DISPATCHED 8 MARCH 2022
PECORINO, VIAVIO CHEESE FACTORY
When Flavio and Flavia moved from Rome to Nelson, the passionate foodies loved everything about their new home but they missed their cheese! In Italy they had access to more than 1,000 types of of it, so they bravely decided to introduce some of these traditional Italian cheese styles to their new home. They started to collaborate with Oaklands FarmFresh A2 Milk, who provide a supply of fully traceable quality local ingredients. ViaVio has developed a great reputation for supplying quality products made with natural local ingredients - largely supplied to restaurants. This Pecorino won gold at the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards 2021. Made from sheep milk, it features a firm texture with a distinctive aromatic, sharp and nutty flavour. Great on a cheese board, perfect in a pasta and delicious combined with Parmigiano to make pesto .
HERB QUARK, HŌHEPA CHEESE
Hōhepa Quark is mousse-like in texture, with a delicate, mild creamy flavour. It makes a perfect accompaniment for both sweet and savoury dishes. Produced with aromatic fresh herbs and garlic, it is not only delicious but extremely versatile. It can be used as a spread on fresh crusty bread, as a dip, on salads, vegetables, baked potatoes, pasta, quiches and seafood. The exceptional biodynamic cheeses made from quality ingredients grown on their own farm, is only part of Hōhepa's story. A not-for-profit organisation with a vision of “every life fully lived” - Hōhepa supports people with intellectual disabilities who work alongside artisan cheesemakers to produce their range of specially crafted cheeses, yoghurts and milk.
OYSTER STOUT, BARRY'S BAY
We love a good collab and they don't come better than beer + cheese! Barry's Bay, one of Aotearoa's longest serving cheesemakers, teamed up with the good folk at Three Boys Brewery to come up with this delicious Oyster Stout flavoured cheddar, aged for 12 months to create perfection.
FULL MOON, NIEUWENHUIS
A creamy centre lies beneath the soft, white crust, with nutty notes of this goat cheese gradually released alongside a sweet bite. You may notice some familiar characteristics to a brie - but this medal winner by Nieuwenhuis is unique. Annie and Geoff Nieuwenhuis are the reigning Champion Cheesemakers of Aotearoa, as judged in the 2021New Zealand Champions of Cheese Awards. The team hand-craft all their cheeses in small batches at their Hawkes Bay farm. They say that, like in wine making, their cheeses have unique characteristics owing to their farm's local terroir. Distinct and authentic, this cheese reflects the characteristics of their small herd, seasonal changes and the pasture.