Sartori "Best of Class" at 2012 World Championship Cheese Contest

MADISON, Wis., March 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sartori Company is proud to announce today that they have been presented four awards, including two "Best of Class" honors at the 2012 World Championship Cheese Contest.  Both Sartori Reserve Extra Aged Asiago and Shredded SarVecchio® Parmesan received this top accolade. 

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The 2012 competition was hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and featured a panel of 40 international judges.  "This was a record setting year for the World Championship Cheese Contest" said Pat Mugan, WCMA Board Member and Sartori R&D Vice President. "This year's contest had a record 2,503 entries from 30 US states and 23 additional countries representing 6 continents."     

Sartori Reserve Extra Aged Asiago won Best of Class in the Open Hard Cheese Category.  Open Hard was the largest and most competitive category of the competition, featuring 85 entries.  A Sartori favorite, Extra Aged Asiago has a creamy texture and a distinct nutty note that blossoms on your palate. Unlike some Asiagos that can be a bit overpowering and on the salty side, this well balanced cheese can be enjoyed on its own or enjoyed in any number of other culinary applications. 

Sartori Reserve SarVecchio Parmesan took Best of Class in the Open Shredded Cheese Category.  This is the 28th award for America's most award-winning Parmesan since 2005. 

Sartori also placed second in the Hard Mixed Milk Cheese Category with their Limited Edition Pastorale Blend®.  Pastorale Blend is a mixed milk cheese featuring a blend of cow and sheep milk.  Finished with a hand-dusted coating of Spanish paprika on the rind, the cheese delivers a "one of a kind" sweet and nutty flavor. 

In addition, the company was awarded third place in the Hard Goat's Milk Cheese Category with Limited Edition Caprimenthe®.  Caprimenthe is a well-balanced cheese coated with a mixture of olive oil and crushed mint leaves on the outside to accentuate the citrusy notes of the product. 

"We are honored and humbled to win these four awards on such a prestigious international stage" Jim Sartori, CEO, notes.  "We are particularly proud to have taken two Best of Class Awards at this year's competition.  It is truly a testament of the hard work and dedication of our team members and patron farmers."

About Sartori
Sartori has been producing artisan and premium cheese for seven decades for Specialty, Retail, Ingredient, Restaurant and Food Service markets.  Based in Plymouth, Wisconsin, Sartori has an impressive array of award winning cheese noted for innovative approaches and consistent top quality across their entire line.  For more information, please visit www.sartoricheese.com.

SOURCE Sartori Company