Submitted by Harry Wild.
The British Cheese Weekender is set to be the first utterly unique cheese festival, coming to our screens, tablets and newspapers over the early May bank holiday, 8th – 10th May 2020.
Featuring masterclasses, virtual farm tours and tastings from the experts, cheese lovers are coming together to celebrate the best from our British Isles.
Organised by the Specialist Cheesemakers Association (SCA), the Academy of Cheese, the Guild of Fine Food and cheese writer Patrick McGuigan, the British Cheese Weekender will invite cheese lovers to stock up on artisan cheese in the lead-up to the festival, so they can get the full sensory experience. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the crisis that threatens to wipe out the previously thriving speciality cheese industry and help shoppers connect with those selling it, via a brand new directory on the SCA website.
As winners of the UK Supreme Cheese at the Global Cheese Awards, Sharpham Cheese have a renowned selection that are the epitome of excellent British artisan cheese, combining tradition with innovation.
Situated on the banks of the River Dart near Totnes in South Devon, the Sharpham Estate has been producing wines and cheeses for over 35 years to local, national and international acclaim.
Sharpham Cheese is available for national mail-order through www.sharpham.com. National stockists include selected Waitrose stores, The Cheese Shed and The Fine Cheese Company.
For the British Cheese Weekender, join local drinks expert and Devon Life drinks columnist, Rebecca Mitchell DipWSET hosting an interactive cheese pairing with guest speaker Greg Parsons of Sharpham Cheese at 11am on Sunday 10th May via Instagram Live. Just click on the Instagram Live button on @rebeccamwines or @sharphamcheese.
Perfect Cheese and Drinks Pairings
Sharpham Cheese Savour
This unpressed, semi-hard ‘washed curd’ cheese is made from milk from Sharpham’s own Jersey cow’s milk and neighbouring goat’s milk. This is an intensely creamy cheese with a tangy finish from the blend of milk. Expect a just-set texture that pairs beautifully with a malty sourdough and drizzle of honey.
Pairs beautifully with:
Sharpham Wine Pinot Noir (£19 per bottle) – Bursting with wild strawberry, cherry and subtle spice, this refreshing pinot noir will complement, not compete with the lighter flavours of a summer picnic. The full-bodied flavour and slight tannic notes come from the 3-months this wine spends ageing in French oak barrels prior to bottling. Pairs well with ripe, rich cheeses and charcuterie.
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Sharpham Rustic Chive and Garlic
Semi-hard, unpasteurised cheese made with Sharpham’s own Jersey cow’s milk. It has a real savoury depth of flavour coming from fresh pureed garlic, which complements the creamy character of the cheese.
Pairs beautifully with:
Salcombe Brewery Ocean Cider (ABV 4.5%) –New release and the first cider to Salcombe Brewery’s portfolio, this lightly sparkling, medium dry cider is made from West Country apples and has a full-bodied taste.
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Sharpham Washbourne
Won UK Supreme Cheese at The Global Cheese Awards 2019. Washbourne stood out against an impressive 751 cheeses for its smooth, creamy texture and distinctive flavour. This unique ewe’s milk cheese has a silky texture and honeyed taste.
Pairs beautifully with:
Sharpham Barrel Fermented (£18.30 bottle) – Rich, toasty and full bodied. This unique English wine shows baked apple, sour pineapple, vanilla and cream soda on the nose. The palate is slightly spiced with gooseberry flavours and a fresh acidity cutting through richer creamy notes.
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