Frederic Melton
Castello is a brand of cheese that offers a wide range of cheese types, including Havarti, Cheddar, Gouda, Danish Blue, DOUBLE CRÈME BLUE, Brie, Camembert, Edam, Greek Style Cheese, and Fontina. The brand was established in 1893 by Rasmus Tholstrup of Denmark and has since expanded to include several dairies in Denmark. On the other hand, Castello di Amorosa is a winery located in Napa Valley, California. It is an authentically styled 14th-century Tuscan castle that offers daily tours, wine tastings, and food and wine pairing experiences. While the types of cheese served at Castello di Amorosa are unclear, the winery's food and wine pairing experiences likely feature a variety of cheeses that complement their hand-crafted white, rosé, red, and sweet wines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Winery |
| Location | Napa Valley |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Castello Cheese Types
Castello Cheese, established in 1893 by Rasmus Tholstrup of Denmark, offers a wide range of cheese varieties, including creamy, crumbly, nutty, and sharp flavours. The brand was further expanded by Rasmus' son, Henrik, who introduced the popular Bianco cheese, followed by the Castello cheese, a white cheese that took over ten years to develop. Today, Castello continues to produce a diverse selection of cheeses, some of which are detailed below.
Havarti
Havarti is a firm and aged cheese that pairs well with beverages that have a bit more "oomph," such as brown ale or slightly sweeter white wines. Belgian beers, Old Fashioneds, and Manhattans are also suitable drink options to consider when serving this cheese.
Cheddar
Castello's Extra Mature Cheddar can be served with fig marmalade, fresh fig, and thyme on a cracker. The sweetness of the fig and marmalade creates a delightful contrast to the boldness of the cheese, while the thyme adds subtle herbal notes. For an alternative pairing, honey-coated almonds can be used instead of fig, providing a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness.
Blue Cheese
Castello has developed a range of blue cheeses since the 1960s, including the award-winning Rosenborg variety. These cheeses are known for their mildly spicy flavour and smooth, rich texture similar to Brie. When serving blue cheese, consider pairing it with a strong and sweet drink to balance out the saltiness. Options include a red Amarone, sweet dessert wine, or a glass of port. Heavy beers with a high alcohol content also complement blue cheese well.
Alps Selection Cheeses
The Alps Selection includes Hirten, Bergkase, and Weissbier cheeses, which were first introduced to the United States in 2012. These cheeses represent the first of their kind available in the US market.
Other Varieties
In addition to the cheeses mentioned above, Castello offers a diverse range of other varieties, including Gouda, Danish Blue, Double Crème Blue, Brie, Camembert, Edam, Greek-style Cheese, and Fontina. They also feature unique products like the Pineapple & Almond Cream Cheese Ring, which can be served with coconut flakes and fresh mint leaves, providing a tropical twist to a classic cheese course.
The Perfect Pimento Cheese Sandwich: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Castello Winery Location
Castello di Amorosa is a winery located near Calistoga, California, in Napa Valley. The winery was opened to the public in April 2007 by fourth-generation vintner Dario Sattui, who also owns and operates the V. Sattui Winery. The castle, outbuildings, and the winery inside the castle were constructed on 171 acres of land purchased for $3.2 million, with an additional $40 million spent on construction. The castle has since been expanded to 141,000 square feet and includes a moat, a drawbridge, defensive towers, an interior courtyard, a torture chamber, a chapel, a knights' chamber, and a great hall.
The winery offers daily tours, wine tastings, and food and wine pairing experiences. Visitors can sample the wines in the barrel cellar and tasting rooms beneath the castle, with options to pair them with charcuterie, cheeses, and chocolate. The castle itself is an architectural marvel, modelled after a 14th-century Tuscan castle, with key details and building techniques faithful to the 12th and 13th centuries. The masonry, ironwork, and woodwork were crafted by hand using old-world techniques, and the building materials included locally quarried stone, European bricks, paving stones, and terracotta roofing tiles.
The winery stands out as one of the most unusual buildings in Napa Valley, offering a unique blend of history, charm, and indulgence. The best time to visit is from August to October during Napa's harvest season, although reservations are recommended due to high demand. Castello di Amorosa provides a magical experience, combining the beauty of the valley with the delight of wine tastings and the intrigue of exploring a medieval castle.
Regarding the cheese served at Castello di Amorosa, the winery offers charcuterie and cheese pairings with their wine tastings. While the specific types of cheese offered may vary, popular choices for wine pairings include Havarti, Cheddar, Gouda, Danish Blue, Brie, Camembert, Edam, and Greek-style cheese. These cheeses can be enjoyed alongside the winery's award-winning wines, creating a delightful sensory experience.
The Art of Serving Chaumes Cheese
You may want to see also
Cheese and Wine Pairing
When it comes to cheese and wine pairing, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, the flavours and textures of the cheese and wine should complement each other. Secondly, the strength of the cheese and wine should be balanced—pairing a light cheese with a light wine, for example. Finally, it's important to consider the overall dining experience, including the presentation of the cheese board and the atmosphere of the setting.
Castello Cheese offers a wide range of cheeses, from creamy and crumbly to nutty and sharp. Their selection includes Havarti, Cheddar, Gouda, Danish Blue, DOUBLE CRÈME BLUE, Brie, Camembert, and Edam, among others. When creating a cheese board, it's recommended to choose a variety of cheeses that differ in texture, flavour, and strength to make the experience more interesting and engaging.
For those who want to play it safe, white wine or beer are the best options to pair with cheese. A slightly sweet white wine with good acidity can cut through the richness of the cheese. German Riesling, such as Feinherb, Spätlese, or Auslese, and French dessert wines like Sauternes, are recommended as they are both sweet and acidic. Sweet wines generally go well with most cheeses.
However, for those who want to be more adventurous, there are other options to explore. Firm and aged cheeses, such as Gouda or Havarti, pair well with brown ale or slightly sweeter white wine. Blue cheeses, on the other hand, enjoy strong and sweet drinks to balance their saltiness. A red Amarone, sweet dessert wine, or port would be excellent choices. Heavy beers with high alcohol content are also a good match for blue cheese.
When serving cheese, it is best enjoyed at room temperature for no longer than three hours. It is recommended to take the cheese out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving. This allows the fats in the cheese to warm up and release their flavours. To enhance the dining experience, fresh herbs and scented candles can be added to the table, creating a calming atmosphere.
The Perfect Pairing: Manchego, Quince Paste, and a Glass of Wine
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cheese Board Creation
Cheese boards are a delightful way to showcase a variety of cheeses, offering a beautiful and tasty experience for your guests. Here is a guide to creating a memorable cheese board, featuring Castello cheeses:
Selecting the Cheeses
The key to a well-rounded cheese board is variety. Choose a range of cheeses that differ in texture, flavour, and strength. Include mild and strong, sweet and salty, and cheeses with different textures, such as creamy, crumbly, and hard varieties. Castello offers a wide range of cheeses perfect for a cheese board, including Havarti, Cheddar, Gouda, Danish Blue, DOUBLE CRÈME BLUE, Brie, Camembert, and Edam.
Preparing the Cheeses
To get the best flavours, serve the cheeses at room temperature. Take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. Cut the cheeses into different formats, such as small dice, slices, and wedges, to add visual and tactile interest. Large wedges are ideal for guests to break off pieces, and don't forget to provide a cheese knife.
Pairings and Accompaniments
Enhance the flavours of your cheeses by offering pairings and accompaniments. Castello's Extra Mature Cheddar pairs beautifully with fig marmalade, fresh fig, thyme, or honey-coated almonds. For their Creamy Blue, try a dark cracker with dark chocolate (70%-80% cocoa) and sugared cranberries. The Pineapple & Almond Cream Cheese Ring is delicious with coconut flakes, fresh mint leaves, and crispy crackers. For the Creamy White, arrange it on a spoon with dried cranberries, dried flowers, and a piece of honeycomb.
Beverage Pairings
The right beverage can enhance the cheese tasting experience. If serving only one drink, white wine or beer are safe choices. Slightly sweet and acidic white wines, such as German Riesling or French dessert wines like Sauternes, pair well with most cheeses. For stronger cheeses, consider a red wine like Amarone or a sweet dessert wine. Blue cheeses often pair well with sweet and strong drinks to balance the saltiness, such as a glass of port. Beers, such as brown ales or slightly sweeter white wines, are a good match for firm and aged cheeses. For a unique pairing, try a gin and tonic or a gin sour with mild and creamy cheeses or blue cheese.
Presentation
The visual appeal of your cheese board is essential. Choose matching serving plates and bowls for a harmonious look. Add fresh herbs and scented candles to enhance the experience, as aroma is intimately linked to taste. Avoid harsh lighting, opting for softer lighting to create a comfortable atmosphere.
Cheese Servings: 5 Pounds Equals How Many?
You may want to see also
Castello Cheese History
Castello Cheese was established in 1893 by Rasmus Tholstrup of Denmark. Tholstrup's son, Henrik, bought a Swedish dairy and produced the popular Bianco cheese, followed by Castello cheese, a white cheese that took ten years to develop. In 1958, Henrik expanded the brand by purchasing several dairies in Denmark. By 1962, the number of Castello cheeses produced per day had increased to 2,200. Thirty years later, 60,000 Castello cheeses were being produced daily. Henrik received the Danish Cheesemonger's award in 1963 for his contributions to the success of Danish cheese production.
Castello blue cheeses were developed in the 1960s. The curds are dipped in saltwater, drained, and moulded. The cheese is then punctured with tiny holes and brought into the ripening room for about 15 days. After this, it is washed, cut, packed, and placed in a "cooling room" for about a week at a temperature close to freezing. The washed rind encourages the growth of moulds, adding to the cheese's mildly spicy flavour. Castello blue cheese has a smooth, rich texture similar to Brie.
Today, Castello offers a wide range of cheeses, including Havarti, Cheddar, Gouda, Danish Blue, DOUBLE CRÈME BLUE, Brie, Camembert, Edam, Greek Style Cheese, and Fontina. The brand provides suggestions for cheese boards and pairings, such as serving the Extra Mature Cheddar with fig marmalade, fresh fig, thyme, or honey-coated almonds. The Creamy Blue is recommended to be paired with a dark cracker, dark chocolate, and sugared cranberries. For a unique twist, the Pineapple & Almond Cream Cheese Ring can be served with coconut flakes and fresh mint leaves.
Castello cheeses have received numerous awards for their exceptional taste. The American Culinary Institute awarded the Gold Medal “Best Taste” to Castello:Rosenborg, honouring it as the nation's best-tasting imported Blue cheese for five consecutive years. Additionally, the American Tasting Institute awarded Gold Medals to Castello Rosenborg Danish Blue Cheese, Extra Creamy Danish Blue Cheese, and Mellow Blue Danish Cheese.
McDonald's Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Bagel: Still on the Menu?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Castello makes a variety of cheeses, including Havarti, Cheddar, Gouda, Danish Blue, DOUBLE CRÈME BLUE, Brie, Camembert, Edam, and Greek Style Cheese.
Castello di Amorosa is an authentically-styled 14th-century Tuscan castle winery located in Napa Valley, California. They offer daily tours, wine tastings, and food and wine pairing experiences.
When it comes to pairing cheese and wine, a good rule of thumb is to match the drink and cheese in strength. Light cheeses go well with light beverages, while heavy cheeses pair well with heavier beverages. For example, a slightly sweet white wine or a brown ale can complement firm and aged cheeses like Gouda or Havarti. Blue cheeses, on the other hand, enjoy a strong and sweet drink like a red Amarone or a dessert wine to balance out their saltiness.
To enhance the flavours of Castello cheese, it is recommended to serve it at room temperature for no longer than three hours. Aim to take the cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the fats in the cheese to warm up, making the flavours easier to taste. Creating a pleasant atmosphere with soft lighting and scented candles can also enhance the overall tasting experience.
