which his brother, Joseph, held considerable stock. Tom quickly built a reputation for his hard work, honesty and ability to make superior cheeses. In 1931, a group of dairymen approached Tom and offered to supply him with all the quality bulk milk he would need to successfully operate his own cheese factory. Tom jumped to the opportunity, and thus Vella Cheese Company was born. In 1981, the company was handed over to his children, and today is under the careful eye of his son, Ig Vella. Tom’s tradition and quality continues as cheese are still handmade, using sustainable practices and milk from local dairies. DRY MONTEREY JACK AWARDS:
  • 2014 Silver Medal, California State Fair
  • 2011 Gold Medal, Los Angeles County Fair
  • 2004 Gold Medal, Los Angeles County Fair
  • 1988 International Gold Medal Winner 

Monthly Cheese ClubDon’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 >