Andy Montoya
BellaVitano is a versatile cow's milk cheese produced by the Sartori Company of Plymouth, Wisconsin. Introduced in 2008, it is a hard cheese with a nutty, fruity flavour and a creamy, rich texture. It can be sliced, grated, or melted and is available in a variety of flavours, including Original, Garlic and Herb, Tomato and Basil, Tennessee Whiskey, Balsamic, Espresso, Black Pepper, Chardonnay, Merlot, Bourbon, Cognac, Raspberry, and Chai. The rind, formed by bathing the wheels in brine, is meant to be eaten and features crystals of calcium lactate, which form as the cheese ages.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 2008 |
| Manufacturer | Sartori Company of Plymouth, Wisconsin |
| Type of Milk | Cow's milk |
| Texture | Firm, creamy, rich |
| Flavor | Nutty, fruity, tangy, sweet |
| Crystals | Contains calcium lactate crystals |
| Rind | Edible |
| Flavor varieties | Garlic and Herb, Tomato and Basil, Tennessee Whiskey, Balsamic, Espresso, Black Pepper, Chardonnay, Merlot, Bourbon, Cognac, Raspberry and Chai |
| Beverage Pairings | Coffee, Chardonnay, Syrah, Chianti, Beer |
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What You'll Learn
Eat the rind
The rind of Bellavitano cheese is meant to be eaten. The crystals found inside and on the surface are calcium lactate, which are a natural part of the cheese-aging process. The cheese is bathed in brine to help form the rind, which is meant to be eaten and is part of the tasting experience.
According to Ken Kane, a Wisconsin master cheesemaker and Sartori plant manager, "One of the things I'd like to clear up—not only can you eat the rind, but we want you to eat the rind. We put a lot of effort into that, and if you don't eat the rind, you don't enjoy the full complexity of the cheese."
The rind of Bellavitano cheese is edible and adds to the overall taste experience of the cheese. It is created by bathing the cheese wheels in brine, which helps to form a delicious rind on the surface. This process is essential in developing the unique flavour and texture of the cheese.
When serving Bellavitano cheese, it is recommended to include the rind. The coloured rinds make Bellavitano a favourite on cheeseboards, adding a visual appeal to the tasting experience. The rind also provides a contrast in texture to the creamy richness of the cheese.
The rind of Bellavitano cheese is safe to eat and is designed to complement the flavour and texture of the cheese. It is created through a careful process of brining and ageing, resulting in a delicious and complex cheese experience. By including the rind, you can fully appreciate the artisanship and flavour profile that Bellavitano cheese has to offer.
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Grate, slice, or melt
Bellavitano is a versatile cheese that can be grated, sliced, or melted. This cow's milk cheese, produced by the Sartori Company of Plymouth, Wisconsin, was introduced in 2008 and has since become a popular ingredient in various dishes.
When grated, Bellavitano can be used to add a nutty, fruity flavour to pasta dishes, salads, or even sprinkled on top of soups or stews. Its unique flavour and creamy, rich texture make it a delicious alternative to traditional cheeses like Parmesan. The cheese also forms crunchy calcium lactate crystals as it ages, adding an interesting texture to any dish.
Bellavitano can also be sliced and enjoyed on its own as a snack or appetiser. Its firm texture makes it easy to slice, and its complex flavour—which can include notes of balsamic, garlic, or even whiskey—makes it a delightful tasting experience. The cheese pairs well with a variety of beverages, from coffee to wine, making it a versatile option for entertaining or simply enjoying a glass of wine and cheese.
Additionally, Bellavitano can be melted, making it a delicious addition to grilled cheese sandwiches, paninis, or even as a topping for burgers or vegetables. Its creamy texture becomes even more decadent when melted, and its flavour can enhance the taste of other ingredients. For example, a slice of melted Bellavitano cheese can elevate a simple ham and cheese sandwich into something extraordinary.
Whether grated, sliced, or melted, Bellavitano cheese offers a range of culinary possibilities. Its versatility, combined with its award-winning flavour and texture, makes it a popular choice for cheese lovers and chefs alike. With a variety of flavours available, including original, garlic and herb, and even seasonal offerings, Bellavitano cheese can be enjoyed in countless ways.
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Pair with sweet or savoury beverages
Bellavitano cheese is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of sweet or savoury beverages. The original variety, with its nutty, fruity, and tangy flavour, pairs well with sweet berry notes of Port, Red Zin, Madeira, or Light Italian Red. The creamy and salty Original Bellavitano also goes well with the acidic bite of ciders.
For something stronger, reds like Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Beaujolais bring out the bold and buttery flavours of Merlot Bellavitano. The dark fruit notes in Weizenbocks bring out the sweet, savoury, and sharp flavours of Balsamic Bellavitano, while the floral and fruity notes of American Pale Ales and Lagers complement the acidic, tart, and peppery flavours of Balsamic and Black Pepper Bellavitano.
If you're a fan of IPAs, the bitter and citrusy hops enhance the spicy, smoky flavours of Black Pepper and Tennessee Whiskey Bellavitano, while cutting through the buttery sweetness of Farmhouse Cheddar and Merlot Bellavitano. For a sweeter option, Asti Spumante and Riesling's sweet flavours enhance the complexities of Balsamic Bellavitano and play off the nuttiness of SarVecchio Parmesan.
Finally, medium-bodied wines like Chianti, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay allow the herbaceous flavours of Black Pepper Bellavitano to shine, while their buttery flavours complement the sharpness of SarVecchio Parmesan.
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Use as a substitute for Parmesan
Bellavitano cheese is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a cow's milk cheese that is produced by the Sartori Company of Plymouth, Wisconsin. Introduced in 2008, it has since become a popular ingredient in many recipes due to its unique flavour and texture.
One of the most common ways to use Bellavitano cheese is as a substitute for Parmesan. Both cheeses have similar characteristics, such as a hard texture and a nutty, fruity flavour. In terms of taste, Bellavitano has a creamy, rich texture with light fruity notes and a sweet and tangy finish. This makes it an excellent alternative to Parmesan in recipes such as spaghetti carbonara, where it can take a classic dish to a new level.
When substituting Bellavitano for Parmesan, it is important to consider the quantity and texture. Bellavitano has a slightly different consistency than Parmesan, so adjustments may be needed in the recipe. For example, if the recipe calls for grated Parmesan, Bellavitano can be grated in the same way and used as a one-to-one substitute. However, if the recipe requires a specific amount of Parmesan by weight, it is advisable to start with a smaller amount of Bellavitano and adjust to taste, as its flavour is quite distinct.
In addition to spaghetti carbonara, Bellavitano can be used in a variety of other dishes as a Parmesan substitute. It pairs well with Italian dishes, such as grilled cheese sandwiches or tomato-based recipes. Its versatility extends beyond savoury applications; Bellavitano can also be paired with sweet dishes, such as desserts or even cheese plates. Its unique flavour and texture make it a favourite on cheeseboards, where it adds a distinct touch to the typical selection.
Overall, Bellavitano cheese is a delicious and versatile substitute for Parmesan. Its distinct flavour and texture make it a popular choice for those looking to elevate classic dishes or create unique flavour combinations. Whether grated, sliced, or melted, Bellavitano cheese is a wonderful ingredient to experiment with in the kitchen.
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Experiment with different flavours
Bellavitano is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes and pairings. The cheese is produced by soaking or rubbing different flavourings onto the wheel, which is then further aged. This process creates unique and complex flavours that can enhance a variety of dishes.
One way to experiment with different flavours of Bellavitano cheese is to try the various extensions of the original cheese. These extensions include bold flavours such as bourbon, black pepper, cognac, garlic and herb, tomato and basil, Tennessee whiskey, balsamic, espresso, and merlot. Each of these varieties offers a unique taste profile that can be paired with different dishes or beverages. For example, the espresso variety might appeal to those who enjoy coffee, while the tomato and basil variety can be paired with a Chianti for a sophisticated flavour combination.
In addition to the standard extensions, Bellavitano cheese also offers seasonal and limited-edition flavours. These special editions provide an opportunity to explore unique and unexpected taste profiles. For instance, the Raspberry and Chai flavour combines the sweetness of raspberries with the spicy and aromatic notes of chai. By embracing these limited-edition offerings, you can discover new favourites and expand your palate.
Another way to experiment with flavours is to consider beverage pairings. Bellavitano cheese often plays well with different drinks, enhancing the overall tasting experience. For instance, you can pair the Espresso Bellavitano with a cup of coffee or the Chardonnay Bellavitano with a glass of Chardonnay wine. For those who enjoy a glass of red wine, a Syrah can be an excellent companion to the Black Pepper Bellavitano. Additionally, craft beer enthusiasts might explore the various craft brewery styles and specialties that complement the cheese.
When serving Bellavitano cheese, it is important to remember that the rind is meant to be eaten. The crystals found inside and on the surface of the cheese are calcium lactate, a natural part of the cheese-aging process. By consuming the rind along with the cheese, you will be able to appreciate the full complexity and depth of flavours that Bellavitano has to offer.
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Frequently asked questions
Bellavitano is a cow's milk cheese made by the Sartori Company of Plymouth, Wisconsin. It was introduced in 2008 and is available in a variety of flavours. It is inspired by traditional Italian farmstead cheese.
Bellavitano is a versatile cheese that can be sliced, grated, or melted. It can be paired with a variety of beverages, both sweet and savoury. The rind of the cheese is meant to be eaten and has crystals of calcium lactate, which are proof of a well-aged cheese.
Bellavitano Original has a nutty, fruity flavour with a creamy, rich texture and a sweet and tangy finish. The flavoured varieties, such as Merlot, Black Pepper, and Balsamic, each have their own unique taste profiles.
You can purchase Bellavitano cheese from specialty cheese shops or online retailers that stock products from the Sartori Company or Wisconsin artisan cheeses.
