Tag Archives: Spanish Cheese

November Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubBuenalba-White-WineArtequeso Buenalba Vino Blanco Semicured Sheep Cheese with White Wine Tembleque, Spain

Buenalba Vino Blanco is an artisan cheese crafted from La Manchega sheep’s milk and infused with white wine. This cheese was developed for a client seeking a Spanish wine-flavored cheese without the usual purple hue. The addition of wine from the Airén grape varietal (widespread in La Mancha) imparts a gentle acidity and lactic note to the flavor. Matured for 6 months on the “Finca la Prudenciana” farm in  Tembleque (Toledo), it is a pressed cheese, with marks on the rind of the flower and pleita. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: For wine, try this cheese with an Albariño white wine (what grows together, goes together).  This white wine from Spain offers bright acidity and citrus notes that complement the cheese’s lactic flavor while enhancing its wine character. For beer, try a Saison — farmhouse ale with fruity and spicy notes. Saison will balance the richness of the cheese and elevate its flavors without overpowering them. WINESTYLES: Crisp wines BEERSTYLES: Fruity & Spicy beers

buenalba_pimentoArtequeso Buenalba Al Pimentón Sheep Cheese with Paprika Tembleque, Spain

Buenalba al Pimentón is crafted from La Mancha sheep’s milk sourced from the Tembleque (Toledo) region of Spain. The addition of smoked and sweet paprika gives the cheese its distinctive reddish-orange hue. While the raw sheep’s milk provides a sharp and lactic flavor, the paprika introduces a subtle spiciness that balances the cheese’s richness. Matured between 3 and 4 months at “Finca la Prudeniana” farm in Tembleque, it is a hard cheese, with rinds marks from the ‘flor’ and ‘pleita’.  This well-rounded cheese can be savored on its own or sliced and paired with exquisite jamón and crusty fresh bread. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Another “what grows together, goes together”—try pairing this cheese with a Garnacha. This Spanish red wine, known for its juicy red fruit flavors and moderate tannins, complements the sharpness of the cheese while enhancing the smokiness of the paprika. For beer, try with an Amber Ale; the malt sweetness and caramel notes of this beer work well with the richness of this cheese. WINESTYLES: Fruity red 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 >

June Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubArtequeso-cheeseArtequeso Manchego Artesano D.O.P. Semi-Curado La Mancha, Spain

Made in the heart of Spain’s La Mancha region, Artequeso’s Manchego cheese is a taste of tradition. Crafted on the La Prudenciana Estate using milk from their herd of 1,000 Manchego sheep, this cheese has arrived to the US with great accolades, it was even featured on Mario Batali’s “Spain…On the Road Again” show. Aged for 4 months, it boasts a mild yet flavorful taste with a soft, stretchy texture. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: As they say, what grows together, goes together! Enjoy this Spanish cheese with any of our June Wine Club wines from Spain. It will also pair nicely with an unoaked Chardonnay. If you prefer red, pair with a good Tempranillo, Malbec or Chianti. For our beer lovers, we have two different recommendations to pair with this delicious cheese: Ciders or Malty beers… choose your own adventure! WINESTYLES: Rich, Bold or Mellow BEERSTYLES: Sour, Tart & Funky or Malty & Sweet PRODUCTION: This unparalleled raw milk Manchego is exclusively produced using sheep’s milk collected from local herds. Once the milk is collected, Artequeso Manchego cheese is produced following only the strictest of artisan traditions, during which cheesemaker Alfonso Alvarez and his staff keep absolute control over each step of the cheesemaking process; this includes curd cutting, whey drainage, salting, and finally drying. Once the process is complete, each wheel is carefully tended to during the affinage process, with particular attention to controlled temperature and humidity levels. ABOUT ARTEQUESO: Artequeso is a family-run business dedicated to producing high-quality cheese in La Mancha, Spain. Utilizing traditional methods and the finest Manchega sheep’s milk, they have crafted a reputation for excellence. Their products reflect a commitment to authenticity, heritage, and environmental sustainability, embodying the rich culinary tradition of the region. Artequeso’s cheeses are celebrated for their distinct flavors and textures, achieved through meticulous care in every step of the cheesemaking process. For more details, click here. Information and Photo © Zuercher & Co. and Artequeso- All Rights Reserved.

hooks-5-year-cheddarHook’s Cheese Company Inc. Five-Year Aged Cheddar Mineral Point, Wisconsin

Made with pasteurized cow’s milk, featuring a vegetarian rennet, Hook’s Five-Year Aged Cheddar Cheese is a customer favorite. It is sharp, acidic, and a perfect accompaniment to any cheese board. It is made in five-pound blocks, which allows the cheese to develop rich, complex flavors over time. In some years, delicate proteins form crunchy pockets of caramelized goodness. FOOD PAIRING: Make a yummy cheese and charcuterie board with dried fruits, bitter chocolate, quince paste, olives, pate, cornichon pickles, grained mustard, peppadew peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, assorted salami, and prosciutto. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: When pairing this cheese with white wines, reach for a Riesling, Chardonnay or anything with bubbles. For a red wine, grab a Syrah or Pinot Noir. For our beer lovers out there, enjoy with a Saison, Cider or Belgian Ale; and if you want to get really fancy with it, pair this cheese with your favorite Bourbon! WINESTYLES: Rich or Bold BEERSTYLES: Fruity & Spicy or Crisp & Clean
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. Information and photo © Zuercher & Co., Fromagination and Hook’s Cheese Company- 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

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Cheese ClubBelletoile-cheese-wheelBelletoile Triple Créme Brie Lorraine Valley, France

In 1960, Belletoile was the first triple créme Brie exported to the USA.  It sets itself apart from traditional Brie and Camembert by incorporating extra cream in the production process, resulting in a delightful, creamy, and mellow texture.  Its protective rind allows for prolonged enjoyment, as it softens and ages.  Evolving flavor profiles start out fresh and mild, then transforms into a creamier and more aromatic taste as the cheese matures.  This triple cream cheese is light, airy and mild with 70% fat. It’s more savory and buttery than a traditional brie. Enjoy with this recipe for a crostini topped with cherry jam. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pair with an unoaked Chardonnay or our January White Wine Selection. For beer, look for a crisp wheat beer, such as a Hefeweizen or an ale such as a saison.  WINESTYLES: Silky BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean, or Sour, Tart & Funky Information and photo © Belletoile – All Rights Reserved.

Cecilia-cheeseCastellano Cecilia de Castilla Castile-León, Spain

A traditional Spanish sheep’s milk cheese from the Castilla y León region. This cheese has a rich, complex flavor with buttery, nutty and sweet undertones – everything you love about Spanish sheep’s milk cheese! Aged for 12 months, it has a deep ivory to light yellow color with a firm and almost crumbly texture. The flavors are complex, deep and nutty with a slightly sharp and tangy finish. WINE & CRAFT BEER RECOMMENDATIONS: Enjoy with a fruity red such as a Tempranillo, or a bubbly wine such as a Spanish Cava. For beer, grab a Basque Cider.  WINESTYLES: Fruity & Mellow BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean 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 >

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 >

January Cheese Club: Iowa

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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 >