Sartori Cheesemaker Named Grand Master at Wisconsin Fair

Mike Matucheski, master cheesemaker for Sartori in Plymouth, Wis., 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 successful Wisconsin State Fair competition where Sartori was awarded four additional ribbons.

This is Matucheski’s third Grand Master recognition in the past four 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 cheesemaking 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 Jeff Schwager, Sartori’s president.

Matucheski has been making cheese for the past 18 years. His Pastorale Blend cheese creation is a part of the Sartori Limited Edition line.  

“Pastorale Blend is a very special cheese for us,” said 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 explained, “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 four 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.