Sartori Cheesemaker Named Wisconsin's Best at State Fair

PLYMOUTH, Wis., Aug. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sartori artisan cheesemaker Joel Pagel was recognized as "Grand Master Cheesemaker" at the 2013 Wisconsin State Fair Cheese and Butter Contest after being presented with the competition's Grand Champion award for Sartori's Classic Asiago.  This award was the culmination of a very successful Wisconsin State Fair competition where Sartori was awarded five additional ribbons.

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This is Pagel's second Grand Master Recognition and Sartori's 5^th Grand Champion since 2006. "Joel's passion for artisan cheesemaking is apparent in every facet of his work. He brings innovation and inspiration to the Sartori team," said Sartori President, Jeff Schwager. "It's a true honor to have such talented and dedicated Team Members."

Joel has been crafting cheese for the past 25 years in Antigo, Wisconsin.  He has helped with many other Sartori award-winning cheeses including Pastorale Blend^®, Extra-Aged Goat and BellaVitano^®.  "In a way, it's like a fond memory coming back to life.  In 2006, we were awarded Grand Champion for our Classic Asiago.  We knew we had something special with this cheese and it's great to be reminded again this year by earning Grand Champion and Grand Master Cheesemaker.  I'm proud to be part of the Sartori team; working in Antigo, it's like working with family," stated Joel Pagel.

Sartori was awarded 5 ribbons in total at this year's competition including Blue Ribbons for the ultimate Grand Champion Classic Asiago and Espresso BellaVitano.  Sartori's Limited Edition Pastorale Blend, Chai BellaVitano and Balsamic BellaVitano also earned ribbons.

Sartori has been awarded Grand Champion 5 out of the past 7 years.  In 2012 and 2009, Sartori's Limited Edition Pastorale Blend won Grand Champion and Mike Matucheski was recognized as Grand Master Cheesemaker.  In 2010, Sartori's Rosemary and Olive Oil Asiago received top honors and in 2006, Sartori's Classic Asiago was awarded Grand Champion.

Sartori's 20 pound wheel of Classic Asiago led off this year's Cheese and Butter Auction with a winning bid of $4,000 to Elegant Farmer of Mukwonago, WI.  All funds were raised for student scholarships and dairy promotions at the Wisconsin State Fair.  Sartori Classic Asiago, as well as the entire Sartori line, is available at select fine cheese shops throughout the United States and available for purchase at their online cheese shop, 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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