Stephanie — the Co-op's big cheese, the cheese department head that is — and Tim, our in-house wine expert, have come together to share an exclusive cheese and wine pairing.

The Art of Gouda  

The Co-op is excited to announce that we have the Artikaas Youngsters First Milk Gouda. This very special cheese is made using traditional, sustainable methods going back 2,000 years. The Youngster First Milk Gouda is a semisoft cheese that is rich, creamy, and decadent. Artikaas makes an exceptional Gouda by collecting milk after the cows have their first taste of Holland’s tender spring grasses. Artikaas turns the cow’s rich, nutritious milk into an irresistibly smooth Gouda. 

Artikaas is a sixth-generation, family-run cheesemaker in Holland. They use only the finest ingredients from local family farms. Each year the Co-op’s cheese department procures a limited allotment that is only available in stores for a short amount of time.

The cheese is released once a year and sells out quickly. We suggest using Gouda for your cheese board, snacking, slicing, and it is a superior melting cheese for a decadent grilled cheese sandwich. 

Wine Pairing for Gouda  

Such a special Gouda deserves the right wine to bring out the smooth, creamy flavors. Our panel of wine tasters selected the perfect wine to pair with the Artikaas Youngsters First Milk Gouda — a Foris Vineyards Fly-Over White. The 2017 Foris Vineyards Fly-Over White is a 50/50 blend of Riesling and Pinot Blanc. It is a zesty, pleasingly textured white from Oregon’s Rogue Valley. When you drink it, expect nicely-balanced elements of kiwi, honeydew melon, mineral, nectarine, fennel, Satsuma, and Bartlett pear. There’s just a touch of sweetness. The wine's acidity harmonizes and highlights the creaminess of the Gouda cheese. 

Local Stone Fruits to Round Out the Pairing 

The Artikaas Youngsters First Milk Gouda and the Foris Vineyards Fly-Over White pairing are a delight for your summer picnic or charcuterie board. Both are complemented by stone fruits, such as cherries, nectarines, plums, and peaches — all of which and more are in season, local, and organic right now at the Co-op.  

You, your friends, and your family will appreciate enjoying the Artikaas Youngsters First Milk Gouda with a balanced wine and local stone fruits. One of the best ways to enjoy the summer is with a spring cheese.