Vally Ford Cheese & Creamery "Estero Gold Reserve"

8oz wedge

Estero Gold is handmade in the style of an Asiago, reminiscent of a Montasio, two of the famous cheeses from the Swiss-Italian dairy country. This young cheese, at about 6 months aged, is very pliable, with grassy, fruity overtones. As it continues to age, the flavor deepens, becoming complex and nutty. It has an open texture with small holes and straw-like coloring. Its subtle, creamy and buttery taste nicely complements other foods. Its fine rustic flavor can be paired with any wine. It also melts wonderfully in pastas and polenta, or try it shredded on a salad.

Reserve is the same cheese as the Estero Gold, only this is aged for a minimum of 18 months. As it ages, it develops a stronger flavor, a harder and dryer texture, and becomes similar to a parmesan style cheese.  If you enjoy extra-aged cheeses with those little granular “crunchies” known as crystals, you will love this cheese. The “crunchies” are formed from the amino acid tyrosine, which are common in high-protein, extra-aged cheeses. The “Reserve” is a great cheese for grating and also goes amazing with a glass of red wine.