CHEESE BOX 52 –

SEPTEMBER 23

Welcome to our Cheese box 52 – September 23! 

A SAD LOSS

You’ll recall the wonderful Cartwheel Creamery cheese you’ve experienced in your cheese boxes.
With a very heavy heart we mourn the loss of Adrian Walcroft, husband of Jill, who passed away recently. Together they founded Cartwheel Creamery cheesery in the Manawatu. They have been a stalwart of local farmers markets and of course The Cheese Wheel. They were pioneers and never stopped innovating. Their cheeses are among the finest produced in Aotearoa.

In New Zealand parlance, Adrian was a lovely bloke, worked hard and worked smart. How appropriate that he won a medal at the 2023 Cheese Awards.

KALLARNEY BLUE – FROM THE CHEESE BARN

This is creamy blue is in the Roquefort style. It has a full-bodied flavour and has standout looks with its closed texture without many eyes. Match it with a big Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot, maybe a cider or a lager, or a cherry juice, and some nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.

Region: Thames. Type of milk: cow.

CURADO – FROM THORVALD CHEESE

Curado cheese is a Spanish style and is similar to the more-famous Manchego style. This version made in Nelson by David, Sue and their team and has a very gentle but distinctive flavour. Match it with a Tempranillo (or Merlot) or a brown ale, a quality cola, and blueberry jam or quince paste.

Region: Nelson. Type of milk: sheep.

GRUYERE – FROM BARRY’S BAY

There isn’t a lot of gruyere made in New Zealand, so thanks to Barry’s Bay! It’s a wonderfully versatile cheese whether on a cheeseboard, shaved or grated onto cooked veges or a salad, or melted (when it becomes just a little stretchy). The high fat content suggests a red wine, or perhaps a black tea.

Region: Canterbury. Type of milk: cow.

TANIA SMOKED BRIE – FROM EVANDSALE

Start with a normal farmhouse brie, and then hot-smoke it over manuka? Why not!  In addition to imparting a smoky flavour, it also turns the white Candidium mould brown, and harder. Look for a Belgian Dubbel style beer, a Syrah, a blueberry kombucha, and maybe some prosciutto to wrap around a wedge.

Region: Otago. Type of milk: cow.