Randy Chandler
Rogue River Blue Cheese is an award-winning, limited-edition blue cheese produced by the Oregon-based Rogue Creamery. It is wrapped in Syrah grape leaves soaked in pear liqueur and has a complex flavour profile, with notes of vanilla, truffle, and fig. Rogue River Blue Cheese has been recognised as one of the finest cheeses in the world, winning numerous awards, including the World Cheese Awards in 2019/2020. The cheese is available for purchase at select retailers and cheese shops, with prices varying depending on location and quantity. It is often sold by weight, with prices ranging from $25.99 to $43.99 per pound.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Producer | Rogue Creamery |
| Location | Central Point, Oregon |
| Year founded | 1933 |
| Awards | World Champion at the 2019/20 World Cheese Awards, Best in Show at the American Cheese Society Competition in 2009 and 2011, World's Best Blue Cheese at the World Cheese Awards in London in 2003, Smokey Blue won the SIAL Innovation Award in Paris |
| Price | $43.99/lb, $50, $115 (Library Release Pack) |
| Flavour notes | Vanilla, truffle, fig, pear, bacon, chocolate, booze, fermented fruit, comice pear, brown butter |
| Recommended drinks | Aged wines (Viognier, classic French or German Gewurztraminers, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Sauternes), Hazelnut Porter, Chocolate Stout, Pear brandy, Whiskey, Bourbon |
| Retailers | Rogue Creamery (Central Point and Grants Pass, Oregon), Potash Markets, Murray's Cheese, Zuercher & Co. |
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What You'll Learn
Rogue River Blue Cheese: World Champion at the 2019/20 World Cheese Awards
Rogue River Blue Cheese, produced by the Rogue Creamery in Central Point, Oregon, was named the World Champion at the 2019/20 World Cheese Awards. This was the first time in the awards' 32-year history that an American cheese had taken the top prize.
Rogue River Blue Cheese is a seasonal, limited-edition cheese, made from organic cow's milk from the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon during the fall season. The milk is at its best during this time of year due to the cooler temperatures and wet weather, which bring renewed growth to the pastures. The cheese wheels are then aged in the creamery's caves for 9 to 11 months before being hand-wrapped in organic Syrah grape leaves that have been soaked in pear liqueur.
The process of making Rogue River Blue Cheese was inspired by the region in which it is made. David Gremmels, the owner of Rogue Creamery, took the finest wheels of blue cheese, created from the distinctively sweet and rich cow's milk made only in the autumn, and aged them for several months. The cheese is then wrapped in grape leaves, which are picked in the spring, and allowed to age further while absorbing the character of the leaves. The finished cheese is released for sale nearly a year later, around the Autumnal Equinox.
Rogue River Blue Cheese has been described as a "taste party" with "different sensations, balance, sweet and spicy notes". It is known for its silky smooth texture and is said to exhibit flavours of fruit, spice, blackberry, vanilla, hazelnut, chocolate, and bacon. The cheese pairs well with wines such as Viognier, classic French or German Gewurztraminer, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Sauternes. It can also be enjoyed with beverages like Hazelnut Porter, Chocolate Stout, pear brandy, whiskey, and bourbon.
The win at the World Cheese Awards brought Rogue Creamery and its champion cheese widespread recognition and increased sales and interest. The award highlighted the high quality of cheese produced in the United States and shone a spotlight on excellent cheese-making around the world.
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Rogue Creamery: Rogue River Blue's producer
Rogue Creamery has been rooted in Oregon's Rogue Valley since 1933. The company is dedicated to producing world-class, sustainable artisan cheeses, blending tradition with innovation to foster a global community of cheese lovers. During World War II, the Sonoma Valley Cheese Factory, which later became Rogue Creamery, contributed to war efforts by producing one million pounds of cheddar that was shipped to troops in many countries. In the 1950s, Tom Vella, the owner of the company, travelled to Roquefort, France, to learn the art of blue cheese-making. He returned with a coveted blue cheese recipe and the determination to build Roquefort-styled caves for optimal ageing.
In the 2000s, David Gremmels, inspired by Oregon's Rogue Valley, created Rogue River Blue. This cheese is made from sweet and rich cow's milk produced only in the autumn and is then aged for many months. The wheels are wrapped in Syrah grape leaves that are picked in the spring and soaked in pear liqueur. The cheese is released for sale nearly a year later, usually around the Autumnal Equinox. In 2003, Rogue River Blue became the first non-European blue cheese to win "World's Best Blue Cheese" at the World Cheese Awards in London. Since then, Rogue River Blue has won about 20 awards, including the 2019/2020 World Cheese Awards.
Rogue Creamery offers a diverse assortment of cheeses, including other blue cheese varieties such as Caveman Blue, Crater Lake Blue, and Smokey Blue, as well as cheddars like Rogue's Mary, La-Di-Da Lavender, and Chocolate Stout. Their cheeses can be purchased directly from their two locations in Central Point and Grants Pass, Oregon, or online through their website.
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Rogue River Blue Cheese: Seasonality and flavour
Rogue River Blue Cheese is a seasonal cheese, produced only during the fall, when cow's milk is considered to be at its best. This limited-edition cheese is crafted from sweet and rich cow's milk, which is carefully tended and aged for 9 to 11 months in caves. The process of making this cheese is labour-intensive and time-consuming, contributing to its premium quality and reputation as a world-renowned cheese.
The seasonality of Rogue River Blue Cheese is closely tied to the climate and environment of Oregon's Rogue Valley, where the cheese originates. As fall arrives in the Rogue Valley, cooler temperatures and wet weather promote lush growth in the pastures, resulting in optimal milk quality. This seasonal milk is then transformed into the coveted Rogue River Blue Cheese through a meticulous ageing process.
The cheese is produced by Rogue Creamery, a company rooted in the Rogue Valley since 1933. The creamery combines tradition and innovation in its cheesemaking, inspired by the region's bounty. The result is a cheese that showcases complex flavours and a unique character.
The flavour profile of Rogue River Blue Cheese is intricate and nuanced. The 2021 vintage, for instance, exhibited sweet and spicy notes, with hints of fermented fruit, comice pear, and brown butter. The cheese also boasts a fudgy, rich texture with ample calcium phosphate crystals that develop during the ageing process, adding to its textural complexity.
To enhance the flavour experience, Rogue River Blue Cheese can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a simple fruit compote, salads, or meats. It also pairs exceptionally well with wines such as Viognier, classic French or German Gewurztraminer, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Sauternes. For those who prefer beer, Hazelnut Porter or Chocolate Stout are excellent choices that complement the earthy and nutty flavours of the cheese.
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Rogue River Blue Cheese: Pairing recommendations
Rogue River Blue Cheese, produced by the Rogue Creamery, is a limited-edition, seasonal cheese made from organic cow's milk from the Rogue Valley in Oregon. The milk is at its best during the fall, when cooler temperatures and wet weather bring renewed growth to the pastures. After 9 to 11 months of ageing in caves, each wheel of cheese is carefully hand-wrapped in organic, biodynamic Syrah grape leaves that have been soaked in pear spirits.
Rogue River Blue Cheese is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or as an ingredient in various dishes. When served on its own, it pairs well with wines of age and distinction, such as Viognier, classic French or German Gewurztraminer, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Sauternes. For those who enjoy craft beer, a Hazelnut Porter or Chocolate Stout can bring out the cheese's earthy and nutty flavours. If you prefer something stronger, pear brandy, whiskey, and bourbon are also excellent choices.
When used in cooking, Rogue River Blue Cheese adds a rich and complex flavour to salads and meats. A simple fruit compote can also complement the cheese's unique taste.
For wine enthusiasts, the Rogue River Blue Cheese presents a delightful opportunity to experiment with various wine pairings. A classic choice is Sauternes, a French dessert wine known for its rich, golden colour and sweet, luscious flavours. Another option is Port, a fortified wine that offers a range of styles, from ruby to tawny, each with its own distinct characteristics. If you're feeling adventurous, consider a Pineau des Charentes or a Banyuls, which will complement the cheese's pear brandy notes.
When selecting a wine to pair with Rogue River Blue Cheese, consider the unique characteristics of the cheese, including its creamy texture, tangy saltiness, and hints of pear brandy, vanilla, toffee, truffle, and fig. Look for wines with similar flavour profiles or complementary characteristics that will enhance your overall tasting experience.
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Rogue River Blue Cheese: Availability and pricing
Rogue River Blue Cheese is a seasonal, limited-edition cheese produced by the Oregon-based Rogue Creamery. The cheese is wrapped in grape leaves that have been soaked in pear spirits, and it is known for its complex flavours and rich texture. It is considered one of the finest cheeses in the world, with numerous awards to its name, including the World Champion at the 2019/20 World Cheese Awards.
Availability
Rogue River Blue Cheese is a seasonal product, typically released around the Autumnal Equinox each year. It is a limited-edition cheese, and its production begins in the fall, taking advantage of the cooler, wetter climate that makes the pastures lusher and the cow's milk richer. The cheese is then aged for 9 to 11 months in Rogue Creamery's aging caves.
Rogue River Blue Cheese can be purchased directly from Rogue Creamery, which has two locations in Central Point and Grants Pass, Oregon. It is also available from various retailers and distributors, including Potash Markets and Zuercher & Co., a specialty food importer/distributor based in Niles, IL. Additionally, it can be found at select grocery stores and cheese shops, although availability may vary.
Pricing
The price of Rogue River Blue Cheese can vary depending on the retailer and the quantity purchased. At the Rogue Creamery locations in Oregon, the cheese is sold by weight, and the retail price is $43.99 per pound. However, prices at other retailers may differ, with some reporting prices as low as $25.99 per pound on sale and up to $39.99 per pound at other stores.
Rogue Creamery also offers gift sets that include Rogue River Blue Cheese, such as the "Winners Circle Gift Set" and the "Oregon Cheese & Charcuterie Set," which range in price from $89 to $175. These gift sets typically include a variety of cheeses, chocolates, and other gourmet items.
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Frequently asked questions
Rogue River Blue Cheese is sold by Rogue Creamery, which has been operating for over 85 years and has locations in Central Point and Grants Pass, Oregon.
Rogue River Blue Cheese is sold by weight and costs $43.99 per pound. However, prices may vary depending on location and availability.
Rogue River Blue Cheese can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a simple fruit compote, salads, or meats. For wine pairings, consider Viognier, classic French or German Gewurztraminers, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, or Sauternes. For beer, Hazelnut Porter or Chocolate Stout are recommended.
