Randy Chandler
Wisconsin's Sartori Cheese debuted its first award-winning BellaVitano cheese in 2008. It has since become a versatile and malleable crowd-pleaser with a variety for every palate. The original BellaVitano is a nutty, fruity, pasteurized cow's milk cheese with the texture of creamy cheddar and the crunch of premium parmesan. It is also described as having hints of melted butter. The newest flavour of BellaVitano is tomato and basil, but other varieties include espresso and cinnamon. Some wheels are soaked in Merlot wine to give the cheese notes of berry and plum.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Milk | Cow's milk |
| Texture | Creamy, rich, crunchy, granular |
| Taste | Nutty, fruity, hints of melted butter, notes of berry and plum |
| Flavours | Espresso, tomato and basil |
| Crystals | Contains calcium lactate crystals |
| Eat the Rind | Yes |
| Awards | 2018 International Cheese Awards - Gold Medal, 2018 World Championship Cheese Contest - Second Place, 2016 International Cheese Awards - Gold Medal, 2016 World Cheese Awards - Silver Medal |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Fruity, nutty, and buttery
The flavour of BellaVitano cheese has been described as fruity, nutty, and buttery. It is a versatile, award-winning cheese, with a rich and creamy texture, and a slight crunch. It is made from pasteurised cow's milk, with cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes, and is produced by the Sartori family in Wisconsin, inspired by traditional Italian farmstead cheese.
The cheese is first formed and cut, then hand-salted, pressed for several hours, and cured. It is then aged for several months, and sometimes soaked or rubbed with additional flavourings, such as Merlot wine, espresso, tomato and basil, or cinnamon. The cheese can be further aged for up to 22 months, and the resulting crystals are calcium lactate, which is a natural part of the aging process.
The unique flavour of BellaVitano is said to be reminiscent of aged, premium Wisconsin Cheddar, balanced by a full-flavoured Parmesan. The combination of these flavours results in a cheese that is both creamy and rich, with a slightly crunchy texture. The cheese is described as "fruity" and "nutty" with a "hint of melted butter", and the fruity notes are enhanced by the Merlot wine, which gives the cheese notes of berries and plums.
The Sartori family debuted their first BellaVitano cheese in 2008, and it has since become a popular and versatile cheese, with a variety of flavours to suit every palate. The cheese is described as "malleable" and can be sliced, grated, or melted. The rind is also meant to be eaten, adding to the complexity of the cheese.
Cheese and Chocolate: Delicious Rivals or Perfect Partners?
You may want to see also
Premium Wisconsin cheddar-like
Wisconsin's Sartori Cheese debuted its first BellaVitano cheese in 2008, and it has since become a versatile and award-winning favourite. This premium Wisconsin cheddar-like cheese is an original creation, inspired by traditional Italian farmstead cheese.
The process of making BellaVitano involves pasteurized milk from local dairies and vegetarian rennet. The curd is formed, cut, and hand-salted, then pressed for several hours. The wheels of cheese are then bathed in brine to form a delicious rind, which is meant to be eaten and adds to the complexity of the cheese. The cheese is then cured and aged for several months, and some varieties are further aged after being rubbed or soaked in different flavourings.
The texture of BellaVitano is described as rich and creamy, with a slight crunch from the natural calcium crystals that form during the aging process. The flavour is nutty and fruity, with hints of melted butter, and depending on the variety, additional notes from flavourings such as Merlot wine, espresso, tomato and basil, or cinnamon.
The unique combination of Wisconsin cheddar and Parmesan-like flavours, along with the variety of flavour enhancements, makes BellaVitano a crave-able and versatile cheese that has gained recognition and popularity beyond its Wisconsin roots.
Cat's Strange Snack: Why Cheese Puffs?
You may want to see also
Parmesan-like
The Parmesan-like flavour of Bellavitano cheese is a result of its unique production process. Introduced in 2008 by Wisconsin's Sartori Cheese, it is a versatile, award-winning cheese with a rich history. The cheese is made from pasteurised cow's milk sourced from local dairies within a 70-mile radius of their cheesemaking facilities. After the curds are formed and cut, they are hand-salted and pressed for several hours. The large wheels of cheese are then bathed in brine to form a delicious rind, which is meant to be eaten and adds to the complexity of the cheese.
The cheese is then cured and aged for several months, with some varieties aged for up to 22 months. During this time, the cheese develops a firm texture, similar to Parmesan, and can be sliced, grated, or melted. The aging process also results in the formation of calcium lactate crystals, which give the cheese a slight crunchy feel and contribute to its unique texture.
The flavour of Bellavitano cheese has been described as nutty, fruity, and creamy, with hints of melted butter. The combination of cow's milk cheese, brine, and aging process creates a flavour profile reminiscent of premium Parmesan cheese. The cheese has a rich and creamy texture, with a slight crunch from the calcium crystals, making it a crave-able and versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes.
The versatility of Bellavitano cheese is further enhanced by the different flavour variations offered by Sartori Cheese. While the original Bellavitano has a Parmesan-like flavour, the cheese is also soaked in Merlot wine to create the Bellavitano Merlot, which has notes of berry and plum. Other unique flavours include espresso, tomato and basil, and cinnamon, showcasing the creativity and experimentation that goes into producing this cheese.
How Much Grated Cheese is an Ounce?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Soaked in wine
The Bellavitano cheese variety soaked in Merlot wine is inspired by traditional Italian farmstead cheese. It is a unique variety of cheese from Wisconsin, created by the master cheesemakers at Sartori in Plymouth, Wisconsin. It is made from pasteurized cow's milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes. The cheese is then soaked in Merlot wine, which is made from grapes, water, and yeast. This process gives the cheese notes of berry and plum, adding to its rich and creamy texture. The combination of Wisconsin Cheddar cheese and Parmesan results in a terrific texture that is somewhere between creamy and rich, and crunchy and granular. The crunchiness comes from the presence of calcium crystals (calcium lactate), which appear naturally during the aging process. The calcium lactate crystals found inside and on the surface of the cheese are proof of its well-aged status.
The process of making Bellavitano cheese begins with forming and cutting the curd, which is then hand-salted and pressed for several hours. The 20-pound wheels are then bathed in brine to form a delicious rind, which is meant to be eaten. The cheese is then cured and aged for several months, and some varieties are further aged for up to 22 months. After aging, some of these wheels are rubbed or soaked in different flavorings. The cheesemakers at Sartori take pride in their cheese, ensuring that each wheel of Bellavitano is hand-rubbed by a team member.
The versatility of Bellavitano cheese is highlighted by its ability to be sliced, grated, or melted, catering to various culinary applications. Its flavor profile has been described as nutty and fruity, with hints of melted butter, resembling an aged, premium Wisconsin Cheddar cheese balanced by a full-flavored Parmesan. The original Bellavitano cheese was introduced in 2008, and since then, various flavors have been introduced, including espresso, tomato and basil, and cinnamon. The cheese has won multiple awards, including gold and silver medals at the International Cheese Awards and World Cheese Awards.
Cheese and Feet: What's the Stinky Connection?
You may want to see also
Gold medal award-winning
The gold medal award-winning BellaVitano cheese is a versatile, pasteurized cow's milk cheese with a rich history. Crafted with care by the Sartori family in Wisconsin, it was first introduced in 2008 as a result of years of experimentation, building upon their decades of expertise in cheesemaking.
This renowned cheese stands out for its unique flavour profile and texture. It is characterised by a creamy texture reminiscent of cheddar, balanced by the full-flavoured crunch of premium Parmesan. The result is a rich and indulgent experience that leaves you craving more. The cheese is then soaked in Merlot wine, imparting delicate notes of berries and plums that beautifully complement the base flavours.
The process of creating BellaVitano cheese is an art in itself. After the curd is formed and cut, it is hand-salted and pressed for several hours. The large wheels are then bathed in brine to form a delicious rind, which is not only edible but also intended to be eaten to fully appreciate the cheese's complexity. The cheese is then cured and aged for several months, with some varieties aged for up to 22 months to achieve the perfect flavour profile.
The dedication to quality and craftsmanship has earned BellaVitano cheese widespread recognition and numerous awards. It has consistently ranked highly in prestigious competitions, including the International Cheese Awards and the World Cheese Awards. Its versatility and distinctive flavour have made it a favourite among cheese connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike, solidifying its status as a gold medal-worthy creation.
Ham and Cheese Sandwiches: A Universal Favorite?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Bellavitano cheese has a rich and creamy texture with a nutty, fruity, and buttery taste. It is reminiscent of an aged, premium Wisconsin Cheddar cheese balanced by a full-flavored Parmesan.
The texture of Bellavitano cheese is described as creamy and rich, with a slight crunch from the natural calcium crystals that form during the aging process.
Bellavitano cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes. It is a vegetarian cheese, with the milk sourced from local dairies within a 70-mile radius of the cheesemaking facilities.
Bellavitano cheese comes in a variety of flavors, including Merlot, Espresso, Tomato and Basil, and Cinnamon. The newest flavor is Tomato and Basil, launched in October 2023.
Bellavitano cheese is available for purchase online from specialty cheese retailers and directly from the Sartori Cheese website. It can also be found in select grocery stores and cheese shops, particularly those specializing in Wisconsin cheeses.
