Sartori Cheesemaker Named Wisconsin's Best at State Fair

PLYMOUTH, Wis., Aug. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mike Matucheski, Sartori Master Cheesemaker, was again dubbed "Grand Master Cheesemaker" at the 2012 Wisconsin State Fair Cheese and Butter Contest after being presented with the competition's Grand Champion award for Sartori's Limited Edition Pastorale Blend^®.  This award was the culmination of a very successful Wisconsin State Fair competition where Sartori was awarded four additional ribbons.

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This is Matucheski's third Grand Master Recognition in the past 4 years. In 2009 he took home the honors with Sartori Limited Edition Pastorale Blend and again in 2010 with Sartori Reserve Rosemary and Olive Oil Asiago.  "We are very grateful to have Mike and the entire Sartori cheese making team as a part of our family. It's exciting and very rewarding to see this group lead the way in making some of the world's finest cheese.  We're honored to have such talented Team Members," said Sartori President, Jeff Schwager.

Grand Master Cheesemaker, Mike Matucheski is an ambitious and innovative cheesemaker who has been making cheese in Antigo for the past 18 years.  His Pastorale Blend cheese creation is a part of the Sartori Limited Edition Line.  "The Limited Edition Line has proven to be very successful.  Mike's passion and efforts have helped us develop and grow the Limited Edition line with the creation of our Cognac BellaVitano^®, Peppermint BellaVitano, and Cannella BellaVitano," stated CEO Jim Sartori.  "Mike has a great palate and is successful in finding unique, complimentary flavors that people can truly appreciate."

"Pastorale Blend is a very special cheese for us," said Sartori Master Cheesemaker, Mike Matucheski.  "We've been lucky enough to find the perfect balance of cow and sheep milk to create an approachable, gratifying mixed milk cheese.  The aging of Pastorale helps to develop the flavors while the smoked paprika dusting delivers a striking visual and complimentary flavor."

When asked how he comes up with these concepts, Matucheski explains, "It's a blend of art and science.  We are encouraged to play and experiment – which enables us to come up with some really unique cheese.  For Pastorale Blend, by subtly rubbing the rind of the cheese with paprika, we give it a new flavor element.  It takes a long time to find these perfect elements – in this case, the perfect Spanish paprika that pairs exceptionally with the mixed milk cheese.  I get to be creative and I love that."

Sartori was awarded an additional 4 ribbons at this year's competition including Blue Ribbons for the ultimate Grand Champion Pastorale Blend and Limited Edition Cannella BellaVitano.  Sartori's Mediterranean Fontina and Extra-Aged Fontina also earned ribbons.

Sartori's Limited Edition Pastorale Blend cheese, as well as the entire Sartori Limited Edition line, is available at select fine cheese shops throughout the United States.  Pastorale Blend can also be purchased online at www.sartoricheese.com

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 or call us directly at 800-558-5888.

SOURCE Sartori

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