Randy Chandler
Bellavitano is a hard cow's milk cheese made by the Sartori Company of Plymouth, Wisconsin. It was introduced in 2008 as the result of years of experimentation and has since won dozens of awards. The cheese is inspired by traditional Italian farmstead cheese, with a flavour profile that combines elements of Parmesan and Cheddar. It has a creamy, rich texture with light fruity notes and a sweet and tangy finish. Its texture is almost granular at times, which comes from the calcium lactate crystals formed during the aging process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Bellavitano has a creamy, rich texture with a crystalline crunch from calcium lactate crystals formed during the aging process. |
| Flavor | Bellavitano has a nutty, fruity flavor with tangy and sharp notes. It is less salty and intense than Parmesan and has a more subdued, buttery flavor. |
| Appearance | Bellavitano has a whitish-yellow color and a glossy appearance. |
| Aroma | Bellavitano has an aroma reminiscent of Parmesan. |
| Pairings | Bellavitano pairs well with sweet pastries, bagels, chocolate, dried apricots, and various wines and beers. |
| Vegetarian | Bellavitano is a vegetarian cheese, made without animal rennet. |
| Lactose Intolerance | Bellavitano's extended aging process of at least 20 months makes it suitable for those with lactose intolerance. |
| Substitutions | When substituting Parmesan with Bellavitano, use 1 additional tablespoon of Bellavitano. |
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What You'll Learn
BellaVitano's texture and taste
BellaVitano is a hard, gourmet Italian-inspired cheese made from cow's milk. It is produced by the Sartori Company of Plymouth, Wisconsin and debuted in 2008. The cheese is inspired by both cheddar and Parmesan, giving it a rich, salty-savory flavour. It is described as having a nutty, fruity flavour and is also available in several flavoured varieties.
The Original variety, previously known as Gold, is the base type of BellaVitano. It has a creamy, rich texture with light fruity notes and a sweet and tangy finish. The crunch in the texture comes from the calcium lactate crystals that form as the cheese ages. The cheese is often hand-rubbed or soaked with an array of flavours like Black Pepper, Espresso, Chai, Merlot, Citrus Ginger and many more.
The texture of BellaVitano Gold has been described as almost granular at times, adding to the character of the cheese. It has a whitish-yellow colour and a glossier appearance than Parmesan. It has a similar taste to Parmesan, but with a bit more moisture at the beginning and a dry finish.
The Espresso BellaVitano has a fine powder of crushed espresso beans on one edge. It pairs well with sweet pastries, bagels, chocolate, dried apricots, and beverages like Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Sherry. The Merlot BellaVitano is immersed in fine Merlot wine, giving it hints of berry and plum to its nutty, fruity flavours. It is recommended to melt the Merlot BellaVitano on burgers.
BellaVitano is a versatile cheese that can be sliced, grated, or melted. It is also a favourite on cheeseboards due to its coloured rinds.
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Parmesan as a substitute
Parmesan is an excellent substitute for Bellavitano cheese. If you can't get your hands on some BellaVitano, simply add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan to your dish.
While Parmesan is a good substitute for Bellavitano in terms of texture and flavour, it is important to note that Bellavitano is a more versatile cheese. It is a table cheese that can be eaten on its own, whereas Parmesan is primarily used in cooking. Bellavitano has a rich, creamy texture with tangy and sharp notes, but it is not as salty or intense as Parmesan. It has a more subdued flavour with an umami taste and a smoother mouthfeel.
The versatility of Bellavitano extends to its flavour pairings. It pairs well with both sweet and savoury beverages. For example, coffee and Chardonnay are obvious pairings for Espresso Bellavitano and Chardonnay Bellavitano, respectively. On the other hand, Syrah with Black Pepper Bellavitano and Chianti with Tomato and Basil Bellavitano are less obvious but equally enjoyable combinations.
When it comes to cooking, Bellavitano can be melted on burgers, added to Italian dishes, or used in grilled cheese sandwiches. Its versatility and unique flavour make it a popular choice for cheeseboards.
In summary, while Parmesan can be a suitable substitute for Bellavitano in terms of texture and flavour, Bellavitano's versatility, subtle flavour, and creamy texture make it a unique and popular cheese in its own right.
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BellaVitano's versatility
BellaVitano is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes and pairings. It is a cow's milk cheese made by the Sartori Company of Plymouth, Wisconsin, and was introduced in 2008. The cheese is inspired by traditional Italian farmstead cheese, with a creamy, rich texture and light fruity notes. It has a sweet and tangy finish, with a crunch that comes from the calcium lactate crystals formed during the aging process.
One of the things that make BellaVitano so versatile is the variety of flavours it comes in. The different flavours are created by soaking the cheese wheels in different ingredients or rubbing flavours onto the rind. Some of the most popular varieties include Espresso BellaVitano, which is made with crushed espresso beans, and Merlot BellaVitano, which is immersed in Merlot wine, giving it hints of berry and plum. Other unique flavours include Balsamic, Black Pepper, Chardonnay, Tomato and Basil, and even Cinnamon.
BellaVitano pairs well with both sweet and savoury beverages. For example, Espresso BellaVitano goes well with coffee, while Chardonnay BellaVitano is a perfect match for a glass of Chardonnay. For something more unexpected, try Syrah with Black Pepper BellaVitano or Chianti with the Tomato and Basil variety. Beer is also a great match for BellaVitano, especially craft brews with their diverse styles and specialties.
When it comes to cooking, BellaVitano is a versatile cheese that can be sliced, grated, or melted. It can be used in place of Parmesan in dishes like Spaghetti Carbonara, adding a new level of flavour to classics. Merlot BellaVitano is delicious melted on burgers, while the Tomato and Basil variety can be used in Italian dishes or grilled cheese sandwiches served with tomato soup. Black Pepper BellaVitano adds a nice texture to grilled steaks. With its coloured rinds, BellaVitano is also a favourite on cheeseboards, offering a range of flavours and textures to enjoy.
Overall, BellaVitano's versatility extends from its ability to be paired with various beverages to its use in cooking and as a stand-alone snack. Its range of flavours and textures makes it a favourite among cheese enthusiasts and a great choice for those looking to explore new tastes and combinations.
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Flavoured varieties
Bellavitano is a versatile cheese with a variety of flavoured versions available. The flavourings are added to the rind or by soaking the cheese wheel, and these include balsamic vinegar, Merlot wine, raspberry ale, espresso, black pepper, Tennessee whisky, and more. The most recent addition to the Bellavitano family is the Tomato and Basil variety, launched in October 2023.
The flavour combinations of Bellavitano cheese are innovative and unique. For example, the Espresso Bellavitano is made with what appears to be a fine powder of crushed espresso beans on one edge. Even those who dislike coffee-flavoured foods seem to enjoy this variety. The Merlot Bellavitano is another popular choice, with the wine flavour balancing out the tanginess of the cheese and adding boozy, fruity notes. The Balsamic variety, on the other hand, enhances the tanginess of the cheese with its imported six-year-old Italian balsamic vinegar.
The Black Pepper Bellavitano is a versatile variety that can be added to grilled steaks or enjoyed with a glass of Syrah. For those who enjoy sweeter options, the Chardonnay Bellavitano pairs well with its namesake beverage, Chardonnay. When it comes to Italian dishes, the tomato and basil version is a perfect match, and it can take a classic like spaghetti carbonara to a new level.
Bellavitano cheese is produced by the Sartori Company of Plymouth, Wisconsin, and was introduced in 2008. It is a cow's milk cheese that begins with a flavour profile similar to Parmesan and ends with hints of melted butter. The cheese has a creamy, rich texture with light fruity notes and a sweet and tangy finish. The crunch in Bellavitano comes from the calcium lactate crystals that form during the aging process, adding to the overall character of the cheese.
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Pairings
Bellavitano is a versatile cheese that pairs well with a variety of foods and beverages. Its texture and flavour make it a suitable substitute for Parmesan in many dishes. Here are some specific pairing suggestions:
Food Pairings
- Spaghetti Carbonara: Bellavitano Gold can be used in place of Parmesan in this classic Italian dish to elevate its flavour.
- Burgers: Merlot Bellavitano can be melted on top of burgers for a savoury treat.
- Italian Dishes: The Tomato and Basil variety of Bellavitano can be used in Italian dishes, such as grilled cheese served with tomato soup.
- Steaks: Black Pepper Bellavitano can add a nice texture when paired with grilled steaks.
- Sweet Treats: Espresso Bellavitano goes well with sweet pastries, bagels, chocolate, and dried apricots.
Beverage Pairings
- Coffee: Espresso Bellavitano is a natural pairing with coffee due to its espresso flavour.
- Wine: Bellavitano has several wine pairings, including Chardonnay with Chardonnay Bellavitano, Syrah with Black Pepper Bellavitano, and Chianti with Tomato and Basil Bellavitano. Merlot Bellavitano also pairs well with wine, as the wine flavour balances out the tanginess of the cheese.
- Beer: Beer is a great match for Bellavitano, especially craft beers with different styles and specialties.
These pairing suggestions showcase the versatility of Bellavitano cheese and how it can enhance various dishes and beverages. Its unique flavour and texture make it a delightful substitute for Parmesan in many culinary applications.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Bellavitano is similar to Parmesan. It is a cow's milk cheese that begins like a Parmesan and ends with hints of melted butter. It has a creamy, rich texture with light fruity notes and a sweet and tangy finish.
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 number of flavoured varieties.
The basic flavour of Bellavitano is Parmesan-like, with tangy and sharp notes. It is not as salty or intense as Parmesan, with more subdued overall flavours. It has a nutty, fruity flavour and a creamy texture.
If you can't find Bellavitano cheese, you can substitute it with one additional tablespoon of Parmesan cheese.
Bellavitano comes in several varieties including Merlot, Balsamic, Espresso, Black Pepper, and Tomato and Basil.
