A new line of cheeses created by the master cheese makers at Sartori Foods in Plymouth, Wis., are capturing some serious attention these days by cheese buyers, judges and people like us who just like cheese.
The now award-winning line of Sartori Reserve BellaVitano artisan cheeses (a bunch of them won medals at the World Cheese Awards in Ireland this past October) combine the rich and fruity creaminess of young cheese with the appealing crunch that only comes with premium aging.
Think of the rich, craveable taste of an aged, premium Cheddar, balanced by a full-flavored Parmesan, and you have this uniquely delicious artisan cheese. I picked up a a half a pound for a friend who was having a dinner party and she called me the next day, practically so happy she was crying. See what I mean? This cheese moves people.
And, the news just keeps getting better – four new distinctive BellaVitano varieties are now available in both wedges and wheels.
- Raspberry BellaVitano. This premium cheese won Best New Cheese and Best American Cheese at the 2008 World Cheese Awards in Ireland. It is soaked in New Glarus Raspberry Tart Ale to bring out fruity notes. This is my new favorite cheese. I could literally sit and eat this cheese until I get sick. It’s that good.
- Black Pepper BellaVitano. Created for the most discerning cheese enthusiast, this variety is coated in cracked black peppercorns. It won a Silver Medal at the 2008 World Cheese Awards.
- Merlot BellaVitano. Soaked in fine Merlot for hints of berry and plum, this extraordinary cheese carries a pleasing flavor and texture.
- BellaVitano Gold. Inspired by a traditional Italian farmstead cheese, Bella Vitano Gold combines the fruity flavor of a premium Parmesan with the creamy smoothness of fine Cheddar. It won a Gold Medal at the 2008 World Cheese Awards.
These cheeses are becoming available at more and more stores across the country, so I would really encourage you to ask for them. The raspberry and merlot – especially for their color and table presentation – will make really excellent holiday cheeses.
Happy eating!
I don’t normally go for raspberry flavored stuff, but raspberry ale rubbled cheese? I’m in. But I’m pairing it with a pint of Guinness!
Just the “regular” BellaVitano was served at Wollersheim, during their most recent wine tasting…good stuff.
love the gold. its really a nicely balanced cheese.
I have recently found the Raspberry, and it is amazing. I’ve not had this good of a “new” cheese in a long, long time.
Thanks for this review, which I just stumbled on. I tasted the raspberry Bellavitano last Saturday at a local cheese shop, and there are no words to describe how much I adored it! I almost cried, too—and the “cheese guy” at the store said that he did cry when he tasted it! Of course I bought a wedge right away, and it's going to have to be in my house at all times.
I Love, Love, Love this cheese. A local market in town that I occasionally walk to sells it. They are known for putting out samples of fresh and new cheeses and produce. I tasted it one day and it was “love at first taste” I'll have to admit I went back for more. They served it with a Thick vinaigrette, but I love it just the way it is! I actually was craving it today and picked some up!!!!! If you haven't tried it… It's a must!
I have never been this excited about a cheese! I sometimes have lactose intolerance issues with cheese, but the Merlot BellaVitano is smooth, easily digested and incredibly delicious! I'm hooked!
Can't wait to try the raspberry Bella.
The merlot is simply unbelievable.
Ted
I sampled the Raspberry BellaVitano at Whole Foods today and had to buy it! It's delicious with a white wine!!!
Adore the raspberry but didn't realize there were other flavours. Unbelievable….more heavenly cheese to enjoy.
The raspberry bellavitano is delicious; but my wife and I just rave about the espresso bellavitano – slightly warmed on toasted wheat crackers – just perfect for a warm afternoon coupled with a good porter, stout, or merlot. I see quite a few other flavors on their website that look enticing as well – I will have to add them to the X-mas list……
We have had this cheese with a number of red wines. It seems to be the most versatile in complementing a wide variety, more than any other hard cheese we've sampled. It's my wife and my favorite cheese. Highly recommended!
We have had this cheese with a number of red wines. It seems to be the most versatile in complementing a wide variety, more than any other hard cheese we've sampled. It's my wife and my favorite cheese. Highly recommended!
We out here in Kansas just got a hold of some of this cheese.
AMAZING
had the Merlot cured BellaVitano and it only takes a little bit to make want to sing to the heavens.
Not an everyday eating cheese in my budget at $12.99/lb but definitely worth an occassional splurge.
I sell this cheese in Naples, FL and our regular customers always crave more! Truly an outstanding and unique brand!! You WILL fall in love!
They make a balsamic flavor that is so amazing, the subtle nutty, buttery, and savory flavors are amazing.
Just brought home some of the Gold. I couldn't put my finger on the flavour. And stumbling upon this site it hit me….not toasted butter, but butter toffee. I definitely have to try the Raspberry. I wish they had the others at my store.
The Cracked Black Pepper is my favorite cheese of all time. I usually eat it with some Carr's black pepper water crackers. I grew up not far from where this cheese is produced in Wisconsin, and ate it regularly. So I was VERY happy to discover a gourmet grocery near me in my new home of Las Vegas that carries the full BellaVitano line from Sartori. I'm going to go get some later tis afternoon, now! 🙂
I found this Bellavitano in 2013, quite on accident, espresso is my favorite, I dream about it..thank goodness there isn't a cheesealiser test or legal limit, I would have surpassed the fine stage of punitive recourse and be sentenced for life!