Merlot BellaVitano® is a truly unique experience from the Sartori family, a fourth-generation family of cheesemakers. Inspired by Italian farmstead cheeses, BellaVitano® is an award-winning artisan cheese featuring the characteristics of both an aged Cheddar and a full-flavored Parmesan. Aged for 12 months or more, BellaVitano® develops a texture that is dense and creamy, yet slightly crumbly and crystalline. These calcium crystals form naturally due to its exquisite aging.
Merlot BellaVitano® Cheese wheels are hand-soaked in merlot wine for several days to impart notes of berry and plum. Its distinct purple-hued rind isn’t just eye-catching but edible, meant to be eaten as part of the experience!
- Cow’s milk cheese.
- Aged for 12 months.
- Dense, creamy and rich studded with calcium crystals.
- Fruity, nutty flavors accented with berry and plum notes.
- Eye-catching gourmet cheese.
- Edible wine-soaked rind.
- Vegetarian.
- Gluten free.
- Preservative free.
Kitchen and Usage Tips:
Merlot BellaVitano® can be enjoyed in many ways. This eye-catching artisan cheese is an excellent feature on charcuterie boards, cheese boards and antipasto spreads. Its distinct purple hue and flavor profile make it an instant hit. Pair it with fresh fruit, roasted nuts and dark chocolate for a sweet and decadent treat. Slice it on sandwiches and panini melts. Use it as a grated cheese on pasta, salads, risotto, baked chicken and just about any dish you’d like to add a new dimension to.
Merlot BellaVitano® pairs well with crusty Italian breads, dried fruits and roasted nuts. It goes well with full-bodied red wines like Merlot or Shiraz, as well as a dark ale or IPA.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is BellaVitano Merlot cheese?
Merlot BellaVitano® is a cow’s milk cheese that is often described as a Cheddar-Parmesan hybrid, as it takes on characteristics of both prized cheeses. Made in Wisconsin, though inspired by Italian farmhouse cheeses, Merlot BellaVitano® boasts a creamy and dense, yet slightly crumbly texture with a nutty, tangy and rich flavor. Cheese wheels are aged for 12 months until they are hand-soaked in Merlot wine, giving the rind a deep purple hue and the cheese itself an added fruity layer of plum and berry.
What kind of cheese is BellaVitano?
Merlot BellaVitano® is an artisan cow’s milk cheese made in Wisconsin by the Sartori family. Inspired by the farmhouse cheeses of Italy, BellaVitano® Cheeses can be described as a delicious marriage of Parmesan and Cheddar as it takes on some of the characteristics of each.
What does BellaVitano Merlot cheese taste like?
Merlot BellaVitano® boasts the nuanced flavors of a nutty, full-flavored Parmesan cheese with the fruity flavors of a young Cheddar. Cheese wheels are soaked in Merlot to bring out notes of berry and plum.
Does BellaVitano Merlot cheese melt well?
Yes, Merlot BellaVitano® is a great melting cheese. We love it on burgers, panini sandwiches and pasta dishes.
Can I eat the rind of BellaVitano Merlot cheese?
Yes, the Merlot-soaked rind of Merlot BellaVitano® is meant to be eaten.
How do I use BellaVitano Merlot cheese?
Merlot BellaVitano® is a showstopping cheese board feature with its distinct purple rind and unique flavor profile. It pairs up well with roasted nuts, dried fruits and artisan breads. As an ingredient, Merlot BellaVitano® can be grated over pasta dishes, chicken, salads and soups. Use it as a decadent melted cheese on grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers and paninis.
