Merlino Blog

Rogue River Blue

As fall comes to the Rogue Valley, cooler temperatures and wet weather bring renewed growth to the pastures. This is when our cow’s milk is at its best – and it’s only during these months that we make our limited edition, seasonal Rogue River Blue – a cheese named World Champion at the 2019/20 World Cheese Awards. After 9 to 11 months of careful tending in our aging caves, our team hand-wraps each wheel in organic, biodynamic Syrah grape leaves that have soaked in pear spirits. On the Autumnal Equinox each year, we celebrate the release of the year’s new Rogue River Blue Cheese.

Gorgonzola Dolce-

• Aspect: (intense) pink, non-edible rough rind; straw-colored with typical green-blue veins.
• Touch: soft and creamy texture.
• Smell: agreeable and appetizing.
• Flavor: sweet, mild

Igor Gorgonzola Piccante-

• Aspect: (intense) pink, non-edible rough rind; straw-colored with typical green-blue veins.
• Touch: soft and creamy.
• Smell: strong, agreeable and appetizing.
• Flavor: intense and peculiar.

Maytag Blue-

Maytag Blue cheese is ripened over six months during which it develops a dense, crumbly texture and semi-sharp flavour. Every bite of Maytag melts in the mouth releasing a slightly tangy flavour with a lemony finish. With its pungent odor, the cheese might not suit everyone’s tastes. The cheese delivered in decorative silver foil tastes delectable when crumbled into salads, crackers or melted onto a burger.