Unraveling The Mystery Of Purple-Rind Cheeses: An Exploration

There are a few varieties of cheese with a purple rind, including the Sartori Merlot BellaVitano, a firm, gourmet cheese inspired by cheddar and parmesan. The cheese is soaked in Merlot wine, which gives the rind its distinctive purple colour, as well as a smell and taste of Merlot. The cheese has a rich, salty-savoury flavour and has won several awards, including a gold medal at the 2018 International Cheese Awards.

Merlot BellaVitano cheese is soaked in Merlot wine

The Merlot BellaVitano is a unique cheese produced by the Sartori cheesemakers, a company based in Wisconsin with a long history of artisanal excellence. The process of making this cheese involves soaking each wheel in Merlot wine, resulting in a vivid purple hue and infusing the rind with the smell and taste of Merlot. This award-winning cheese has a rich and salty-savory flavour inspired by both cheddar and Parmesan. The creamy cheese blends beautifully with the fruity notes of Merlot, creating a sophisticated and indulgent taste experience.

The Merlot BellaVitano cheese has a rich history, with four generations of the Sartori family contributing to its creation. The Sartori company was founded by Italian immigrant Paolo Sartori in 1939, and it has since become a leader in specialty cheese, blending Italian tradition with American innovation. The BellaVitano cheese itself was introduced in 2008, and the Merlot variety has gone on to win multiple awards, including the 2015 World Cheese Awards and the 2018 World Championship Cheese Contest.

The process of soaking the cheese wheels in Merlot wine is what gives Merlot BellaVitano its distinctive purple rind and complex flavour profile. The wine imparts hints of berry and plum to the cheese, creating a delightful contrast between the creamy richness of the cheese and the subtle fruitiness of the Merlot. This cheese is a true celebration of flavour, with each bite offering a unique sensory experience. The rind is not just for show but is meant to be eaten, adding to the overall tasting experience with its wine-infused essence.

When pairing Merlot BellaVitano cheese, it is essential to consider options that will complement its rich and fruity flavours. The cheese pairs exceptionally well with a glass of Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Shiraz, echoing the infused wine notes. For beer lovers, India Pale Ales, hoppy pilsners, or wheat beers provide a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of the cheese. When it comes to food pairings, crusty artisan bread, dried nuts, and dried fruits like apricots or figs enhance the savoury and fruity notes of the cheese. For a more indulgent treat, semisweet chocolates can be paired with the cheese to highlight its rich flavours.

Merlot BellaVitano cheese is not just a delicacy but also an experience that invites cheese enthusiasts to savour every bite. Whether enjoyed on its own, as part of a cheese board, or incorporated into culinary creations, this cheese promises to delight and elevate any gathering. Its unique purple rind, created by the Merlot wine soaking process, adds to the visual appeal and makes it a standout choice for those seeking a sophisticated and indulgent cheese experience.

The rind is edible

The purple hue of the Merlot BellaVitano cheese rind is achieved by soaking each wheel in Merlot wine, which also imparts a fruity aroma and flavour to the cheese. The wine complements the creamy texture of the BellaVitano cheese, resulting in a rich and savoury flavour profile reminiscent of aged cheddar and Parmesan. The cheese also features a slight crunch from naturally occurring calcium crystals, adding to its distinctive character.

While the rind of the Merlot BellaVitano is safe to consume, some people prefer to trim a small amount of it before eating. This personal preference may be due to the potential presence of wax or other coatings on the rind, which can affect the taste or texture. However, it's important to note that even if the rind is edible, it's always advisable to check the packaging or the manufacturer's website for specific information and recommendations.

In addition to the Merlot BellaVitano, there are other varieties of cheese with purple rinds available, such as the Purple Moon Wine Soaked Cheddar. These cheeses offer a unique sensory experience, combining the flavours and aromas of wine with the creaminess of cheese.

When serving Merlot BellaVitano, it is recommended to pair it with dried nuts and fruits, as well as crusty Italian or French bread. For wine lovers, a glass of Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Shiraz would make an excellent accompaniment. Beer enthusiasts, on the other hand, might enjoy pairing the cheese with India Pale Ales, hoppy pilsners, or wheat beers for a refreshing contrast.

It's made by the Sartori cheesemakers

The Merlot BellaVitano® is a cheese with a purple rind, made by the Sartori cheesemakers. This gourmet cheese is inspired by cheddar and parmesan, giving it a rich and salty-savory flavour. It is made in Wisconsin by the Sartori family, who have been making this variety of cheese for four generations. The cheese is soaked in Merlot wine, giving the rind its distinctive purple colour, and the smell and taste of Merlot. The fruity and fermented flavours of the wine complement the creamy BellaVitano cheese.

The process of making Merlot BellaVitano® involves soaking each wheel of cheese in Merlot wine, which results in the vivid purple hue of the rind and contributes to the overall flavour and aroma of the cheese. The cheese itself is inspired by traditional Italian farmstead cheese, with a texture that falls somewhere between creamy and rich, and crunchy and granular. It has a slight crunch from the naturally occurring calcium crystals, a sign of well-aged cheese.

Merlot BellaVitano® has a rich union of flavours, with the creamy cheese blending beautifully with the berry and plum notes of Merlot. It pairs well with dried nuts and fruits, crusty Italian or French bread, and wines such as Shiraz, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. For a refreshing combination, it can also be paired with India Pale Ales, hoppy pilsners, or wheat beers.

The Sartori cheesemakers take great pride in their craft, using time-honoured techniques and the highest-quality milk to create this award-winning cheese. The cheese has received numerous accolades, including gold medals at the International Cheese Awards in 2016 and 2018, and second place at the 2018 World Championship Cheese Contest.

The Sartori cheesemakers recommend enjoying their Merlot BellaVitano® with a glass of Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Shiraz to enhance the flavour experience. The rind is meant to be eaten and is part of the tasting experience, although some people prefer to trim it slightly.

It's inspired by cheddar and Parmesan

The Merlot BellaVitano is a unique cheese inspired by the flavours of cheddar and Parmesan. It is a hard, gourmet cheese with a rich and salty-savoury flavour. The cheese is soaked in Merlot wine, which lends it a vivid purple hue and the smell and taste of Merlot. The fruity and fermented flavours of the Merlot complement the creamy BellaVitano cheese. The cheese is crafted by the Sartori cheesemakers in Wisconsin and is inspired by traditional Italian farmstead cheese.

The process of making Merlot BellaVitano involves soaking each wheel of cheese in Merlot wine, which infuses the rind with a vibrant purple colour and the aroma and essence of the wine. The result is a rich union of flavours, blending the creamy texture of the cheese with the fruity notes of plum and berry from the Merlot. This combination delivers a sensory experience that has garnered accolades, including gold medals at the 2016 and 2018 International Cheese Awards.

Merlot BellaVitano has a complex flavour profile that balances the savoury notes of cheddar with the salty, granular characteristics of Parmesan. The cheese has a slightly crunchy texture due to the presence of calcium crystals, which form naturally during the aging process. This texture contrast adds to the overall sensory experience of the cheese. The rind of the Merlot BellaVitano is meant to be eaten and is an integral part of the tasting experience, offering a unique blend of flavours and textures.

When it comes to pairing, Merlot BellaVitano is versatile. It pairs well with dried nuts and fruits, as well as crusty Italian or French bread. For wine lovers, the cheese complements a range of wines, including Shiraz, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. For beer enthusiasts, India Pale Ales, hoppy pilsners, and wheat beers provide a refreshing combination. The cheese's versatility makes it a delightful addition to any charcuterie board or as an ingredient in various recipes.

It has a creamy texture

The Merlot BellaVitano is a cheese with a purple rind and a creamy texture. This unique cheese is created by the master cheesemakers at Sartori in Plymouth, Wisconsin, who use traditional techniques and high-quality milk. The result is a rich, creamy cheese with a salty-savory flavor inspired by cheddar and Parmesan. The cheese is then soaked in Merlot wine, giving it a vivid purple hue and the smell and taste of Merlot.

The creamy texture of Merlot BellaVitano cheese is a result of the combination of Wisconsin Cheddar and Parmesan. It has a rich and creamy mouthfeel with a slight crunch from the naturally occurring calcium crystals that form during the aging process. This texture contrast adds to the overall tasting experience, making it a crave-able treat.

The creamy richness of the cheese is further enhanced by the fruity notes of plum and berry that it acquires from being soaked in Merlot wine. This combination of creamy cheese and fruity wine flavors creates a rich and flavorful sensory experience. The cheese pairs well with dried nuts and fruits, crusty Italian or French bread, and a variety of wines such as Merlot, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir.

The creamy texture of Merlot BellaVitano also contributes to its long shelf life. When properly stored at the recommended temperature of 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit, unopened packages of this cheese can last for 120 to 360 days. This extended shelf life allows consumers to enjoy the creamy, flavorful cheese for a more extended period.

In conclusion, the Merlot BellaVitano cheese with its purple rind stands out not only for its vivid color but also for its creamy texture. The combination of Wisconsin Cheddar and Parmesan, along with the Merlot wine soaking, creates a rich, savory, and slightly crunchy sensory experience. The creamy texture, along with the fruity notes, makes it a delicious and award-winning cheese.

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