Patrick Oconnell
Merlot BellaVitano® is a firm, creamy cheese with fruity notes of plum and berry mixed with creamy richness. Each wheel is soaked in Merlot wine, giving the rind a vivid purple hue and the smell and taste of Merlot. The rind is meant to be eaten and enhances the overall flavour with its wine-infused essence. This cheese is best enjoyed with dried nuts and fruits, crusty Italian or French bread, and a glass of Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, or a dark malty ale.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Firm, creamy |
| Rind | Edible, wine-infused, purple |
| Taste Profile | Fruity, salty-savory, creamy richness |
| Texture | Rich, creamy |
| Smell | Merlot |
| Pairing Suggestions | Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Dark Malty Ale, crusty bread, dried nuts and fruits, prosciutto, semisweet chocolates |
| Storage | 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Pairing Merlot BellaVitano with wine
Merlot BellaVitano is a firm, gourmet cheese with fruity and fermented flavours, inspired by cheddar and parmesan. It is crafted by the Sartori cheesemakers in Wisconsin, and each wheel is soaked in Merlot wine, giving it a vivid purple hue and the smell and taste of Merlot. The cheese has a unique crunchy texture from the Calcium Lactate crystals formed during the aging process.
When pairing Merlot BellaVitano with wine, it is essential to consider the flavour profiles of both the cheese and the wine. The cheese has fruity notes from the Merlot wine it is soaked in, as well as a rich and salty-savory flavour. A general rule of thumb for pairing wine with cheese is to match the weight or intensity of the two. Since Merlot BellaVitano is a firm and flavourful cheese, it can stand up to wines with more robust flavours.
Sommeliers recommend pairing Merlot BellaVitano with a robust red wine to complement its rich and salty-savory flavour. A Merlot, Shiraz, or Pinot Noir would be excellent choices as their fruity notes of plum and berry will marry well with the fruity undertones of the cheese. For a bolder pairing, a Napa Valley Merlot, with its fruit-forward character, would be a delightful choice.
If you're looking for a white wine pairing, a full-bodied Chardonnay with oaky and buttery notes could stand up to the intensity of the cheese while providing a nice contrast to its fruity flavours. Additionally, a sparkling wine like a Prosecco or a Cava could cut through the richness of the cheese with their crisp acidity and delicate flavours.
When creating a wine and cheese pairing, it's important to consider other elements on the plate, such as cured meats, nuts, and fruits, which can enhance the overall experience. For instance, thin slices of prosciutto can enhance the savoury notes of Merlot BellaVitano, while dried apricots or figs complement its fruity undertones.
Chuck E. Cheese Tokens: A Thing of the Past?
You may want to see also
Pairing Merlot BellaVitano with beer
Merlot BellaVitano is a popular cheese made by the Sartori Company, a fourth-generation family-owned business based in Wisconsin. The cheese is part of the company's BellaVitano line of Asiago or Parmesan-style cheeses. It is made from pasteurized cow's milk and soaked in Merlot wine to give it a unique flavour and texture. The Sartori cheesemakers hand-soak each wheel in wine for several days, allowing the cheese to absorb the fruity notes of plum and berry from the Merlot. The result is a rich, creamy cheese with a nutty, buttery finish and a slight crunchy feel from the naturally formed Calcium Crystals.
Merlot BellaVitano pairs well with a variety of beers. Here are some suggestions:
- Dark Malty Ale: The sweetness and maltiness of this beer style will balance the creaminess of the cheese, creating a harmonious pairing.
- India Pale Ale (IPA): The hoppy bitterness of an IPA will cut through the richness of the cheese, providing a refreshing contrast in flavours and textures.
- Hoppy Pilsners: The crisp, hop-forward profile of a pilsner beer will complement the fruity notes in the cheese while offering a refreshing drinking experience.
- Wheat Beers: Wheat beers tend to have a softer, smoother profile, which can showcase the cheese's richness while providing a refreshing beverage pairing.
When pairing Merlot BellaVitano with beer, consider the flavour profiles and how they will interact. The cheese's creamy, rich, and fruity characteristics can be balanced by beers with sweetness, maltiness, or crisp bitterness. The slight crunch from the Calcium Crystals in the cheese can also add an interesting textural element to the pairing.
Pizza Hut's Parmesan: Real or Fake?
You may want to see also
Pairing Merlot wine with cheese
Merlot is a medium- to full-bodied wine with less dryness and fewer tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon, making it more food-friendly and compatible with a wider range of flavours. On the palate, Merlot presents notes of cherry, plum, chocolate, bay leaf, and vanilla. Depending on the blend, it can be oak-forward or more plum-forward.
When it comes to cheese, you can pair Merlot with a variety of options, from sharp Cheddar to light, creamy Brie. The acidity and tannins in Merlot can cut through the fat in cheese, creating a delicious and balanced pairing. The creaminess and slight sweetness of certain cheeses can also help to offset the wine's acidity, leaving a nutty, buttery taste on the palate.
- Gorgonzola: A sharp, creamy, full-bodied cheese with a hint of sweetness to offset the pungency of Blue cheeses. Its complexity and richness in taste marry well with Merlot, while the sharp bite it can have at the end prevents the cheese from getting lost in the tannins or acidity of the wine.
- Brie: From mild and slightly chalky to decadently gooey and strong in flavour, Brie's subtle tanginess and rich cream flavours pair well with Merlot, subduing its acidity.
- Camembert: Similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, Camembert enhances the wine's fruity, dark berry flavours. Its rich and creamy texture and taste coat the mouth, minimising the tannins and acidity in the wine.
- Cheddar: While Cabernet Sauvignon is typically recommended with Seriously Sharp Cheddar, Merlot's lower tannin content makes it a good pairing with milder cheddars, such as Mild Cheddar or Colby Jack.
Blue Cheese and Steak: A Match Made in Heaven
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Storing Merlot BellaVitano
Merlot BellaVitano is a unique, award-winning cheese with a creamy and rich texture and fruity notes of plum and berry. It is produced by the Sartori family, who are fourth-generation cheesemakers based in Wisconsin. The cheese is inspired by traditional Italian farmstead cheese and is known for its distinct purple-hued rind, which is also edible. When storing Merlot BellaVitano, there are several factors to consider to ensure the cheese remains fresh and flavourful.
Temperature and Shelf Life:
Merlot BellaVitano, like all Sartori cheese, should be stored at a cool temperature of 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit (F). Properly stored and unopened, the cheese can last between 120 to 360 days. Once opened, the cheese should be consumed within a reasonable period, as the shelf life will vary depending on the moisture content, acidity, and packaging. To extend the shelf life, it is recommended to store the cheese in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or cheese paper.
Shipping and Transportation:
When ordering Merlot BellaVitano online, it is important to consider the shipping and transportation conditions. Due to the perishable nature of the cheese, most retailers ship using insulated cooler boxes with ice packs and only on specific days of the week to ensure the product arrives fresh. For example, some retailers ship on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, avoiding weekends and major U.S. holidays.
Storage Tips:
To maintain the quality and flavour of Merlot BellaVitano, follow these storage tips:
- Store the cheese in the coldest part of your refrigerator, usually the bottom shelf, to maintain the ideal temperature range of 35-40 degrees F.
- Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or cheese paper to prevent moisture loss and odour absorption from other foods in the fridge.
- If you plan to store the cheese for an extended period, consider vacuum sealing it to extend its shelf life.
- Regularly clean your refrigerator and storage containers to prevent the growth of mould or bacteria that could affect the cheese.
- Store the cheese away from strong-smelling foods to prevent the absorption of unwanted odours.
- If you notice any mould on the cheese, cut away the affected portion and ensure the cheese is wrapped tightly before returning it to the refrigerator.
By following these storage guidelines, you can enjoy the unique flavours and textures of Merlot BellaVitano for a more extended period while maintaining the highest quality and freshness.
Calcium Chloride's Role in Cheese Making
You may want to see also
Serving Merlot BellaVitano
Merlot BellaVitano is a creamy, fruity, and rich cheese with a buttery texture. Its rind is soaked in Merlot wine, giving it a vivid purple hue and the smell and taste of Merlot. The cheese is produced by Sartori cheesemakers in Wisconsin and has won awards for its unique flavour profile and texture. The cheese is inspired by both Cheddar and Parmesan, resulting in a salty-savoury flavour. The rind of the cheese is edible and is meant to be eaten as part of the tasting experience. It adds a delightful complexity with hints of berry and plum.
When serving Merlot BellaVitano, there are several options to consider. The cheese can be enjoyed on its own, as a standalone snack or dessert. It pairs well with dried nuts and fruits, such as toasted walnuts, almonds, apricots, or figs. The nuts provide a crunchy texture that complements the creamy cheese, while the fruits enhance the cheese's fruity undertones. Merlot BellaVitano can also be served with crusty Italian or French bread. A simple yet indulgent option is to spread a generous slice of the cheese on warm, crusty bread.
For a savoury option, Merlot BellaVitano can be paired with thin slices of prosciutto, enhancing the cheese's savoury notes and creating a delightful contrast with its sweetness. For an even heartier option, it can be served with cured meats and salted nuts as part of a charcuterie board. This allows for a variety of flavours and textures to be enjoyed alongside the cheese. When it comes to beverages, Merlot BellaVitano pairs well with a range of wines, including Merlot (naturally), Shiraz, and Pinot Noir. It also goes well with beers such as India Pale Ales, hoppy pilsners, or wheat beers for a refreshing combination.
When storing Merlot BellaVitano, it is recommended to follow general cheese storage guidelines. Unopened, the cheese can be stored for 120 to 360 days, depending on the packaging and storage conditions. It should be stored at a temperature of 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper storage will ensure that the cheese retains its optimal flavour and texture. When serving, Merlot BellaVitano can be sliced or cut into wedges, depending on the desired presentation and portion size. It is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or part of a main course.
The Ultimate Guide to Using a Cheese Trier
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Merlot Cheese, or Merlot BellaVitano, is a firm, creamy cheese with fruity notes of plum and berry, inspired by traditional Italian farmstead cheese. It is soaked in Merlot wine, giving the rind a purple hue and a subtle wine flavour.
Merlot Cheese has a rich, salty-savoury flavour with a creamy texture. It is reminiscent of aged cheddar or parmesan.
Merlot Cheese pairs well with crusty Italian or French bread, dried nuts and fruits, and cured meats like prosciutto. It is also recommended to be eaten with a glass of Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, or a Dark Malty Ale.
All varieties of Sartori cheese should be stored at 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Unopened, they can be stored for 120-360 days.
